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Parramatta's credentials as a true premiership contender will be tested in the absence of star half Mitchell Moses, who had started 2020 in sublime touch before injuring his calf against the Raiders.

Moses' halves partner Dylan Brown continues to come of age. He looks more than capable of running the show and he has plenty of experienced hands around him to make the job easier.

The Cowboys have been hot and cold this season but on their day are capable of racking up big scores and running even the best defences ragged.

Paul Green's men will need another five-star showing from their own playmakers Jake Clifford, Scott Drinkwater and Reece Robson if they are to spring an upset 

The Rundown

Team news

Eels: The Eels will start 1-17 after Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings were the last two dropped from the bench. Former Dragon Jai Field replaces Mitch Moses (calf) at halfback with David Gower getting a run on the bench. Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored 15 tries in 16 games at Bankwest Stadium. Stefano Utoikamanu and Will Smith were cut from the extended squad on Thursday night.

Cowboys: Valentine Holmes returns from injury and will start the match in No.19. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow drops out of the squad to make way for the former NFL player. Corey Jensen was the other player left out an hour before kick-off. Jordan McLean (calf) ws ruled out on Thursday with Francis Molo to start at prop and Reuben Cotter joining the bench. Jake Granville was the other player omitted from the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off. Justin O'Neill has been named on the wing with Tom Opacic at centre. Winger Kyle Feldt has scored eight tries from his past five games against the Eels.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
    Fullback for Cowboys is number 19 Valentine Holmes
  • Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
    Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
  • Centre for Eels is number 3 Michael Jennings
    Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Tom Opacic
  • Centre for Eels is number 4 Waqa Blake
    Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Esan Marsters
  • Winger for Eels is number 5 Blake Ferguson
    Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Justin O'Neill
  • Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
    Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Scott Drinkwater
  • Halfback for Eels is number 7 Jai Field
    Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake Clifford

Forwards

  • Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
    Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Josh McGuire
  • Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
  • Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
    Prop for Cowboys is number 17 Francis Molo
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Shane Wright
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Ryan Matterson
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Coen Hess
  • Lock for Eels is number 13 Marata Niukore
    Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

  • Interchange for Eels is number 14 Ray Stone
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Ben Hampton
  • Interchange for Eels is number 15 David Gower
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Gavin Cooper
  • Interchange for Eels is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Peter Hola
  • Interchange for Eels is number 17 Brad Takairangi
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Reuben Cotter

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ben Cummins
  • Touch Judge: Tim Roby
  • Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
  • Senior Review Official: Jared Maxwell

Last updated:

Key match-up

Reed Mahoney v Reece Robson. Eels rake Mahoney is the glue that binds Parramatta, going about his work with class and zero fuss. Robson, who like Mahoney is 22, has made the most of his chance to wear the Cowboys No.9 and possesses a strong running game.

Stat attack

North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt leads the NRL with nine tries. Eels winger Maika Sivo – who scored a league-high 22 tries in 2019 – has four so far this year.

Acknowledgement of Country

North Queensland Cowboys respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.