Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 9 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs. Parramatta Eels game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday May 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Where: Suncorp Stadium

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Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Odds

Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Preview

The highly anticipated sixth instalment of Magic Round kicks off with a blockbuster Friday night clash between the Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium, setting the stage for a weekend of rugby league action. Parramatta heads into this encounter well-rested following a bye in Round 9, and they’ll be full of confidence after a morale-boosting 38-22 victory over the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday. That win was particularly significant as it marked the long-awaited return of star halfback Mitchell Moses for the 2025 season, whose presence immediately reinvigorated the Eels’ attack and steered them to just their second win of the year.

Cronulla, by contrast, will be looking to put a gut-wrenching defeat behind them after falling 20-18 in golden point extra time to the Tigers last weekend—a loss that exposed some defensive frailties and left them desperate to regain momentum. Adding extra spice to this fixture is the memory of their last meeting with Parramatta, where Moses orchestrated a masterclass to dismantle the Sharks’ defensive line, something Craig Fitzgibbon’s side will be determined to avoid repeating.

Both clubs have a patchy record during Magic Round, adding intrigue to the clash. The Sharks have managed two wins from five appearances, while the Eels have fared even worse, with just a solitary win in their five Magic Round outings—a statistic both teams will be keen to improve. In team news, Cronulla receives a timely boost with the return of dynamic centre KL Iro and hard-hitting forward Braden Hamlin-Uele, both expected to add punch to the side’s attacking and defensive efforts. For the Eels, there’s a single forced change: Charlie Guymer steps in to replace the suspended Kelma Tuilagi, with the rest of the lineup remaining settled as Brad Arthur’s side looks to build on their recent success.

With both teams eyeing crucial premiership points and the added spectacle of Magic Round, fans can expect a fiercely contested and entertaining start to the weekend’s festivities.

Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Tip

Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Teams

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jesse Colquhoun 21. Hohepa Puru

Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Bryce Cartwright 22. Jordan Samrani