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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BEM replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Eels ranked 14th most valuable roster in comp.
"The whole club needs a giant broom pushed through it.
From the abysmal front office to the lackluster coaching staff and the bog average roster.
40 years for a rebuild is just pathetic."
3 minutes ago
Darren Munro replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"I can't see this being the side at kickoff.  Watch for changes."
6 minutes ago
Zip zip replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Yeah would have liked to see Jr start at lock seeing as his metre eating days have long past him, use his hit and spin to attract a few defenders, and a little ball playing with the occasional hard straight runs. Also swap Morretti for Teacum in the…"
14 minutes ago
LB replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"I wouldn't say by that much"
15 minutes ago
Alfred replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Tigers 40+ unfortunately "
24 minutes ago
Parra_Greg replied to Roy tannous's discussion Anyone else lose faith
"The stench around our club is 40 years deep.  The top line players cycle between the top 4-6 teams any others are looking for a massive payday and to bludge....we can only pick up a quality elite player if we totally fuck our salary cap position.
we…"
25 minutes ago
Mallee57 replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Rather Walker off the bench"
41 minutes ago
Parra_Greg replied to Yeah Man's discussion RELAX
"No offence mate we all been relaxing for 40 years......but the start has been OK I guess"
42 minutes ago
Billy Bob replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"That is true mate 🤣"
45 minutes ago
TolEllts replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Ryles not bold enough to play Junior at lock as what he had played for Samoa? Walker's effectiveness seems lessen when he starts. Hopefully they play well and beat the Tigers who appears to be getting in good form and confident after beating…"
48 minutes ago
LB replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"As they should be. Honestly I'm not sure why we are favourites. Though this is a trend, Tigers usually start seasons well, then hit around round 9-10 and fall apart, pick up around round 20 then finish rubbish.
If there is one thing about Wests…"
49 minutes ago
LB replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Love that Apa is making his way in slowly. If only his defence was up to scratch."
51 minutes ago
Zip zip replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Tigers will be confident "
54 minutes ago
BEM replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Still starting Walker at lock 🤣🤣
 "
1 hour ago
The Badger replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Well he does play on the edge and in the middle "
1 hour ago
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Round 5 Team List v Wests Tigers
"Ron. Im Happy for Apa Twidle.  Great job his first time named. 
 "
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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RELAX

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15 Replies · Reply by Parra_Greg 42 minutes ago
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Anyone else lose faith

I'm not talking about eels I'm talking about our stupid recruitiment and retention team.Like how can a group be so fcken stupid,surely we can petition to get em out of the club cause they fcken suck.Like you look at all the other clubs signing guns…

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