It’s a must win clash for the Newcastle Knights.
It’s fair to say the Parramatta Eels will be buzzing coming off a 51-6 thrashing of the Wests Tigers last week.
The red and blue will have to counteract that confidence and take the home ground advantage.
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They’ll also need to rely on some key matchups to drive a much-needed win.
Ponga v Gutherson
The excitement machines in the no. 1 jerseys!
Known for their speed and agility, both are impressing in the stats so far this season.
Clint Gutherson has bragging rights in the try department. He’s got two, Kalyn Ponga one.
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The Eels fullback is killing it in run metres. 1185, the most for Parramatta, over 300 metres more than the Knights no. 1.
Handy! That’s an understatement. Gutherson has had his hand in seven tries and come up with two try saves in just six matches.
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A nuisance for defenders, Ponga can take a bow for his 28 tackle breaks and four-line breaks.
This matchup should be a cracker!
Ramien v Jennings
Veteran meets young gun!
Ball in hand, these two always manage to pull off something inspiring.
31-year-old Michael Jennings is looking the goods on paper. He has Ramien beat for tries scored.
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The Eels back is lethal out wide. He’s played 97 minutes less than Ramien this season but has recorded six tries, five more than his opponent.
Meanwhile the Knights centre has proven difficult to contain. Ramien has an impressive 37 tackle breaks to his name, the most for Newcastle and 20 more than the experienced Jennings.
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Glasby v Moeroa
The no. 13s have locked down some credible stats so far this season.
He’s not known for his try scoring ability, but Tim Glasby has already snagged a four-pointer this season.
The veteran forward has also trumped his younger opponent in the tackle department.
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Glasby 170 at 94 per cent efficiency. Moeroa 133 at 89 per cent.
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31 more minutes on field has helped Glasby to 434 run metres, 41 ahead of Moeroa.
The one clear winner for Moeroa is his skill in evading defenders.
The 23-year-old has notched up seven tackles breaks. Glasby just the one.
