As it happened: Young Sharks fall to Eels in first NRL trial
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Another dose of nostalgia as Henson Park roared to life for the clash between Craig Fitzgibbon's Sharks and Jason Ryles' Eels.
The old home ground of the Newtown Jets still rocks to regular NSW Cup action and the fabled inner-city venue once again posted a crowd of 8972 as the Eels launched their 2026 campaign with a comprehensive win.
Among of host of good performers for the Eels were Apa Twidle, Saxon Pryke and Richard Penisini while Felix Faatili (14 runs for 115 metres) had a real dig for the Sharks.
Follow all the action from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog.
Sharks v Eels at Henson Park
Sharks v Eels – Week 2, 2026
Match: Sharks v Eels
Round 2 -
home Team
Sharks
14th Position
away Team
Eels
2nd Position
Venue: Henson Park, Sydney
Full-time: A big win for the Eels as they unveiled some quality youngsters and gave Jonah Pezet his first run in the blue and gold. The Eels will pick up the full 15 points with the 12 for a win and three bonus points, keeping them in the hunt for the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge title heading into next week's clash with the Roosters in Gosford.
Te Twidle 2nd Try
77 min: A quality four-pointer from the Eels down the left edge as Apa Twidle finishes off a move that featured Araz Nanva and Mohamed Alameddine. The conversion is nailed by Lincoln Fletcher and Parra hits 40. Eels 40-6.
Te Twidle Try
70 min: Will Latu hits the defensive line hard and pops a quality pass over the top for Apa Twidle to cap a fine game with a try. Lincoln Fletcher converts. Eels 34-6.
69 min: Apa Twidle grubbers into the in-goal and Nikora Williams covers up well. Sharks dropout.
68 min: A kick out on the full by Sharks five-eighth Riley Pollard puts his team under pressure.
61 min: The Sharks fail to make it count when Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa comes up with an error.
61 min: A moment of madness from Jordan Samrani who resents a tackle and chases the defender to remonstrate with him. The Eels are penalised and turn over possession.
Jordan Samrani Try
55 min: A show of power from Jordan Samrani to finish off a sweeping Eels raid that featured a quality tip-on from Ronald Volkman and a long ball from Apa Twidle before Samrani came up with a quality finish. Twidle converted from touch. Eels 28-6.
53 min: Another lost opportunity for the Sharks as Michael Gabrael's pass goes behind winger Sam Stonestreet and rolls into touch.
49 min: Some nice hands by the Sharks close to the line but Jaxon Lavender's grubber for the corner is too heavy and rolls into touch.
44 min: The Eels get an early chance but Saxon Pryke puts the ball down in contact and the Sharks hold on.
Half-time: The Eels dominated possession (55%) and completed 23 of 26 sets to set up a handy lead. Experienced centre Sean Russell (six runs for 107 metres and four tackles) was impressive as was Matt Doorey who broke seven tackles and laid on a try with a perfect pass.
Samuel McCulloch Try
40 min: Niwhai Puru goes to the line and delivers a sweet short ball for Sam McCulloch to power over the line and finish the try with a swan dive. Puru adds the extras. Eels 22-6.
34 min: The Eels go on the attack again but Kitione Kautoga loses control of the ball as he looks to get an offload away.
30 min: Riley Pollard breaks the line and gets into the back field for the Sharks but the final pass goes astray. A knock on is called against Felix Faatili, the Sharks lodge a captain's challenge but are unsuccessful.
Teancum Brown Try
27 min: A nice short ball from Matt Doorey puts Teancum Brown into a hole and the young gun powers over for Parra's fourth try. Eels 22-0.
26 min: Ryda Talagi lands heavily on his head and is forced to leave the field for a HIA which he fails.
Sean Russell Try
11 min: Sean Russell takes a pass from Kitione Kautoga 60 metres out and sets sail for the tryline, throwing dummies and evading several defenders on his way to a flashy four-pointer. Jonah Pezet converts from wide out. Eels 16-0.
Ryley Smith Try
9 min: Sean Russell flies high to bring down a Jonah Pezet bomb and then gets an offload away to Ryley Smith while going to the ground. The hooker races away to score under the posts. Russell converts. Eels 10-0.
Bailey Simonsson Try
6 min: The Eels draw first blood when Isaiah Iongi dances around Michael Gabrael and puts a neat grubber in for Bailey Simonsson to score in the corner. Sean Russell pushes the conversion across the face. Eels 4-0.
Late Mail
Sharks: Fullback Liam Ison is a late withdrawal with knee soreness. While not related to his recovery from an ACL injury, Sharks medical staff have taken a cautious approach. Riley Jones will replace Ison at fullback.
Eels: Charlie Guymer will start at prop and Saxon Pryke goes to the bench in a late switch.
