Ashes Third Test, Headingley

Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Edgbaston and drawing at Lord's.

The Aussies will be without former captain and the best batsman in the world after Steve Smith was ruled out with concussion following a Jofra Archer bouncer that struck him on the neck in his first innings at Lord's.

Marnus Labuschagne is expected to fill Smith's spot like he did at Lord's when he entered the fray as Test cricket's first ever concussion substitute where he scored an admirable 59 runs, helping to steer Australia to a draw on the final day.

It's expected that Peter Siddle will drop out of the side to allow for the return of James Pattinson who was rested for the second Test. Mitchell Starc seems destined to remain on drinks duty.

England meanwhile are expected to name an unchanged 11 although they may tinker with the make up of the batting order. Joe Root has struggled at first drop, while Jason Roy has failed to make the switch from opening in the ODI team to becoming a Test opener. Root is expected to move down to four with Joe Denly jumping into the number three position.

Many are talking about the effect of Jofra Archer's entry into Test cricket. Interestingly, his debut performance lands him as just the 312th best bowler on debut with overall figures of 5/91. He need only look across at his opponents in Pat Cummins (7/117) and Josh Hazlewood (7/142) who had better debut figures.

The Headingley pitch is rumoured to be a slow deck that will crumble and break up towards the end of the match. An interesting decision by the ground staff there given Australia's Nathan Lyon has been collecting wickets for fun and spun the English into knots in the first Test.

As always the toss will be important and Tim Paine will be hoping his luck continues. This will likely be a bat first pitch because no one will be looking to bat last on a decaying deck.

Play starts at 8pm AEST tonight so get your picture-in-picture going or set up a second screen to make sure you don't miss the first ball while watching the Eels belt the Dogs.

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TolEllts replied to Mallee57's discussion What another Boring Year for Eels Fans
"100% agree. The FO executives is clearly prioritising and looking at the Balance Sheets results rather than the on field results. As long as the cash is coming in, they will feel that they are doing it right. Sadly, we cannot totally blame them…"
17 minutes ago
JC replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Most of his first grade games came last year when really he shouldn't have been playing first grade yet, well not as much as he did at least.
He is very raw and should have been slowly introduced to first grade over last season and this but the club…"
17 minutes ago
JC replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"He has really bad technique,  he plants his feet early and then leans (sometimes falls) in the direction the ball carrier runs using just his upper body to basically hug the ball carrier. This very poor technique (don't know how he made it past…"
26 minutes ago
macybrown replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Imo Kelma is one of the laziest defenders we've ever had... honestly think he has been lucky with us to have had so many first grade games. Im actually surprised he gonna try his luck elsewhere, unless it's just us encouraging him to do so. Tata!"
1 hour ago
Nitram replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"An opposing club that picks him up thinks our coaching and defensive systems are the issue or otherwise they are passing. Just like how Penrith took blaize Talagi despite him being garbage in defence with us. But as we saw against bulldogs Penrith…"
1 hour ago
Angry Eel replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Where do we need to recruit? List of player and where we have cover and where we dont. Brackets are the cover player
1. Iongi (Twiddle)
2. need to sign (Bailey simmonson)
3 Will Penisini (needs someone putting pressure on him)
4. Samrani (needs…"
1 hour ago
Longfin Eel replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Agreed, Kautonga's still very young and inexperienced. We have seen glimpses of what he is capable of, but clearly needs much more development. Ideally he'd spend some stints in Cup honing certain skills, but we don't have anybody to take his place."
1 hour ago
The Captain replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Cheika would be interesting, he definitely has a presence. Not sure he has the credentials, but it would definitely be worth the exploration.
As for MON, I agree the actual job description he applied for (it was online) and the statement the club…"
1 hour ago
Poppa replied to LB's discussion Experiences meeting Sporting personalities
"I had the same problem, I had to sign all the raffle tickets I sold.....it was hard in those days when it was only pen and ink.
Of course what they didn't know was all those raffle tickets had my name on them !!!!"
1 hour ago
The Captain replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"The job description MON was hired under and the club statement of his appointment contradict your view Michael.
Of course the coach is involved. But the buck stops with the GM of Football as per the clubs statements."
1 hour ago
Poppa replied to LB's discussion Experiences meeting Sporting personalities
"LB, I am very impressed, here you are just turned 19, have your own son and to think 10 years ago you were still collecting autographs.
That means you got your teachers accreditation when you were about 15....smart boy. Can't wait to see you when…"
1 hour ago
Michael W. replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"As far as player retention goes, it's up to the coach who we chase, sign or re-sign, not MON."
1 hour ago
Poppa replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"Cappy to be fair, that is a house keeping statement, with the subheadings across a spectrum of responsibilities.
It also includes the following; "Mark will be working very closely with our Head Coach, Brad Arthur."
Now strictly speaking the…"
2 hours ago
Yehez replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"If we're signing SuA then of course he's going. Even if we're not I think I'd rather throw Latu or play Williams than him. 
He's not bad, Kelma, but he really still has too many brain farts for someone of his experience. "
2 hours ago
Who Cares replied to LB's discussion Experiences meeting Sporting personalities
"Heres a few
Got on the piss one year with Daniel Wagon and Jamie Lyon after a charity event, have met Adrian Morley, 
Keiran Foran and his family came to the resturant i was working at, Brett Stewart is a great guy and Cliff Lyons is as you would…"
2 hours ago
Mr Perpetual Motion replied to Roy tannous's discussion Kelma to explore other options
"He's 23 with 24 First Grade games under his belt. He is also signed through to the end of 2027.
I think he should have until the end of this season to show what he's capable of on a consistent basis. Before his injury last year, he was quite a…"
2 hours ago
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Keaon done deal

As of Thursday, December 11, 2025, South Sydney Rabbitohs forwardKeaon Koloamatangi has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Parramatta Eels, but it is not yet officially announced by the clubs.  Soon to be announced.

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14 Replies · Reply by Poppa Jan 9
Views: 2325

 

Kelma to explore other options

Personally I don't really mind this..his a rocks and diamonds player.Liability in defence and to many errors a game.Just a backup player at best.with sua taking his spot this is what our 27 side will prob look like before future signings and what we…

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33 Replies · Reply by JC 17 minutes ago
Views: 924

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