Wahs hunt top spot as Ford leads Dally M charge heading into Parramatta test

The second-placed Warriors head to CommBank Stadium this Saturday to face a Parramatta Eels side desperate to find their feet.

While the Wahs are flying high after three straight wins, history shows this trip to Sydney is never easy. The Eels have won six of the last seven meetings between the two clubs.

Known as "Mr Reliable," Warriors centre Adam Pompey returns to the starting line-up since round five.

His timing is perfect as young star Ali Leiataua is ruled out under concussion protocols, joining Marata Niukore on the sidelines.

The depth in head coach Andrew Webster’s side continues to be a blessing. The 123-game veteran Pompey will partner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the centres, while the rest of the high-performing spine remains unchanged.

Wahs’ fans can also look forward to frontrower Jackson Ford, who has been in stellar form this season.

Ford currently leads the Dally M leaderboard after eight rounds with 31 points ahead of superstars Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors making contact with Jake Tago during a previous NRL match. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

It’s rare to see a forward leading the Dally M race but coach Webster is “wrapped” with Ford’s work rate, especially his willingness to go the full 80 minute distance, if required.

Ford isn’t letting the hype get to him, though. He told the media his focus is simple: keep working hard and turning up for his teammates every week.

“I'm sort of just going to keep playing my game, not get too far ahead of myself, and just keep giving my best performance for the boys.”

The Warriors have admitted that their first-half performance against the Dolphins last week fell short.

Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Coach Webster has made further tweaks to his bench. Front-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith comes into the 17 for Mitchell Barnett, who is out with a concussion.

The Eels, currently sitting 15th on the table, will lean heavily on the halves combination of Mitchell Moses and former Warrior Ronald Volkman.

They face a massive task in containing the Warriors' duo of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tanah Boyd, who have steered the team to a dominant start to the year.

On the wing, new signing Alofiana Khan-Pereira will look to continue his scoring streak. The speedster has been a revelation since joining the Titans, providing the genuine pace the Warriors' backline needs to adapt to Webster’s expansive system.

Kick off: Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm (NZT)

Teamlists:

Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark, Interchange: Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Luke Metcalf

Eels: Joash Papalii, Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Luca Moretti, Ryley Smith, Junior Paulo, Charlie Guymer, Jack Williams, Jack De Belin, Interchange: Tallyn Da Silva, Saxon Pryke, Toni Mataele, Dylan Walker, Kelma Tuilagi, Lorenzo Talataina

* Teamlists last updated as of 1 May 2026