Jonah Pezet Returns as Eels Face Sea Eagles in Crucial NRL Clash
The 2026 NRL season continues with the Eels facing the Sea Eagles as Jonah Pezet returns to the starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Knights and Dolphins gear up for their own high-stakes showdown, and the NRLW season gets underway with competitive matches across the competition.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- Jonah Pezet makes a return to the Parramatta Eels lineup for the first time since round five.
- The Sea Eagles have made tactical adjustments, bringing in Clayton Faulalo and Corey Waddell to fill key positions.
- The Knights are shuffling their squad for the clash against the Dolphins due to player absences.
- Youngster Sebastian Su'a is poised to make his NRL debut for the Dolphins following a late injury withdrawal.
The latest round of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership brings a highly anticipated clash between the Eels and the Sea Eagles. As the competition heats up heading into the final stages of the season, fans are closely monitoring these crucial matchups that could significantly shift the ladder positions for the teams involved.
Team Changes and Match Dynamics
For the Parramatta Eels, this game marks a significant return as Jonah Pezet makes his first appearance since round five. Having spent time recovering from a hamstring injury and honing his skills in the NSW Cup, Pezet is eager to make an impact while regular halfback Mitchell Moses fulfills his State of Origin duties. The Sea Eagles have also been forced into adjustments, with Clayton Faulalo stepping into the centre position to replace Tolu Koula, and Corey Waddell moving into the back row to fill the spot left by Haumole Olakau'atu.
The intensity of the Eels vs Sea Eagles encounter has been evident early on, with physical plays and concussion protocols coming into focus. The match serves as a vital test for both sides, who are navigating the challenging period surrounding the State of Origin series decider. With players shuffling between club and representative camps, the depth of each squad is being thoroughly tested, offering opportunities for emerging young players to step up and prove their worth at the top level of rugby league.
Ongoing Action in the NRL and NRLW
Beyond this headline clash, the weekend remains packed with high-stakes rugby league action. In another key fixture, the Knights are preparing for a difficult showdown against the Dolphins. The Knights face a familiar reshuffle, with Fletcher Sharpe slotting into the fullback position and Sandon Smith joining the halves. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have experienced some late setbacks, including the withdrawal of Ray Stone, which has opened the door for youngster Sebastian Su'a to make his highly anticipated NRL debut.
The NRLW competition is also providing excitement as the season kicks off. The Tigers have shown dominance in their opening game against the Eels, delivering a commanding performance led by playmaker Raecene McGregor. As the weekend progresses, the Warriors are also hosting the Bulldogs, ensuring fans have a full schedule of professional rugby league to follow as the teams battle for early-season momentum.
