After being the competition's surprise package in 2022, the Eels will look to build on the momentum generated from their run to the grand final against one of the NRLW's newcomers in Round 1.
Following a horror start which saw them lose their first four games last season before sneaking into the finals and making an unlikely run to the decider, which they eventually lost to the Knights, Parramatta will hope to make a more positive start to their campaign this time around.
Only four players who took the field for the Eels on grand final day are still in the squad, leaving coach Dean Widders with plenty of work to do if they are to get back to finals footy in the expanded competition.
The Wests Tigers meanwhile make their debut in the top flight after a run of success in the pathways systems and will roll out a number of players in week one who featured in their 2022 Harvey Norman NSW Premiership victory.
While he has a modest selection of players with representative experience, coach Brett Kimmorley has a glut of promising young talent at his disposal for the club's maiden season.
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Team News
Eels: Former NSW halfback Rachael Pearson was named to play but dropped out on Saturday after picking up a calf concern at training, replaced by Jade Fonua. Another big change in the front row with fellow new recruit Elsie Albert (calf) also out, replaced by Madeline Jones. Experienced forward Kennedy Cherrington shifts to lock.
Wests Tigers: There are no late changes. NSW under 19s playmaker Losana Lutu has been named to come off the bench with Pauline Piliae-Rasabale to start in the halves. Star recruits Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki are included in the forward pack with the latter overcoming a minor knee injury in the trial games to play.
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Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have seven former Eels players in their 2023 squad.
- Wests Tigers' entire squad has crossed for a total of 20 tries compared to Parramatta's 10 in the NRLW.
- Eels forward Kennedy Cherrington finished fourth overall in total metres last year with 1,075 metres in seven appearances which included 383 post-contact.
- No player in the Wests Tigers line-up has kicked a goal in the NRLW.