The Eels will be without arguably their two most important players for their clash against the Sea Eagles — but an opportunity has opened up for a young gun to make his NRL debut.
Both Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax were named in Laurie Daley’s NSW side for the Origin series opener on Wednesday.
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Dean Hawkins will replace Moses at halfback, while Sean Russell shifts to the wing to cover Zac Lomax with Jordan Samrani coming into the centres.
But all eyes will be on rising talent Joash Papali’i, who has been named on the bench for his NRL debut. Papali’i can cover fullback or the halves and has been starring in New South Wales Cup.
Meanwhile, for Manly, both Tom and Jake Trbojevic were left out of the Blues squad. Tom will line-up on Friday night in a handy boost for the Sea Eagles, while Jake will miss the clash after suffering a head knock in Round 11.
Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, as expected, was named in the No.7 for Queensland with former Eel Jake Arthur slotting in at halfback against his old club.
Both sides are set to feel the brunt of Origin selections, missing players in key positions.
The Eels are coming off the back of a strong 28-6 win over the Knights in their last outing, while the Sea Eagles also tallied a win over the Cowboys last week.
TEAMS
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 11. Kelma Tuilagi 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Ryan Matterson 18. Joash Papali’i. 18th man: 17. Matt Doorey
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 15. Corey Waddell 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Lachlan Croker 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge 22. Caleb Navale. 18th man: 18. Clayton Faulalo
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