NRL round 5 LIVE updates: Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels at Allianz Stadium

Key posts

Team lists

Who the experts tipped

The Roosters are favourites to win tonight, paying about $1.54 compared to the Eels who are at $2.50.

If you’re looking for a little more insight before you back one or the other, here’s a quick breakdown from NRL reporter Adam Pengilly on which team he thinks will win tonight and why:

For the third week in a row the Eels play a team coming off the bye. The Roosters will start favourites after overpowering arch-rivals South Sydney in round three, but lose Joseph Manu (suspension). Parramatta’s cause hasn’t been helped by co-captain Junior Paulo starting a two-game ban for a high shot late in their stunning golden point win over the Panthers. Corey Allan has been named as a utility on the bench for the Roosters, who have been dealing with the fallout from Joseph Suaalii’s announcement he will defect to rugby union in 2025. Trent Robinson has won six of his past eight meetings against Brad Arthur’s Eels. Roosters by 8.

2023 NRL ladder

The Roosters and the Eels have both had a bit of a lacklustre start to the 2023 season. The Roosters were left stunned after a round one loss to the fresh-face Dolphins, while Parramatta have had a similarly shaky start.

Losing against the Storm, Sharks and the Sea Eagles meant the 2022 grand finalists were struggling for points come round four. But the return of Ryan Matterson, who missed the first three rounds of 2023 due to a crusher tackle on Penrith’s Dylan Edwards in the 2022 decider, proved to be the missing link for the Eels who finally won their first game last week.

Have a look at how both teams, and the rest of the league, have moved about the ladder in the opening rounds:

Good evening

Good evening, and welcome to our Eels v Roosters live blog for round five of the NRL.

My name is Billie Eder, and I will keep you up to date with all the kicks and controversies of tonight’s game.

It’s been an interesting start to the season for both teams. The Eels have only won one of their four games, and the Roosters have only won two (but they picked up a handy two points from their bye last week).

The Eels are coming off a thrilling golden point win against reigning premiers Penrith last week, but the Roosters got to have breather, and will have a lot in the tank.

It’s not been the best draw for Parramatta, who, including this week, will have played their past three rounds against teams coming off a bye, but you can be sure they’ll give everything they can to get another two points on the ladder.

Kick off is at 8pm, so stay tuned for our live updates.