Fresh off a bye, the Parramatta Eels will host the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night. 

The co-tenants have played once already this season, with Penrith claiming a dominant 48-20 victory. 

The Panthers enter this clash off an upset 14-12 loss to the Broncos last Thursday, which cut their lead atop the ladder to just two points. 

Meanwhile, the Eels' most recent outing was a 28-12 defeat to the Roosters in Round 19, leaving them to play spoiler over the final seven rounds with a top-eight spot seemingly out of reach. 

Parramatta will welcome back Mitchell Moses, who squares off against his Origin halves partner Nathan Cleary. 

Luca Moretti has been added to the interchange, while Will Penisini is named in the reserves as he edges closer to a return. 

The Panthers are unchanged, with Ivan Cleary naming the same 19 despite last week's effort.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this edition of the Battle of the West check out our Eels vs Panthers tips and predictions below!

Eels vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 21 opens with the latest instalment of ‘The Battle of the West’ as the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers do battle at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night. 

The Eels will be fully rested and should have their ducks in a row after last week’s bye, but this week off might not be as big of an advantage as it seems.

A quick look at recent stat lines and you’ll find that Penrith has won each of their last six matches when playing with a rest disadvantage. 

They will also be desperate to atone for their shock loss to Brisbane last start, going down by two points on their own patch despite sitting some 13 places above the Broncos at the time.

With the Eels sitting even lower than the Broncos were, we can’t see the table-topping Panthers dropping points against cellar-dwellers in back-to-back matches. 

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Who else but our man Milky? Thomas Jenkins has scored at least one try in each of his four previous appearances against Parramatta and we’re going to continue to back him whenever we can as he aims to score the most tries in a single NRL season. 

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Parramatta's last seven matches have gone UNDER the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (44.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Parramatta has covered the line in each of their last five matches following a loss.

Betting tip: Eels (+14.5) line. 

Eels vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Josh Addo-Carr

In three of Penrith's last four matches, the opposition's starting left wing has scored a try. 

Brian To'o

Brian To'o has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Ronald Volkman

Ronald Volkman has scored at least one try in three of Parramatta's last five matches at CommBank Stadium.

Paul Alamoti

Paul Alamoti has scored a try in each of his three previous appearances against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium.

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored at least one try in each of his last three away appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Eels vs Panthers Teams 

Parramatta Eels Team List 

1. Isaiah Iongi 

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Araz Nanva

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Sam Tuivaiti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams (c)

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Bellin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Luca Moretti

16. Teancum Brown

17. Harrison Edwards

18. Joash Papalii

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Billy Scott

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Liam Henry

17. Billy Phillips

18. Izack Tago

Eels vs Panthers Match Details 

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026. 

Kick-off:  7:50pm AEST.

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.