Warriors half Chanel Harris-Tavita and Eels counterpart Mitch Moses. Photo: Photosport/RNZ
NZ Warriors v Parramatta Eels
Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 29 August
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
History
Parramatta Eels hold a 26-19 head-to-head advantage over their 30-year rivalry, but the Warriors enjoy 12-10 edge in home games and 12-7 at Go Media Stadium.
The Eels' superiority has been even more pronounced in recent times, when they have won five of the last six meetings. The only exception was 2023, when the Warriors prevailed 46-10 at Sydney, with Mitch Barnett, Luke Metcalf and Marcelo Montoya all scoring try doubles, and Shaun Johnson converting 7/8.
The Warriors' biggest win came in 2014, when English fullback Sam Tomkins scored two tries and Johnson converted all eight in a 48-0 romp at Mt Smart.
Parramatta's biggest margin dates back to 2001, when they won 56-12 at Sydney.
Form
After dropping three straight, the Warriors have recorded back-to-back wins to retain their spot in the NRL top four with two rounds remaining in the regular season.
They still have Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks breathing down their necks, and probably need to win both their remaining fixtures to earn a second life and home game in the playoffs.
Their win over Gold Coast Titans broke a three-game losing streak against the competition cellar-dwellers and the Titans subsequently announced coach Des Hasler would not return next season.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has become the Warriors' top tryscorer this season. Photo: www.photosport.nz / Jason O'Brien
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored a double against Gold Coast and has now emerged as the club's leading tryscorer for the season with 12, one clear of second-rower Leka Halasima and centre Adam Pompey, who still hasn't missed a minute of playing time.
Parramatta began the season in nightmare fashion with a four-game losing streak and have never recovered. For a while, they sat bottom of the table, but have gradually worked their way clear of the wooden spoon.
Last week, they produced arguably their best performance of the season, overrunning Sydney Roosters 30-10 and bring that form to Auckland.
Teams
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Demitric Vaimauga, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Tanner Stowers-Ssmith, 17. Leka Halasima
Reserves: 20. Sam Healey, 22. Kalani Going
For the first time in weeks, coach Andrew Webster has been able to name an unchanged line-up. Jackson Ford serves the second week of his three-week suspension and Demitric Vaimauga is again named in the No.10 jersey, although he was replaced in the front row by Tanner Stowers-Smith before kickoff last week.
In his return from a shoulder injury, Rocco Berry stayed down on the last play against Gold Coast, but was reportedly just winded, while Taine Tuaupiki left the field early in reserve grade with a knee knock and will need to pass fitness tests to take the field this week.
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi, 2. Zac Lomax, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Dylan Brown, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Joash Papalii, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. J'maine Hopgood, 9. Ryley Smith, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Dylan Walker
Interchange: 14. Tallyn da Silva, 15. Matt Doorey, 16. Charlie Guymer, 17. Jordan Samrani
Reserves: 1. Sean Russell, 21. Toni Mataele
Parramatta have also named the same line-up that stunned the Roosters last week, including former Warriors utility Dylan Walker, who left Auckland three games into the season to return across the Tasman.
Former Warriors Dylan Walker will return to an old stomping ground to face his old team. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Player to watch
The Eels' fortunes have been closely linked to the fitness of NSW playmaker Mitch Moses this season. They opened the season on a four-game losing streak without him and dropped three straight mid-season in his absence - he's back.
Kiwi to watch
Specialist half Dylan Brown is headed to Newcastle Knights on a 10-year deal, reportedly worth $13 million. He was relegated to the sidelines mid-season, as the Eels began blooding replacements, but has returned in the unaccustomed position of centre in recent weeks.
What will happen
The Warriors won't let their fans down in possibly their last home game of the season - a win by less than 10 points.
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