Roosters v Eels: Aiken back; Tohi-Hiku, Owen make returns
Round 6 wraps up with the Roosters hosting the Eels at Polytec Stadium.
The Roosters sit second on the ladder after five straight wins, while Parramatta remain in search of a breakthrough result.
Sydney's Round 5 performance against the Dragons was another statement. The Roosters produced a dominant 38-8 win and continued to demonstrate why they are considered Brisbane's biggest challenger.
Parramatta endured another difficult outing, falling 32-12 to the Knights, in Round 5. While the Eels have shown effort and resilience, they have struggled to consistently convert opportunities into points.
The challenge for the Eels will be slowing the Roosters' attacking rhythm. Sydney have repeatedly shown an ability to build pressure through sustained possession before striking through multiple edges.
The Eels will be eager to spoil Sydney's perfect start, while the Roosters know every win is crucial in keeping pace with the ladder-leading Broncos.
Match: Roosters v Eels
Round 6 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Eels
12th Position
Venue: Polytec Stadium, Gosford
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Roosters: Tarryn Aiken returns for the Roosters and slots straight back as halfback, shifting Corban Baxter to fullback. Brydie Parker who filled in the custodian role last week swaps to the wing, with Taina Navidi shifting to the interchange bench. Shawden Burton reverts to 18th player.
Eels: Winger Martha Mataele and halfback Rachael Pearson will miss the game after suffering head knocks last weekend, prompting a backline reshuffle for Parramatta. Rory Owen returns from a concussion in the centres, with Fleur Ginn shifting to the wing. Jayde Herdegen moves from five-eighth to halfback, while Cassey Tohi-Hiku is back from suspension and will wear the No.6 jumper. No other changes for the Eels, however Layne Morgan has been named in the reserves as she looks to return from a facial fracture.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban BaxterFullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie ParkerWinger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay Tui
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme FressardWinger for Eels is number 5 Fleur Ginn
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn KelleherFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn AikenHalfback for Eels is number 7 Jayde Herdegen
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie ElliottProp for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley NizzaHooker for Eels is number 9 Taneka Todhunter
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa PuleProp for Eels is number 10 Ryvrr-Lee Alo
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Sariah Paki2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia KernickLock for Eels is number 13 Keilee Joseph
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Taina NaividiInterchange for Eels is number 14 Rueben Cherrington
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Aliyah NasioInterchange for Eels is number 15 Tess McWilliams
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Rima ButlerInterchange for Eels is number 16 Boss Kapua
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Amber HallInterchange for Eels is number 17 Jasmin Morrissey
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Shawden BurtonReplacement for Eels is number 18 Fontayne Tufuga
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Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Mia WoodReserve for Eels is number 19 Layne Morgan
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Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Nikiah CampbellReserve for Eels is number 20 Khyliah Gray
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Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Talea TongaReserve for Eels is number 21 Rosemarie Beckett
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Reserve for Roosters is number 22 Tatum BirdReserve for Eels is number 22 Kiana Takairangi
Roosters Ins
- Nikiah Campbell
- Talea Tonga
- Tarryn Aiken
- Tatum Bird
Eels Ins
- Cassey Tohi-Hiku
- Khyliah Gray
- Kiana Takairangi
- Layne Morgan
- Rory Owen
- Rosemarie Beckett
Roosters Outs
Eels Ins
- Martha Mataele
- Rachael Pearson
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have scored 134 points in three successive wins over the Eels
- The Eels have averaged only 12 points per game in the opening five rounds this season
- Roosters centre Jess Sergis has scored five tries in her last five games against the Eels
- Eels prop Elsie Albert has scored three tries in her last three games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The Roosters are back on the Central Coast, with kids tickets available from just $5. Click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
