NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels RD17, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel west on Thursday night to take on the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium, with kick-off set for 7:50pm in round 17.
South Sydney head into this clash sitting seventh on the ladder with seven wins and six losses from 13 matches, holding a healthy points differential of plus 86. The Rabbitohs enjoyed a bye in round 16 after producing a commanding 48-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in round 15, and will be looking to carry that momentum into this contest.
The Red and Green will be boosted by the return of captain Cameron Murray from Origin camp, who has been named at lock. Murray's inclusion adds significant experience and leadership to the pack, and his presence will be crucial as South Sydney look to consolidate their position inside the top eight.
The Rabbitohs won their most recent meeting with the Eels, claiming a 20-16 victory in round 24 of 2025 at Allianz Stadium. South Sydney will be hoping for a similar result on Thursday night as they look to keep pressure on the teams above them.
The Eels come into this match in 14th position on the ladder with five wins and nine losses from 14 games. Parramatta have had a difficult season, conceding 433 points, the second-worst defensive record in the competition. However, they did secure a 15-12 win over the Canberra Raiders in round 15, and will take confidence from that result heading into Thursday night.
The Eels will be strengthened by the return of captain and halfback Mitchell Moses, who will steer the side from the number seven jersey. Moses is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the competition and will pose a significant threat to the Rabbitohs defence.
South Sydney's form over the past five matches reads two wins and three losses, with the round 15 demolition of the Broncos the clear highlight. Prior to that, the Rabbitohs went down 14-28 to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in round 14, 18-30 to the North Queensland Cowboys in round 12, and 10-32 to the Dolphins in round 11, before their 36-12 win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 10. A win on Thursday night would see South Sydney strengthen their grip on a top-eight spot as the business end of the season approaches.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named captain Cameron Murray to return to the side at lock, providing a significant boost to the forward pack. Moala Graham-Taufa and Thomas Fletcher have also been added to the extended squad in the reserves. The backline features Jye Gray at fullback, with Alex Johnston and Edward Kosi on the wings, while Latrell Siegwalt and Tallis Duncan form the centre pairing. Cody Walker and Ashton Ward will steer the side in the halves, with Junior Tatola, Brandon Smith and Keaon Koloamatangi anchoring the middle forwards alongside David Fifita and Euan Aitken in the second row.
For the Parramatta Eels, the headline inclusion is captain Mitchell Moses at halfback for his 250th NRL game, who will partner Ronald Volkman in the halves. Isaiah Iongi lines up at fullback, with Brian Kelly and Josh Addo-Carr on the wings. The forward pack is led by Jack De Belin at lock, with Kelma Tuilagi and Kitione Kautoga in the second row. Ryley Smith and Saxon Pryke have also been added to the extended squad.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Date: Thursday 25 June.
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST).
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.
Referee: Gerard Sutton.
