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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Randy Handlinger replied to Hell On Eels's discussion David and Goliath: Lomax and the Shadow Wars
"O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Nice, Hoe (insert loud hsndclap) just really good stuff 
We are in this up to our eyeball and will need some help...Will allies appear? I think so.
A contest over who really sets the rules when agreements become…"
7 minutes ago
Smiffy replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"This will be unpopular, but Matterson could be that forward if he buys into Ryles gameplan and applies himself."
10 minutes ago
Muttman replied to Hell On Eels's discussion David and Goliath: Lomax and the Shadow Wars
"Great blog HOE.However, I understand why the Eels chose to initiate legal action first. Once Lomax formally advised in writing that he did not intend to comply with the terms of his release, the club had little choice but to act. It was far better…"
34 minutes ago
Clintorian replied to Hell On Eels's discussion David and Goliath: Lomax and the Shadow Wars
"Great article HOE, one of your best.
I agree, win or lose this feels like a bigger turning point that the Eels are no longer comfortable being pushovers and a line in the sand hasfinally been drawn. Personally, I'm glad we're going head-to-head with…"
37 minutes ago
Seth hardy replied to Hell On Eels's discussion David and Goliath: Lomax and the Shadow Wars
"A good accurate blog on the situation. Almost a dissertation. Sadly, the corruption that exists in all forms of power today leads me to believe we will still get shafted. It's not about Parra, it's about control."
45 minutes ago
Bourbon Man replied to Hell On Eels's discussion David and Goliath: Lomax and the Shadow Wars
"This is a great read HOE. It certainly has been a bug bear of mine for some time that the Club never stands up to the NRL - the most obvious example being the Israel Folau drama you mentioned.
When Uncle Nick makes a demand, he gets his way - and…"
52 minutes ago
Eelovution replied to EelsAgeMe's discussion The Lomax Case: What Are We Missing?
"In a courtroom, the principle of "Good Faith" is strictly adhered to. Especially when one side is seen to do the right thing. "
1 hour ago
Clintorian replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"I fee like we need one maniac in the pack... it could be Moretti, but we do need someone with some real aggression that can lay a platform for the other athletic forwards."
1 hour ago
Alfred Mateo replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"Can't argue with that. Hopgood might be in the mix for origin selection but no real mongrels/tough hombres in our current pack.
Interesting to see how Newcastle goes this year. On paper, their backline is probably ranked in the top 5 but some doubt…"
1 hour ago
EelsAgeMe replied to EelsAgeMe's discussion The Lomax Case: What Are We Missing?
"Doing things in 'good faith' doesn't stand up in this cut throat business. It's like the good old handshake deal when your word and a handshake meant something. You respected each other.  Unfortunately, respect and honour means shit in the court of…"
1 hour ago
Coryn Hughes replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"There's plenty to like about the eels I think we'll be relying on a system more so than physicality and athleticism.
I see our inexperience in the pack as a strength they play with no fear and sure mistakes come with it.TDS Tuivaiti Kautoga and…"
1 hour ago
Clintorian replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"I think that's a fair rating,.Canberra had the best pack in the game last year and we're only one position behind them which doesn't make much sense 🤔

Roosters always get glazed this time of the year but have lately fallen short. But they do have a…"
2 hours ago
Poupou Escobar replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"Agreed Chiefy. Our depth is our strength, at least in the pack."
2 hours ago
Longfin Eel replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"I don't think Ryles will lose any sleep on this. He knows exactly how we stack up to opposition forward packs. The good thing is that we have a few young forwards who could really take a step up this year, so anything is possible."
2 hours ago
Joel K replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"Pretty fair ranking regarding the Eels, although we have more depth then other clubs which isn't included in the rating
Putting Roosters at first is laughable, Broncos have the best pack in the comp "
3 hours ago
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 replied to Johnny Suede's discussion The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)
"We have more depth than most other clubs. The fact that they didn't even mention Moretti,  Guymer or Doorey shows our advantage "
3 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: 1973

ANY MORE SIGNINGS???

I've been frustrated recently about the work we have been doing in the open market. Jonah's alright for a year and JDB is solid but he's getting old. I feel we need more in the forwards and some a replacement outside back. All I have seen is links…

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