For the third week in a row the Sydney Roosters take on an NRLW newcomer, but there will be plenty of familiar faces when they battle the Parramatta Eels on Sunday afternoon.
Form Guide: Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
The Tricolours truly came of age last Saturday afternoon when they trounced the Newcastle Knights in a 28-12 win on the hallowed SCG in what was an afternoon of many firsts for the 2021 season.
Despite falling short in their first two matches, the Roosters have continued their rise in the competition and will be looking to put their combinations to the test against an Eels side featuring plenty of strike across the park.
In their inaugural season in the competition, Parramatta have shown solid form throughout; pipping the Newcastle Knights in their opening match, going down to the St George Illawarra Dragons in a narrow contest before returning to their winning ways with a victory over the Gold Coast Titans.
Both sides will be gunning for consecutive victories at the end of the 70 minutes on Sunday afternoon in a match that is imperative to their respective finals aspirations.
NRLW Celebrate at Home
How They Line Up:
Following their historic win last Saturday at the SCG, John Strange has named his 24-player squad with a number of players returning to the side.
Captain Corban Baxter takes her place at fullback once again, joined by Leianne Tufuga, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Taylor-Adeline Mapusua who replaces Brydie Parker in the backline.
Following a strong performance against the Knights, Zahara Temara returns to the starting side alongside Raecene McGregor in the halves, while Sarah Togatuki, Olivia Higgins and Mya Hill-Moana line up in the front row.
Match: Eels v Roosters
Round 4 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Eels is number 1 Botille Vette-WelshFullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
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Winger for Eels is number 2 Taina NaividiWinger for Roosters is number 2 Leianne Tufuga
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Centre for Eels is number 3 Tiana PenitaniCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
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Centre for Eels is number 15 Abbi ChurchCentre for Roosters is number 25 Brydie Parker
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Winger for Eels is number 5 Rikeya HorneWinger for Roosters is number 5 Taylor Mapusua
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Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Emily CurtainFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara Temara
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Halfback for Eels is number 7 Maddie StuddonHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Filomina HanisiProp for Roosters is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Nita MaynardHooker for Roosters is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Eels is number 10 Kennedy CherringtonProp for Roosters is number 10 Mya Hill-Moana
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2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Christian Pio2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Yasmin Clydsdale
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Jamie-Anne Wright2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
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Lock for Eels is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Roosters is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
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Interchange for Eels is number 14 Seli MailangiInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn Kelleher
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Tayla Predebon
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Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ellie JohnstonInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Samantha Economos
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Interchange for Eels is number 19 Christine PauliInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Simone Karpani
Reserves
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Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jocephy DanielsReplacement for Roosters is number 23 Joeli Morris
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Rounding off the starting side is Yasmin Meakes and Olivia Kernick in the back row, while Hannah Southwell locks up the scrum in the no.13.
The interchange bench features Jocelyn Kelleher, Keilee Joseph, Tayla Predebon and the returning Samantha Economos.
Simone Karpani, Shawden Burton, Lauretta Leao-Seve, Otesa Pule, Claire Reed, Joeli Morris and Pani Hopoate round off the 24-player squad on the extended bench.
Meanwhile the Eels welcome back a trio of players in Rikeya Horne, Nita Maynard and Sereana Naitokatoka, and feature a number of former Roosters including Botille Vette-Welsh, Maddie Studdon, Kennedy Cherrington and captain Simaima Taufa.
Key Match Up: Jess Sergis vs Tiana Penitani
Two of the most dangerous centres in the NRLW face off when Jessica Sergis and Tiana Penitani take the field.
Both strong runners of the ball and with the ability to finish, the former NSW Sky Blues teammates will become opponents at midday on Sunday, and will be looking to inspire their sides to victory with trademark performances on the edges.
Kelly: "We Gelled Really Well as a Team"
In her first season in the Red, White and Blue, Jessica Sergis has been a rock on the right side, proving to be a handful for opposition teams with her game-breaking ability in both attack and defence, with her efforts rewarded last week as she dotted down for her first try for the Club.
Her opposite and former Dragons teammate in Penitani has had a strong start to her career in blue and gold, scoring a try in the first round before setting up two in the Eels' convincing 24-14 win over the Gold Coast Titans.
Look for the strike centres to have their say when the opportunity presents itself in this blockbuster of a match up.
Temara: "It's a Challenge We're Ready For"
Your Verdict
It's a must-win game for Easts on Sunday afternoon as they take on a competition heavyweight in the Eels, but following their big win last week, John Strange's side is primed to continue their meteoric rise and stake a claim for a top four spot.
Be sure to cheer on the Red, White and Blue, grab your tickets here and head up the M1 to support the Roosters as the NRLW finals loom ever closer.
