Thursday night footy kicks off Round 17 with lots of significance for a couple of reasons.

Round 17 this season is the 10th anniversary of the Beanie for Brain Cancer round to raise awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Given the recent confirmations of Jai Arrow’s health, raising awareness for different conditions and diseases is really important.

Mitch Moses returns to the Eels for the first time since his last appearance for the club in round 10 and will play his 250th NRL career game, his 171st for the Eels.

The Eels walk into this match with some weight on their shoulders, hoping to recreate the magic that they found at the end of the 2025 season.

They have not defeated the Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium since 2019, and the Bunnies have dominated this matchup, winning nine of their past 10 meetings.

Can the Eels upset the Bunnies and give their season a bright side? 

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Eels vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

Eels vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Not many changes to the Eels' side, but a significant addition to their side with Mitch Moses slotting in at halfback, shuffling Ronald Volkman to five-eighth.

Joash Papalii will become the 18th man on Thursday night.

Cameron Murray returns to the side after playing in Origin and missing the Bunnies 48-6 win over the Broncos in round 15.

Lachlan Hubner will join the bench alongside Jamie Humphreys and crew.

Latrell Mitchell was expected to return for this match; however, he has injured his calf in training and will spend another four to six weeks on the sidelines.

Both teams hope to use this game to stamp statements as the season grows near its end before finals, and an extra storyline is the Eels' struggle against the Bunnies.

Nine of their last 10 meetings have gone to the Rabbitohs and at CommBank, the Bunnies haven’t lost since 2019.

Given the Eels’ confidence in their last month of games, despite the losses and the Rabbitohs missing Latrell Mitchell while the Eels gain Mitch Moses, it’s hard to go past an upset by the home side. Ironic huh?

Betting tip: Parramatta Eels. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

The Rabbitohs winger historically loves playing the Parramatta Eels, and could open up the scoring.

A Souths winger has scored the first try of the game in three of their last five matches.

The Eels have easily leaked tries to Johnston historically and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the all-time leading try scorer cross first.

Betting tip: Alex Johnston.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Parramatta's last four matches has gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Parramatta have covered this line in four of their last five games.

Betting tip: Eels (+6.5) line. 

Eels vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jordan Samrani

Jordan Samrani has scored three tries across his last five appearances.

Josh Addo-Carr

One more try for Addo-Carr would put him seventh in all-time tries scored. Addo-Carr has scored 14 tries in 12 career matches against the Rabbitohs

Alex Johnston

Alex Johnston has scored 10 tries across his last five matches and 18 tries in 16 games against the Eels.

David Fifita

David Fifita has scored a try in each of his last two matches.

Tallis Duncan

Tallis Duncan scored two tries in his only career match against the Eels in 2025.

Eels vs Rabbitohs Teams 

Parramatta Eels Team List 

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitch Moses

8. Luca Morretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Sam Tuivati

16. Teancum Brown

17. Harrison Edwards

18. Joash Papalii

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Siegwalt

4. Tallis Duncan

5. Edward Kosi

6. Cody Walker

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Euan Aitken

13. Cameron Murray

14. Lachlan Hubner

15. Jamie Humphreys

16. Liam Le Blanc

17. John Radel

18. Jayden Sullivan

Eels vs Rabbitohs Match Details 

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.