We’re off to Darwin for this one.
The Eels return to the Top End for their annual trip, in a bid to build momentum into a season that got off and running last week in a golden point thriller against the Dragons.
They face a Raiders side who have climbed into the top eight after defeating the Sharks at home last week, and return to Darwin in search of their first win in the Northern Territory.
One man who won’t be taking the trip is Parramatta’s match winner from last week, Zac Lomax.
The Eels golden point hero will miss the next six weeks after picking up a foot injury, which has put the star winger in doubt for this year's State of Origin series.
Things are looking good for the Raiders though on a selection front, with coach Ricky Stuart naming an unchanged lineup.
Can the Eels peel themselves off the bottom of the ladder? Or will the Green Machine keep building momentum as they work into their season?
Let’s find out. Here’s how these two teams will line up this weekend along with some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Eels vs Raiders prediction.
Eels vs Raiders Teams
Parramatta Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Dylan Brown
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. J'maine Hopgood
14. Dylan Walker
15. Luca Moretti
16. Charlie Guymer
17. Sam Tuivaiti
Canberra Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
Eels vs Raiders Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Since 1998, these two sides have met 40 times, with the Raiders holding the edge, claiming victory on 23 occasions.
However, Darwin has not been a happy hunting ground thus far for the Raiders, losing both times they have played up at Marrara. The Eels have played 10 games in the top end and have won six of them, but have lost their past three games up there. Hopefully, their local knowledge and history of games played at the ground could play into their hands as they desperately search for a win.
The Raiders attacking game was on full display last week against the Sharks. The two sides traded tries and headed into the main break deadlocked at 18-all before a late winner from Sebastian Kris.
Scoring early seems like a sound tactic, especially against this Eels team who have struggled to score all season and have conceded an average of 30.4 points per game. Including conceding a half-century against the Storm in Rd 1.
So while the Eels will have some form of a home-field advantage, If the Raiders can adjust to the conditions, they should have more talent and experience to handle and ward off any Eels threat.
Betting tip: Canberra Raiders.
First Try Scorer Prediction
New recruit Josh Addo-Carr has made a great start to life as an Eel. The once dubbed ‘Fastest man on the planet’ is in some rare try scoring form, crossing the line in his past nine matches.
As he’s the only Eels player that looks like scoring consistently at the moment, we’re backing him to cross over first in this one.
Betting tip: Josh Addo-Carr.
Over/Under Prediction
Each of Parramatta's last four matches have gone under the total match points line.
The Eels have only averaged three and half tries per game this season. The Raiders haven't had any trouble scoring this season, but we still think this game will be low scoring, especially considering the slippery and humid conditions expected.
Betting tip: Under total match points.
Eels vs Raiders Match Details
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Kick-off: 7:35pm AEST.
Location: TIO Stadium, Darwin.