Dragons v Eels: Lawrie returns; Lokeni in line for debut
The season will come to a close for these teams after this game - but the Dragons and Eels have both shown signs of a promising future to come.
The Eels come into this match after posting a big 38-18 upset win over the finals-bound Sharks, showcasing some confidence and flair in their attack.
The Dragons have enjoyed some high moments this year although their wins have been hard to come by.
Last week, they went down 44-10 to a Sea Eagles side who at the time were still clinging to hope of a miracle finals berth, so will want a put on a strong showing in front of their home fans for the last time this year.
Match: Dragons v Eels
Round 27 -
home Team
Dragons
17th Position
away Team
Eels
13th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Team News
Dragons: No late game-day changes. Just the one change to the starting side with Blake Lawrie coming in at prop with Loko Pasifiki Tonga moving to lock and Ryan Couchman to the bench. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update with Kade Reed remaining in the squad as the reserve.
Eels: One change on game day with Sean Russell moving to fullback and Apa Twidle shifting to the bench. In earlier news, Jordan Samrani (adductor) returns in the centres so Sean Russell originally went to the interchange in the only change to Jason Ryles' starting side. Veteran Jack de Belin returns on the bench after three games in NSW Cup while edge forward Tyrese Lokeni is in line for his NRL debut after 35 games in Cup across the past two seasons. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update.
Match: Dragons v Eels
Round 27 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Daniel AtkinsonFullback for Eels is number 19 Sean Russell
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Eels is number 2 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses SuliCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine HolmesCentre for Eels is number 4 Jordan Samrani
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tyrell SloanWinger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Lyhkan King-TogiaFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald Volkman
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Toby CouchmanProp for Eels is number 8 Luca Moretti
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake LawrieProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Jack Williams
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaLock for Eels is number 13 Saxon Pryke
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Connor MuhleisenInterchange for Eels is number 14 Harrison Edwards
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ryan CouchmanInterchange for Eels is number 15 Jack De Belin
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Jacob WebsterInterchange for Eels is number 16 Teancum Brown
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Setu TuInterchange for Eels is number 17 Dylan Walker
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 16 Josh KerrReserve for Eels is number 1 Apa Twidle
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 17 Jacob HalangahuReserve for Eels is number 18 Tyrese Lokeni
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have lost their last five games at WIN Stadium.
- The Eels have won five of their past six games against the Dragons.
- Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored nine tries in his last 10 games.
- The Eels have not won in Wollongong since 2017.
- The Dragons have conceded 88 points in back-to-back losses.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
