Eels v Dragons preview

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Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons Saturday 3:00pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Two big names take on their old teams for the first time as the Parramatta Eels welcome the Dragons to Parradise. 

There'll be no shortage of narrative when the Parramatta Eels host the St. George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday afternoon. In a juicy subplot, Clint Gutherson and Zac Lomax face their former clubs for the first time since their high-profile off-season switch. Gutherson, now leading the Red V, returns to CommBank Stadium, while Lomax will don the blue and gold after more than 110 games for the Dragons. Both will be out to prove a point in front of what's expected to be a parochial crowd.

The Eels come into Round 5 off the back of a tough 26-12 loss to the Sea Eagles at a packed 4 Pines Park. Parramatta struggled to match Manly's polish, with costly errors—like a comical dropout blunder—proving their own worst enemy. Joe Ofahenguae did celebrate his 200th NRL game with a try, while Shaun Lane added a late consolation, but it was another frustrating afternoon for the side, who is still searching for their first win in 2025.

In preparation for their Round 5 clash, Jason Ryles has named Luca Moretti to return from injury, in a boost for his side. Mid-season pick-up Dylan Walker makes his club debut off the bench in what the rookie coach described as a necessary injection of energy. Joey Lussick drops out of the side and will be replaced at hooker by Ryley Smith. All eyes will be on Lomax as he lines up against the team he left in the off-season and his opposite winger Josh Addo-Carr, who has scored eight tries in six games against the Dragons.

The Dragons, meanwhile, are riding high after a gritty 14-8 win over the Melbourne Storm in Kogarah—a game that may go down as one of their best defensive displays in years. Despite a lopsided penalty count and wet conditions, Shane Flanagan's men showed resilience to shut down one of the NRL's most dangerous outfits. Jacob Liddle came off the bench to score the match-winning try when Damian Cook was taken off for a HIA, while Valentine Holmes got his first four-pointer as a Dragon, combining well with Gutherson, who again proved his value.

Ahead of this weekend, Emre Guler's suspension sees Toby Couchman promoted to start, with veteran David Klemmer making his second appearance for the club. Blake Lawrie joins the bench, while Mat Feagai has been named as the 18th man.

Last meeting: Round 26 2024 - Eels 44 Dragons 40

Who to Watch: Zac Lomax will be the man in focus for the Eels. After his off-season switch, this is more than just another game for the versatile back. Expect him to be fired up and eager to show his former club what they're missing.

Clint Gutherson is already proving to be a masterstroke signing. His leadership and cool head at the back were key to the Dragons' upset win over Melbourne, and he'll be eager to silence the Parramatta faithful in familiar territory.

Favourite: The Dragons are slight favourites heading into the match. However, they must overcome a recent hoodoo at CommBank, having won just once in their past five visits.

Tip: The Eels have conceded a concerning 130 points in just four rounds, while the Dragons—despite one fewer game—have leaked just 60. With Gutherson in form and the Dragons building confidence, they should have enough to tame the Eels in front of their own fans. Dragons by 12.

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Dan Keir 18. Joash Papali'i 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Brendan Hands 22. Ronald Volkman

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;