Live: Eels star celebrates NRL milestone as Rabbitohs hunt consecutive wins

Parramatta welcomes back Mitchell Moses for the first time in six weeks, as the star halfback celebrates 250 NRL matches.

The Eels host South Sydney, who are chasing consecutive wins for the first time since April.

Meanwhile, former Manly Sea Eagle Josh Schuster has been handed an NRL lifeline by the man who said he played the "best debut" he had seen back in 2020.

Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.

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Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:30pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:30pm

Knights player Kepaoa banned for six weeks for homophobic slur

Newcastle Knights player Asu Kepaoa has been banned for six weeks for using a homophobic slur.

Kepaoa pleaded guilty to using the slur during a NSW Cup match against the Dragons last week.

Kepaoa has issued an apology, and the Knights said they would work to educate the player.

You can read the full story by tapping the link below.

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:20pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:20pm

Reaction to Gagai joining the Broncos

By Michael Doyle

Evening Michael. This should be a very interesting match-up tonight and I'm looking forward to it. Re Gagai and the Knights, you say, quote, ".....but the Knights were not in a position to offer him a new contract for 2027." Is that a diplomatic interpretation or did the Knights just say "No, sorry Dane." ?

- Old timer

G'day Old timer.

I think you can read what you will into the Dane Gagai announcement.

The Knights have some really nice stock in outside backs.

So do the Broncos, but they are young, and the club may feel they could do with some mentorship by a man who has played 23 State of Origins for Queensland.

I think it is a win for both parties.

Brisbane gets a great veteran, and the Knights free up some cap space to continue improving their already promising roster.

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:10pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 7:10pm

Brisbane Broncos warn of scam offering fake mascot auditions

By Michael Doyle

The Brisbane Broncos have cautioned fans about a scam offering mascot audition opportunities for money.

The NRL club has encouraged supporters to avoid interacting with the fake offer.

You can read the full story by tapping the link below.

Key Event

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:58pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:58pm

Wests Tigers sign Josh Schuster to NSW Cup contract

By Michael Doyle

Wests Tigers have signed Josh Schuster to a NSW Cup contract.

Schuster burst onto the scene at Manly where he made his debut in 2020.

He played 50 NRL matches for the Sea Eagles and was handed a contract extension in 2023. He was supposed to be signed with Manly until 2027, but the Sea Eagles parted ways with him midway through 2024.

Schuster linked up with Souths but did not play NRL footy.

Wests coach Benji Marshall knows Schuster. Marshall was playing for Wests against Manly when Schuster made his NRL debut.

Here is what Marshall told Fox League after that match in 2020:

I've got to say — the kid on the other team, it was the best debut I've seen from a young kid in my time, ever.

Absolutely [he's got a big future]. Remember his name because I tell you what, he was commanding the ball in the game, where kids don't usually do that. I was really impressed with him.

Key Event

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:46pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:46pm

TEAM LISTS: Eels vs Rabbitohs

By Michael Doyle

Eels

Parramatta has made two late changes to the order of the side. Sam Tuivaiti (number 15) will start at prop and Luca Moretti (number 8) will come off the bench.

There has also been a swap at starting hooker. Harrison Edwards (number 17) will start and Tallyn Da Silva (number 9) will be on the bench.

Mitchell Mosese returns to the Parramatta Eels side for the first time since round 11. He did play State of Origin for NSW on June 17.

Ronald Volkman will partner Moses in the halves and Joash Papalii reverts to the interchange bench.

Rabbitohs

Souths captain Cameron Murray returns from Origin duty.

Dayne Jennings, who played for the NSW under-19s last week, is on the bench and could make his NRL debut.

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:40pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:40pm

Wayne Bennett rubbishes 'myths' around South Sydney's injuries

By Michael Doyle

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have dealt with large injury tolls in recent seasons, but coach Wayne Bennett says it has nothing to do with their $25 million training centre, built in 2023.

Bennett said the injury tolls were just bad luck, as Latrell Mitchell suffered another calf strain at training on Monday.

You can read the full story by tapping the link below.

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:20pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:20pm

Gagai signs one-year deal with Brisbane

By Michael Doyle

— reporting by AAP

Newcastle veteran Dane Gagai will finish his career where it all started after signing a one-year deal with Brisbane.

The 35-year-old is in top form, but the Knights were not in a position to offer him a new contract for 2027.

Instead, he will return to the Broncos club he last played for in 2012, when he had his contract torn up after a string of disciplinary breaches.

That early glitch in his career turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he joined the Novocastrians under mentor Wayne Bennett and then played under him again at South Sydney before returning to Newcastle.

Gagai, who has played 328 NRL games, became one of Queensland's most reliable finishers in 23 State of Origin games and represented Australia in seven Tests

Gagai will join a Broncos side that have already lost outside back Jesse Arthars to Catalans for next year and that is expected to be without Test centre Gehamat Shibasaki in 2027.

Key Event

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:10pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:10pm

Mitchell Moses celebrates 250 NRL matches

By Michael Doyle

It is a milestone match for one of the finest players over the past decade.

Mitchell Moses plays his 250th NRL match tonight.

Moses started at Wests Tigers, making his debut round 17 of 2014 against Penrith.

He moved to the Eels for the 2017 season and has gone from strength to strength.

Key Event

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:05pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:05pm

What time is kick-off in the NRL tonight?

By Michael Doyle

Here is when kick-off in the clash between the Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs is in your state or territory:

7:50pm AEST: NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, PNG

7:20pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory

5:20pm AWST: Western Australia

9:50pm NZST: New Zealand, Fiji

10:50pm: Tonga, Samoa

Key Event

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:00pm

Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 6:00pm

Welcome to the ABC Sport NRL live blog

By Michael Doyle

Good evening, Australia.

Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 NRL premiership season.

Tonight, round 17 of the premiership begins with just one match:

Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Both teams are coming off a bye in round 16, and wins in round 15.

Be part of the conversation and join the blog throughout the evening by letting us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Let's go.

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