Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels
NRL TEAMS - 2025 Round 7 (Easter)
4 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Wests Tigers v Eels preview
Galvin dropped, Moses returns as Tigers meet Eels on Easter Monday
The Easter Weekend will come to a close on Monday afternoon in Parramatta, where the Tigers will ‘host' the Eels despite the location. This is undoubtedly one of the games of the weekend, with Eels playmaker Mitch Moses returning from injury for his first game of the season, and 19 year old Lachlan Galvin nowhere to be seen in the team list for the Tigers. Form should see the Tigers take the two points, but this week's commotion presents a good opportunity for the Eels to steal a rare win and get themselves off the bottom of the table.
Hype has been steadily building in Concord throughout the season so far, with the Tigers' defensive resolve helping them to a 3-3 record and 7th place on the ladder. They nearly shut out Newcastle last weekend, only conceding in the dying minutes of their 20-4 victory. The Monday after their win saw a statement from the club confirming that Lachlan Galvin would be departing the Wests Tigers following the 2026 season and the consequent media frenzy has focussed on how the Tigers should choose to handle the situation.
These questions were answered in part on Tuesday when the release of team lists confirmed Galvin's dropping. It remains to be seen if this is a permanent measure, or if Galvin will be able to get out of the remainder of his deal at Wests. In his 100th NRL appearance, Adam Doueihi is Luai's new halves partner, somewhat surprisingly named in the 7 jersey to Luai's 6. Elsewhere, Brent Naden plugs Doueihi's gap at centre in what will be his first game of the season following a pre-season injury. A recurring hamstring injury for Jeral Skelton means Luke Laulilii has received a call up onto the wing.
With just one win to their name in 2025, Parramatta have really been struggling. After a thrilling victory over the Dragons thanks to a Zac Lomax golden point field goal two weeks ago, there was hope that the Eels would be able to build confidence and momentum going forward. However that doesn't appear to be the case, getting smashed by Canberra 50-12 last week in Darwin and Lomax being ruled out for six weeks. The lack of star playmaker Mitch Moses due to a foot injury has meant their spine has lacked experience and ability.
In a boost for Parramatta, Moses has been named to return two weeks earlier than first expected, lining up alongside Dylan Brown in the halves. There are a number of other big changes to the Eels' 17, with forwards Ryan Matterson, Charlie Guymer, and Joe Ofanhengaue all dropping out of the side, as well as replacement half Dean Hawkins. Jack Williams and Kelma Tuilagi are the new inclusions to the starting 13 whilst Matt Doorey and Luca Moretti join the bench. Joey Lussick's thumb injury means he's still around a month away from returning, but Maltese international Ryley Smith will continue at hooker in his place.
These two sides have already met this year, with the Tigers coming away with a big victory in round two. The Tigers have won the past three games against the Eels at Parramatta.
Last meeting: Round 2, 2025 - Parramatta Eels 6 Wests Tigers 32
Who to watch: Brent Naden was in great form for the Indigenous All Stars earlier this year, and was also off to a brilliant start in the Tigers' preseason game against Parramatta when he unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury. He returned to footy last week in NSW Cup, helping the Magpies record a 40-24 win over the Knights with 199 run metres to his name, 83 of which were post contact. His return to fitness is timed perfectly with the axing of Galvin, allowing Doueihi to slot into the halves. Naden is also a potential option as a half if Fainu remains injured and Galvin remains outside the 17, with Naden having excelled as a five-eighth last season for the Magpies. He will want to have a good game to reinstall some confidence following his time out with injury.
Mitch Moses is the big inclusion for Parramatta. Their key halfback has been sorely missed so far this year, and if the Eels want to fight their way off the bottom of the ladder his return may be the turning point that they need to utilise. The former Tiger will want to have his hand in everything to make a statement upon his return, and if he doesn't get involved, I don't see this game going Parramatta's way. If the 30 year old Lebanon and Australia international can't find form, the Eels season will be over, but if he can instill some life into the team then maybe they can start building some confidence and momentum. How he performs in this game may very well be an indicator for how the Eels go for the rest of the season.
My tip: Despite this game's context being sharply in contrast to that of their round two clash, I think the Tigers without Lachlan Galvin will want to prove they don't need him to dispose of a struggling Eels team. Tigers by 20.
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To'a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape 22. Tristan Hope
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali'i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Brendan Hands 22. Jordan Samrani
Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Adam Gee;