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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macybrown replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Only reason I can possibly see nrl backed storm is possibly due to them having a contract signed in portal before discussions per our agreement with Lomax...again unjustified but to help the guilty and their seemingly pally party out. Coz storm…"
15 minutes ago
Poppa replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"There's blood in the water, the situation is very serious, not just for us (although we are the catalyst) but for everything from TV rights, corporate responsibilities and the running of the game. The financial obligations of the business.
Before we…"
21 minutes ago
macybrown replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Well poppa it's good the truth is out there for all to see regardless. Im sure you are disappointed to see how this has played out to prove the NRL has not stood up for whats completely right and has acted in favour of these disgusting bullies, who…"
32 minutes ago
KENDOZA replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Nrl is corrupt plain and simple. This case will finally confirm what most fans have been thinking."
38 minutes ago
macybrown replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"... And so Analyst here's comes the brakes
Or this article by SEN which apparently seemed to feel Tripp's disgusting words re actions to our Salary Cap was totally unworthy to include
https://apple.news/Akj_SxP6jTOy8UQ0GzDY2Vg"
40 minutes ago
Blue Eel replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"If the NRL are implicated in this with the Storm to deceive us with intent to harm or to suffer a loss that's now bigger then before. Thats not just rules based but criminally based. If this is the case I don't think the hearing in March will go…"
42 minutes ago
Richard Jackson replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Don't you just love it when evidence like this is exposed.                                         Vlandys and Abdo's images have taken a hit here.                                                  Storm have always had special consideration from the…"
46 minutes ago
Poppa replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"I posted a comment on here about me not believing that Vlandys could be so "ham fisted" in his public statement's. I am not sure if he has a PR firm looking after him, but this exercise is going to require a lot of manouvering to get out of? He…"
50 minutes ago
KENDOZA replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"We now know who runs the game. Abdo denying he said anything. Bullshit he's hiding like the coward he is. Nrl didn't expect parra to fight this. Hopfully heads roll. "
51 minutes ago
Randy Handlinger replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Hey Legal Beagles, "It’s also alleged Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski texted Abdo on January 21: “Hi Andrew".....what would be required to obtain Andy's reply. Maybe he was smart enough not to. It wasn't required. It was understood  that Andy would just…"
1 hour ago
Poppa replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Prof. Daz that question needs to be asked as it puts the integrity of the NRL at a much wider risk, this was not versed in away that implies it has not been done before! or even accounts as a "special request"."
1 hour ago
JEELman replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"What would NRL360 make of this I wonder?"
1 hour ago
Poppa replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"Yes Macy, that is a very salient aspect of this discussion.
Haven't read the rest of this thread yet, but that say's so much to an observant eye!"
1 hour ago
LB replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
""Give us Zac"
"Uhhh ok but we want *insert name*"
"No just give him to us, we are not giving you anything"
"Well you do not get Zac"
"How dare you, Peter, Peter help!!!!!"
 
But remember, to some it is a case of "Oh well that is the way it goes" How…"
1 hour ago
Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"On FB, they posted the story but have turned off the comments 🤣🤣🤣"
1 hour ago
Mallee57 replied to SuperEel 22's discussion CONFIRMED: Storm asked NRL to bully Eels into Lomax deal
"So what does exactly mean for the Storm, Lomax and Parra? Surely, these documents will favour Parra? What are the most probable consequences for the Storm and Lomax now"
1 hour ago
More…

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.

Read more…
14 Replies · Reply by Poppa Jan 9
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