Eels v Titans preview

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Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 2:00pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Injury hit Eels look to ground Titans

Despite battling a near unprecedented injury crisis in club history, the Parramatta Eels continue to battle hard when they host the Gold Coast Titans in Round 6 of the NRL season.

With a casualty ward fast becoming over-crowded, the Parramatta Eels are being put together by superglue and their expanded NSW Cup squad. Despite that, they are putting in determined efforts on a weekly basis. Last start against the Tigers, they were incredibly tenacious in defeat and they could count themselves as unfortunate in several contentious moments with the officials, but they would rue the slew of elementary errors in the first half that saw a 10-0 lead evaporate quickly.

To beat the Titans, they need to simplify their game plan extensively. With so many changes to their roster due to the aforementioned crisis at the club with their injuries. If they can manage the game well and dominate up front, that should make it easier for the band of rookies that will be called upon. Watch for Jack Williams to feature up front while Kelma Tuilagi will have a battle to reign in Beau Fermor.

For the Gold Coast, they were unfortunate as well in defeat against the Broncos but the loss also highlights their shortcomings so far. At a critical junction of the game, a contentious forward pass call turned the game. Instead of responding to that with vigour and attacking the game, they conceded two tries in quick succession before stabilising and eventually losing by 14 points.

To defeat the Eels, they have to take advantage of the new combinations that will be on show. Arama Hau will be licking his lips on the right edge with Ronald Volkman opposite him, who has shown some defensive deficiencies in the infancy of his open age career. Elsewhere, expect Jayden Campbell to be given a roaming licence to take this game to the Eels.

Let's assess the team carnage. For the Eels, Araz Nanva will make his debut on the wing with Will Penisini making an early return from injury. Ronald Volkman is the new face at 5/8 with Dylan Walker retained at lock. Teancum Brown is the new face on the bench with Apa Twidle (AC joint) coming out this week. Titans are 1-17 and have no changes.

Last meeting: Round 16 2025 - Eels 36 Titans 20

Who to watch: It's a momentous occasion for Ronald Volkman who will make his NRL return in front of many friends and family. Volkman's return from injury comes at a critical time for the Eels who will need his guidance and game management in the absence of Jonah Pezet. He has been strong in the NSW Cup in his return and will look for a strong showing here.

For the Titans, the focus is on Lachlan Ilias. The Greek international has had a mixed start to his time on the Glitter Strip but will be looking for redemption against a depleted Parramatta side. He showed his ball playing on occasion but hasn't put together a complete game yet. He will be looking for that with his combination with AJ Brimson showing potential despite the contentious pass that saw a try assist denied.

Favourite: The Eels are the favourites for this despite the injury run. Gold Coast have never won at CommBank Stadium since it opened in 2019 but have lost to Parramatta by a combined 23 points at the venue in three matches.

MY TIP: If the Eels can come away from CommBank Stadium, it will be one of their greatest victories in club history given their horrendous injury toll. But, I think the Titans just have too much attacking flare and with the new combinations on both edges as well as Brian Kelly's defensive shortcomings, the Titans should get up. Gold Coast by 8.

1. Joash Papali'i 2. Araz Nanva 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Luca Moretti 18. Jack de Belin 22. Lorenzo Talataina

1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 14. Kurtis Morrin 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Jaylan De Groot 20. Zane Harrison 21. Adam Christensen

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Chris Butler;