The nib Newcastle Knights are back at McDonald Jones Stadium for a crucial mid-season clash with the Parramatta Eels on Saturday evening.
With both sides fresh off the bye and the Knights coming off narrow losses to the Storm and Panthers, the stage is set for an almighty meeting between the two sides.
Purchase Your Tickets Now
| Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels | |
| Date: | Saturday, June 29 |
| Venue: | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| NRL Kick Off: | 5:30pm |
The match will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
Game Day Information
With NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and NRL games all happening on Saturday afternoon, this week is shaping as a massive one to be at McDonald Jones Stadium.
For everything you need to know about the day, including Fan Zone activities, parking, and transport information, you can find all this and more in our Match Day Itinerary.
Our NRLW side will also be making an appearance as their season draws closer, with the trophy on display in the Fan Zone pre-game.
You can secure entry to all four NRLW home games with an NRLW Membership, with GA prices starting at just $99 for adults.
Head to Head
Since: 1988
Played: 58
Knights: 30
Eels: 27
Draws: 1
Team Lists
Match: Knights v Eels
Round 17 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher SharpeFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Enari TualaWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Eels is number 5 Blaize Talagi
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Will PryceFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
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Prop for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiProp for Eels is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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2nd Row for Knights is number 16 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Eels is number 13 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden BraileyInterchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Eels is number 14 Matthew Arthur
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Interchange for Knights is number 18 Mat CrokerInterchange for Eels is number 16 Matt Doorey
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Interchange for Knights is number 19 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Eels is number 17 Ryan Matterson
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 21 Krystian MapapalangiReplacement for Eels is number 18 Daejarn Asi
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Team News
Adam O'Brien has named Will Pryce to make his NRL debut, with the 21-year-old Englishmen set to become Knight #351.
The rest of the side is a mostly unchanged line up to the one which was narrowly defeated by Penrith nine days ago.
Kai Pearce-Paul returns to the side on the bench after being a late withdrawal last time out.
His return sees Jack Hetherington shuffle back to the extended bench.
Phoenix Crossland will also start in the No.9 jersey, with Jayden Brailey named on the bench.
The Parramatta side will welcome Maika Sivo back on the wing, while Kelma Tuilagi is out suspended.
Mitch Moses has been named to back up from Origin II in the halves.
Form Guide
With both sides coming fresh off a bye last week, you have to go back to Round 15 to find both sides in action.
The Eels suffered a tight 28-18 loss to the Roosters in a see-sawing contest at CommBank Stadium.
The blue-and-gold side were right in the contest, recovering from a 16-0 deficit to lead 18-16 deep into the second half.
The result left Trent Barrett's squad in last position on the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Knights went into the bye off the back of narrow losses to a pair of premiership heavyweights in the Storm and Panthers.
Those defeats have left the side 12th on the ladder, just one win outside the top eight.
Key Match Up
Fletcher Sharpe vs Clint Gutherson
It may be stating the obvious, but the fullbacks on either side will have a huge impact on who walks away with the two points.
On paper, Gutherson's 201 games worth of experience and leadership at the top level will play into the Eels' favour, however there's no denying the raw talent on offer from his opposite number.
Sharpe has enjoyed a blistering start to his NRL career, crossing for two tries and running for an average of 145 metres across his two games thus far.
Stat Attack
- Dylan Lucas has scored three tries in his last two games
- The Eels are yet to win on the road this year
- Dane Gagai has scored six tries in his past six games against the Eels
Watch at Wests
If you can't make it to McDonald Jones Stadium, the best place to watch the game is Wests New Lambton!
You can watch the game live and loud on the big screen, with Full Members enjoying a $5 Happy Hour from 4-6pm.
Not a member? Social membership is free and ensures seamless club entry pre and post-game, and you can sign up online today.
