The Roosters enter Round 19 in third place and with consecutive home games against the Eels and Storm they get a golden opportunity to solidify that position.
With five wins from six games at Allianz Stadium in 2026 the Roosters have every reason to be confident but they will also be wary of a dangerous Eels outfit coming off a superb display against Manly.
The Eels have endured a horror season with injuries but refuse to lie down, climbing from 16th to 14th on the back of wins over the Raiders and Sea Eagles in the past month.
In the only meeting between the two sides in 2025, the Eels powered to a 30-10 triumph on the back of doubles to Josh Addo-Carr and Jordan Samrani, both of whom will look to repeat the dose and inspire and upset this weekend.
Team News
Roosters: Coach Trent Robinson has opted for Cody Ramsey at fullback to replace James Tedesco, who suffered a head knock on the stroke of half-time in Wednesday’s Origin decider. It was the only change made in the 24-hour update tothe 19 named on Tuesday, with Mark Nawaqanitawase a confirmed starter and remaining Origin players Sam Walker and Reece Robson rested. Club legend Daniel Tupou is set to make his 300th NRL appearance in his return from a calf injury. Connor Watson has been named at hooker and Hugo Savala at halfback. With Nat Butcher suspended, Salesi Foketi starts in the back row. Lindsay Collins suffered a concussion in Round 17 and has been replaced at prop by Spencer Leniu. The new faces on the interchange are Benaiah Ioelu, Taylor Losalu and De La Salle Va’a.
Eels: Coach Jason Ryles confirmed on Friday that halfback Mitchell Moses would miss the game due to a corked thigh with Jonah Pezet taking his place alongside Ronald Volkman in the halves. “Mitch will miss out this week but will be good to go after the bye,” Ryles said. Araz Nanva is set to start at centre after Sean Russell was ruled out with a quad injury. There were no further changes to the 19 in the 24-hour update, with Ryley Smith remaining on the reserves and Saxon Pryke omitted.
Stat Attack
The Roosters have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
The Eels have not defeated the Roosters at Moore Park since 2008.
Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored 10 tries in his last seven games at Allianz Stadium.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored nine tries in his last four games against the Roosters.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou will make his 300th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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