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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EA replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"I was thinking to use him as a RM player. Only makes the nsw cup bench if injuries happen. "
3 minutes ago
EA replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Hmm maybe give him a game or two at the end of season since I assume we will be out of the finals race. Let's see how nsw cup goes for a few weeks first "
6 minutes ago
Hell On Eels replied to Parra-all-the-way's discussion Ryles pressor
"Assuming to be mind readers, or knowing more about R&R than Gus or Ryles, are different issues to the concerns about our defence or plugging holes in the roster."
8 minutes ago
Hell On Eels replied to Parra-all-the-way's discussion Ryles pressor
"Gus knows more about R&R than any of us, no? 
But imo Ryles made the right call to let Gutho go. For all parties.
You disagree now do you?
 "
11 minutes ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"More so seeing Galvin in a shit situation Mace haha."
27 minutes ago
macybrown replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Ha good you got a win this weekend but loved the score line.. Me, hate dogs most of all so got a win there too :)
Remember Micheal Jennings was $500K in '13 and we paid 800K in '18 so not sure why everyone saying pay 1M to get Farnworth reckon he'd…"
52 minutes ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Wait, you are telling me we cannot get Olakau'atu for NSW Cup bench EA?"
54 minutes ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Do you see Petrus debuting this year EA? If he does it will set him up nicely for 2027."
55 minutes ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Mace, how good was it? I cannot stand Wests. Would rather Manly or Dogs winning a comp over them. That is saying something."
58 minutes ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"It all depends on when Petrus is contract to. If MON is to be believed that most of our juniors are locked up long term, Petrus should be signed til 2028. If that is the case we have him then and PNG might lose its charm after a year. That will be…"
59 minutes ago
The Captain replied to Parra-all-the-way's discussion Ryles pressor
"It's a worrying sign when a solid few of us on here start to all have the same concerns.
Hopefully we're all jumping at shadows. I just see so many comparisons to some of BAs tenure and where he also got hindered and stuck and am worrying that we…"
1 hour ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Great point. I do not see Farnworth as $900k too much of an over pay if he is the best in the comp at his spot, he is. But also, comes with fact that if you overpay for Farnworth, you more likely have to sacrifice getting a quality Winger or…"
1 hour ago
LB replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"I would never think of the day i would agree a Centre is worth $1mil. But i am over not having good players i say why the hell not."
1 hour ago
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin🐐 - Mark O'neill's 🪓 replied to Parra-all-the-way's discussion Ryles pressor
"Gus also said Parramatta were crazy to let Gutherson go.  How did that turn out "
1 hour ago
EA replied to Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst's discussion Eels ask for Sua 2026
"Why do you think I named him 5th. To fill in if needed. But I guess I can ask H Young to come be 5th choice lol"
1 hour ago
Hell On Eels replied to Parra-all-the-way's discussion Ryles pressor
"Gus has been saying for some time recruitment is the most challenging as he’s ever seen. Even over the last week.
What Ryles said, which aligns with that, is just grounded in reality."
1 hour 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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