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Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders Saturday 7:35pm at TIO Stadium, Darwin / Larrakia

Last start winners dream of a win in Darwin

Rugby league's annual pilgrimage to Darwin takes place on Saturday evening as the Parramatta Eels take on the Canberra Raiders in a contest between two teams coming off last-gasp victories.

Going beyond 80 minutes last Saturday to claim their first win under rookie coach Jason Ryles, the Parramatta Eels will be hoping to back up their breakthrough performance with a strong showing in the Northern Territory.

Clinching a 23-22 victory over St George Illawarra in golden point via the boot of Zac Lomax, the former Dragons outside back will wear the number five jersey as coach Ryles formalises the backline changes that reaped rewards last week.

The Eels have won six out of ten visits to Darwin since taking home matches north in 2014; the blue and golds have lost their past three matches at TIO Stadium by an average score of 35-12.

Coming off a euphoric performance which saw the side score an exhilarating try to win on the final play of the game, the Canberra Raiders will be hoping to continue a dominant record over their weekend opponents.

Securing a 24-20 win over Cronulla last Thursday at home, coach Ricky Stuart has retained the same squad with Josh Papalii named in jersey eight despite coming off the bench over the past fortnight.

Canberra halfback Jamal Fogarty will make his 100th appearance in first grade on Saturday night; the 31-year-old Queenslander joined the Raiders in 2022 after beginning his career with the Titans.

The Raiders have won ten out of 17 matches against the Eels during Stuart's tenure at the club, including the side's second largest win over the Eels in the NRL era last season.

Parramatta and Canberra have met twice before in Darwin with the Eels winning both previous meetings in 2014 (18-10) and 2019 (22-16).

Last meeting: Round 5 2024 - Raiders 41 Eels 8

Who to watch: Having a hand in the good - and not so good - of last week's breakthrough win in golden point, Isaiah Iongi has offered the Eels with a youthful injection of spark over the opening rounds. Scoring a try, setting up another and running for over 200 metres last week, the 21-year-old's exuberance almost proved costly with some ill-advised attacking options putting his side under pressure at key moments in the contest. Growing in confidence with each performance after only managing a single NRL appearance during his time at Penrith, expect Iongi to feature prominently as the Eels strive to record back-to-back wins. 

Coming off the jubilation of crossing for the match-winning try at home last week, Sebastian Kris will have his sights set on making a similar impact in enemy territory. Beginning the year in fine form with four tries from five appearances - including the opening try of the season - the New Zealand representative has enjoyed great success against the Eels with five tries in six meetings. Set to celebrate his 26th birthday next week, look for Kris to mark the occasion with a gift of two premiership points on Saturday night.

Favourite: The Raiders are expected to register their first win in the other Australian territory.

My tip: If the Raiders can be level or ahead at the change of ends, they should be good enough to record their fourth win of the season. Raiders by 10.

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 20. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Charlie Guymer 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J'maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 22. Ryan Matterson 19. Dan Keir

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney

Referees: Wyatt Raymond; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;