Teamsheet R7: Eels vs Cowboys

Official team announcement

Timana Tahu to play 150^th NRL game

Pirtek Parramatta Eels centre Timana Tahu plays his 150^th game this weekend when the Eels travel to Townsville to take on the North Queensland Cowboys this Friday night.

Tahu started his career at the Newcastle Knights and moved to the Parramatta Eels in 2005. After a two-year stint in rugby union, the 29-year-old moved back to the Eels this year and played his 50^th match for the club three weeks ago.

In his best game back for the club since returning to the NRL last week against the Rabbitohs, Tahu scored a try and was punishing in defence, and says he is enjoying his return to the NRL.

“It was great to get a win and I’m really happy to be back at Parramatta,” he said.

“To play 150 NRL games is a big achievement and I probably though I’d never get there but I’d love to celebrate with another win and keep building on our season.”

Fellow centre Joel Reddy rejoins Tahu in the side as he returns from a one-match suspension this week.

Reddy moves back into the centres at the expense of Eric Grothe who joins a five-man bench, while Krisnan Inu will play on the wing.

Pirtek Parramatta Eels v NQ Cowboys, Friday April 23, 3.00pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium

1. Jarryd Hayne

2. Luke Burt

3. Joel Reddy

4. Timana Tahu

5. Krisnan Inu

6. Kris Keating

7. Daniel Mortimer

8. Nathan Cayless (C)

9. Jeff Robson

10. Fuifui Moimoi

11. Nathan Hindmarsh (C)

12. Ben Smith

13. Feleti Mateo

INTERCHANGE

14. Matt Keating

15. Tim Mannah

16. Justin Horo

17. Justin Poore

19. Eric Grothe

Coach: Daniel Anderson

Toyota Cup v NQ Cowboys, Friday April 23, Dairy Farmers Stadium

1. Jaydin Tavita

2. Ken Sio

3. Rory Brien

4. Josh Tuitupou

5. Thomas Vandermade

6. TK Amosa

7. Brett Lahey

8. Shaun Vaotuua

9. Tim Crellin

10. Ava Seumanufagi

11. David Thomas

12. Fred Lang Siu

13. Phil Nati

INTERCHANGE

14. Daniel Galati

15. Royce Hura

16. Jorge Taufua

17. Thomas Young

18. PJ Asiata

Coach: Matt Cameron

Wentworthville Magpies v Windsor Wolves, Ringrose Park, Sunday April 25, 3.00pm

1. Domenic Nasso

2. Etu Uaisele

3. Jonathan Wright

4. Karl Filiga

5. Tim Mortimer

6. Tom Humble

7. Mark O’Grady (C)

8. Blake Blackburn

9. Anthony Mitchell

10. Mitchell Allgood

11. Danny Howard

12. Taniela Lasalo

13. Tim Robinson

INTERCHANGE

14. Trent Rose

15. Lee Te Maari

16. Nathan Armit

17. Brendan Oake

"The eels have always been quite, there's been a response from Moses answering a question and Ryles answering a question there's been no noise from anyone. "

Replies

parraborn! April 20, 2010 at 4:25pm

I dont understand why they say 5 man bench, i mean its just a nicer way of saying, he has been dropped.
ParraMagic April 20, 2010 at 4:25pm

What!!

Inu for Grothe!!

Is he carrying a niggling injury?

Great to see Humble get a crack in the halves and it seems Filiga has finally hit the starting side.
Feel sorry for Oake as hes been replaced by Horo and its true that we have signed Te Maari
- Tom Carey > ParraMagic April 20, 2010 at 4:28pm
  
  no he needs to learn how to defend
Pato April 20, 2010 at 4:29pm

Brendan Oake dropped from 1st Grade to the bench for Wenty
ParraMagic April 20, 2010 at 4:31pm

Dude , i think it was mainly Inu on the weekend.
1Eyed Eel April 20, 2010 at 4:33pm

Oakey hasn't even made run-on side for Wenty!

Big decision to drop Guru for Kris. I think Eric has been consistent throughout the year although he has seemed to be a little down on energy.

I wonder if it signals that Kris is back in the good books.

Finally look to have Wenty team right for me! Would love to get down there this week to see how Humble goes in the halves and Filiga at centre.

Has anyone heard injury report on Pele, he's been out for quite a few weeks now.
- Camo73 > 1Eyed Eel April 20, 2010 at 4:38pm
  
  Grothe must be carrying an injury. He hasn't done anything to warrant being dropped.
  
  Our Wenty team is looking stronger by the week.
  It's interesting to see that Humble is now in the number 6 jumper. I wonder if that is some kind of contingency plan, just in case our latest 6 and 7 don't gel.
JJM April 20, 2010 at 4:33pm

I would say this is Inu's last chance to cement a 1st grade spot with parra in the future.

I think Eric will be leaving at the end of year so DA wants to work out long term player positions. ie. do we offer Inu a contract as a winger!!!
Stu-Eel April 20, 2010 at 4:34pm

I dont mind it - I love Grothe but heard Ando "agree" on the Big Sports breakfast yesterday that the right side defence is terrible and Terry Kennedy commented that it is a corridor for teams to attack that side of Grothe.

This decision keeps everyone on their toes.

I must say though Inu is extremely lucky to get a start after having a shocker and letting in both tries against Souths.
- Joey > Stu-Eel April 20, 2010 at 4:41pm
  
  Tahu is on Burts side..