The nib Newcastle Knights will make their first appearance at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday evening against the Parramatta Eels.
Going down 30-6 to the Sea Eagles last week to sit two points outside the top eight in 11th position, coach Nathan Brown needs a reaction out of his squad this week.
Meanwhile, Eels coach Brad Arthur has dropped Greg Leleisiuao and Stefano Utoikamanu from the reserves.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v PARRAMATTA EELS
Date: Saturday, August 10
Kick-off: 5.30pm
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
HEAD-TO-HEAD
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Played: 52
Knights: 30
Eels: 21
Draw: 1
TEAMS
Newcastle
Team list: Travelling to Bankwest
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Kurt Mann, 3. Hymel Hunt, 4. Tautau Moga, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Mason Lino, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Tim Glasby. Interchange: 14. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Sione Mata'utia, 17. Aidan Guerra, 21. Danny Levi, 18. Jamie Buhrer, 19. Beau Fermor
Parramatta
1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Brad Takairangi, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. Kane Evans, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Daniel Alvaro, 16. David Gower, 17. Tepai Moeroa, 19. Peni Terepo, 20. Jaeman Salmon
CAN HISTORY REPEAT?
The last time Newcastle lost five in a row earlier this season, they faced off against Parramatta the following week.
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In desperate need of a change in fortune, the Knights produced an emphatic performance to run out 28-14 victors, paving the way for a run of six straight wins.
Coming up against the Eels under similar circumstances on Saturday night, the Knights will be looking to return to form in order to make a run towards September.
THE BANKWEST JOB
Having managed seven wins and a draw from 21 matches against the Eels at the former Parramatta Stadium, the Knights will be hoping to make a greater impact in their first visit to Bankwest Stadium.
Holding a strong record over the blue and golds this decade - winning 11 of 13 clashes - Newcastle will look to become only the second team to defeat Parramatta on their new home turf this season.
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50 GAME MILESTONES
In an added incentive for the Knights to get the win on Saturday evening, two players will bring up 50 games for the club.
Debuting alongside his brother in the opening round three years ago, Fijian enforcer Jacob Saifiti will belatedly bring up the half century milestone after spending a significant stint on the sidelines over the past year with a fractured shoulder and broken leg.
Providing the Knights with strong service since joining from the Roosters midway through 2017, New Zealand veteran Shaun Kenny-Dowall will play his 50th game in red and blue colours.
KNIGHTS STAT ATTACK
Mitchell Barnett has made the most tackles of any Newcastle player this season (581).
Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Hymel Hunt are the only Newcastle players to feature in every match in 2019.
EELS STAT ATTACK
Maika Sivo leads the NRL with 15 tries from 18 appearances in his rookie season.
Mitchell Moses leads the NRL for try assists (20).
CANTERBURY CUP
Newcastle v Wentworthville at Bankwest Stadium, 3.15pm Saturday.
JERSEY FLEGG
Newcastle v Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium, 1.30pm Saturday.
