Ultimate Guide: NRL Round 17 preview

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Tue 25 Jun 2024, 04:05 PM

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.

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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.

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Head to Head

Since: 1988

Played: 58

Knights: 30

Eels: 27

Draws: 1

Team Lists

Round 17 - Round 17 - Saturday 29 Jun

Full Time

Knights

Eels

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher Sharpe

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
Winger for Knights is number 2 Enari Tuala

Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best

Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew

Winger for Eels is number 5 Blaize Talagi
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Will Pryce

Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings

Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
Prop for Knights is number 15 Daniel Saifiti

Prop for Eels is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell

2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
2nd Row for Knights is number 16 Kai Pearce-Paul

2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott

Lock for Eels is number 13 Joe Ofahengaue

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden Brailey

Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Matthew Arthur
Interchange for Knights is number 18 Mat Croker

Interchange for Eels is number 16 Matt Doorey
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Jack Hetherington

Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ryan Matterson

Reserves

Replacement for Knights is number 21 Krystian Mapapalangi

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Daejarn Asi

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:40 PM

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.