📰 NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Eels RD23, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs return to Allianz Stadium on Saturday night to take on the Parramatta Eels in Round 23, with kick-off scheduled for 7:35pm (AEST).
The Rabbitohs enter the clash sitting seventh on the NRL ladder with 10 wins and nine losses from 19 matches, holding 26 competition points and remaining firmly in the hunt for a top eight finish. Parramatta sit 13th with seven wins from 19 games and will be looking to build momentum after breaking through for a narrow 16-13 victory over the Wests Tigers last weekend.
Wayne Bennett's side will be eager to bounce back after a 32-16 defeat to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Round 22. Prior to that result, South Sydney had recorded impressive victories over the Melbourne Storm (28-26) and Newcastle Knights (26-24), while also suffering defeats to the Canberra Raiders (34-24) and Penrith Panthers (36-14).
The Eels have won two of their past five matches, defeating the Wests Tigers (16-13) and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (23-14), with losses coming against the Penrith Panthers (24-18), Sydney Roosters (28-12) and the Rabbitohs (32-12). Parramatta are chasing consecutive victories for the first time since Round 3.
Recent history strongly favours South Sydney. The Rabbitohs have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Eels, including a convincing 32-12 victory at CommBank Stadium earlier this season in Round 17. They also claimed a 20-16 win when the sides met at Allianz Stadium in Round 24 last year.
Captain Cameron Murray returns to the starting side at lock after missing last week's clash, while David Fifita has been named in the second row. Tallis Duncan shifts into the centres and Moala Graham-Taufa joins the extended squad, with Latrell Siegwalt the only omission from last week's team.
Matthew Dufty will once again line up at fullback, with Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham on the wings. Jack Wighton partners Tallis Duncan in the centres, while Cody Walker and Ashton Ward continue their halves combination. Brandon Smith starts at hooker, with Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi leading the front row.
There are several milestones to watch on Saturday night. Jack Wighton is set to make his 50th NRL appearance for South Sydney since joining the Club in 2024, while Matthew Dufty needs three tries to reach 50 career NRL tries and two more try assists to bring up 50 for his career.
Alex Johnston continues to add to one of the greatest records in rugby league history. The prolific winger has now scored 232 career tries and remarkably has crossed for 18 tries in 17 appearances against Parramatta, making the Eels one of his favourite opponents.
With the finals race entering its decisive stages, every competition point is crucial for the Rabbitohs. A victory over Parramatta would strengthen South Sydney's position inside the top eight while continuing their outstanding recent record against the blue and gold.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has welcomed back captain Cameron Murray, who returns at lock after missing Round 22. David Fifita comes into the starting side in the second row, while Tallis Duncan shifts to the centres. Moala Graham-Taufa has been named in the extended squad, with Latrell Siegwalt the only player to drop out.
South Sydney will line up with Matthew Dufty at fullback, Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham on the wings, Tallis Duncan and Jack Wighton in the centres, Cody Walker and Ashton Ward in the halves, Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi in the front row, Brandon Smith at hooker, and Cameron Murray captaining the side from lock. David Fifita and Adam Elliott start in the back row.
Parramatta welcome several changes, with Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Luca Moretti, Ryley Smith, Saxon Pryke and Sean Russell all named. Dylan Walker and Harrison Edwards are unavailable, while Mitchell Moses leads the side from halfback.
Recent Results
Round 17, 2026: South Sydney Rabbitohs 32-12 Parramatta Eels (CommBank Stadium)
Round 24, 2025: South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-16 Parramatta Eels (Allianz Stadium)
Match Details
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels
Date: Saturday 8 August
Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST)
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
