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Eels v Wests Tigers: Samrani to debut; Api back from ban
The Eels and Wests Tigers are both coming off first-up losses but the nature of the defeats was poles apart.
The new-look Tigers took Newcastle to the limit on Friday night and they'll be boosted by the return of inspirational skipper Api Koroisau from suspension.
In stark contrast the Eels were blown off the park in Melbourne, trailing 46-6 at half-time before eventually going down 56-18, missing 41 tackles in the process.
With star playmaker Mitch Moses at least another month away, five-eighth Dylan Brown needs to take ownership of the Eels and command the stage in front of the passionate blue and gold army.
With games against the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles to come in the next fortnight it's imperative Jason Ryles' men get back on track against a team they put to the sword 60-26 in the final round of the 2024 season.
Match: Eels v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Eels
17th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
7th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Eels: No changes for Parramatta in the final team update, with Dan Keir remaining in the squad as 18th man. Experienced back-rower Shaun Lane has overcome a knee injury and comes into the side in place of Kelma Tuilagi. Former Bulldog Jordan Samrani makes his NRL debut on the wing, taking over from Jake Tago, while another former Bulldog, Kitione Kautoga, has been added to the bench at the expense of Charlie Guymer. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update with Dan Keir and Joash Papalii remaining in the squad.
Wests Tigers: The Tigers will line up 1-17, with no changes to the squad in Sunday's team update. A huge boost for Benji Marshall's side with skipper Api Koroisau back from suspension and fullback Jahream Bula (shoulder) and centre Star To'a also good to go. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update with Charlie Staines and Latu Fainu retained in the squad.
Match: Eels v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah IongiFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Sean RussellWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Sunia Turuva
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Adam Doueihi
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Starford To'a
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Jordan SamraniWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Jeral Skelton
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Ronald VolkmanHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jarome Luai
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Joe OfahengaueProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell May
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan HandsHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua Pole
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Jack Williams2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Alex Seyfarth
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine HopgoodLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Ryley SmithInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tallyn Da Silva
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Matt DooreyInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Royce Hunt
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Kitione KautogaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Jack Bird
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Sam TuivaitiInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Sione Fainu
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 18 Dan KeirReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Charlie Staines
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won 10 of their past 12 games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has scored four tries in his last two games against the Eels.
- Eels centre Zac Lomax has scored seven tries in his past seven games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have won their last two games at CommBank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
