NRLW 2026, Eels v Cowboys, Round 11, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Eels v Cowboys: Crichton Ropati to debut; Peters returns to backline

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 9 Sep 2026, 06:01 AM

Parramatta return home buoyed by one of their most resilient wins of the season.

The Eels dug deep to edge Canberra 17-16, defending repeat sets before Rachael Pearson's clutch field goal secured the win. It was a performance built on determination and defensive grit.

North Queensland, by contrast, will be looking to quickly move on from a difficult outing against the Roosters. The Cowboys struggled to contain the unbeaten competition leaders, going down 56-6.

Parramatta's willingness to scramble defensively was a standout feature against Canberra, while the Cowboys will be seeking a return to the direct, physical style that has brought them success throughout the season.

With neither team able to reach the finals, pride and momentum will be the driving forces in what is expected to be a great game of footy.

Round 11 - Round 11 - Saturday 12 Sep

2:00 am

Eels

Cowboys

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

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Team News

Eels: Winger Martha Mataele is out after she suffered a head knock late in Sunday night's win over the Raiders. Freedom Crichton Ropati comes in to the side in her place for her debut. Other changes see Taneka Todhunter come on to the bench, shifting Rueben Cherrington to the reserves.

Cowboys: Jasmine Peters returns to the centres after sitting out last week's loss to the Roosters to follow concussion protocols. Her return sees Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell move back into the second row, with Kayla Henderson reverting to the reserves. Tayla Curtis also moves to the reserves with the return via the bench of Tafao Asaua who missed last week with suspension.

Round 11 - Round 11 - Saturday 12 Sep

2:00 am

Eels

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca Goldthorp
Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Charlize Lloyd-Phillips
Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Abigail Roache
Centre for Eels is number 4 Jasmin Morrissey

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
Winger for Eels is number 5 Freedom Crichton Ropati

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Margot Vella
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Lydia Turua-Quedley
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie Kelly

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Essay Banu
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Layne Morgan

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Alisha Foord
Prop for Eels is number 10 Boss Kapua

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Ashley Marsters
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Bree Chester
Lock for Eels is number 13 Keilee Joseph

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Makenzie Weale

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka Todhunter

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Nadia Windleborn
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Ryvrr-Lee Alo

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Dick
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Fontayne Tufuga

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Kennedy Cherrington

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Tafao Asaua

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Rueben Cherrington

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Tallara Bamblett
Reserve for Eels is number 19 Khyliah Gray

Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Emily Veivers
Reserve for Eels is number 20 Tess McWilliams

Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 Lyrech Mara
Reserve for Eels is number 21 Fleur Ginn

Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Kayla Jackson
Reserve for Eels is number 22 Kate Fallon

Reserve for Cowboys is number 22 Jennifer Kimber