The Pirtek Parramatta Eels are looking to finish the season on a high in this Sunday's clash against the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium.
After a hard-fought 26-22 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons last week, the Eels are looking forward to the opportunity to earn back-to-back victories after what's been a disappointing season.
The Knights will have more pressure to perform, with a victory sealing their spot in the top eight, but a loss could see them bundled out of the upcoming finals series.
Despite finishing the season in 16th position, Eels forward Darcy Lussick says the boys are keen to put in a good performance for their departing players.
"You just enjoy your time with the boys and enjoy your last game with them and hopefully get a win," he said.
"We're playing for a bit of pride, so it'd be nice to win any game."
The Knights will be formidable opponents, celebrating their 'Old Boys' day in front of a rowdy home crowd.
Newcastle prop Willie Mason says the team are working hard to secure a top eight position.
We have a lot to play for this week, it is Old Boys Day, Danny Buderus last home game and we need to win to make the finals, Mason said.
If that is not enough motivation for you, you shouldnt be playing. We have worked too hard since November to not make the finals, the game is right here.
Eels co-captain Jarryd Hayne has not been named in the side after being a late withdrawal from Round 25, still recovering from a knee injury suffered in Round 23 against the Broncos.
Parramatta front-rower Junior Paulo says the side is prepared to play whether Hayne is a late inclusion or remains on the sidelines.
"It would be good to have Jarryd in the squad but the boys have really adjusted to the changes, and having a real go no matter where Ricky puts us is a real positive going into this week," Paulo said.
Click here to buy tickets to Sunday's game and support the Blue and Golds in our last game o the season!
Pirtek Parramatta Eels
1. Ken Sio
2. Vai Toutai
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Ben Roberts
5. Semi Radradra
6. Reni Maitua
7. Luke Kelly
8. Tim Mannah
9. Matt Keating
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Pat O'Hanlon
12. Mitch Allgood
13. Darcy Lussick
Interchange:
14. Joseph Paulo
15. Peni Terepo
16. Daniel Harrison
17. Junior Paulo
Newcastle Knights
1. Darius Boyd
2. James McManus
3. Dane Gagai
4. Joey Leilua
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Zane Tetevano
9. Danny Buderus
10. Willie Mason
11. Robbie Rochow
12. Beau Scott
13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange:
14. Alex McKinnon
15. Chris Houston
16. Neville Costigan
17. David Fa'alogo
After a hard-fought 26-22 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons last week, the Eels are looking forward to the opportunity to earn back-to-back victories after what's been a disappointing season.
The Knights will have more pressure to perform, with a victory sealing their spot in the top eight, but a loss could see them bundled out of the upcoming finals series.
Despite finishing the season in 16th position, Eels forward Darcy Lussick says the boys are keen to put in a good performance for their departing players.
"You just enjoy your time with the boys and enjoy your last game with them and hopefully get a win," he said.
"We're playing for a bit of pride, so it'd be nice to win any game."
The Knights will be formidable opponents, celebrating their 'Old Boys' day in front of a rowdy home crowd.
Newcastle prop Willie Mason says the team are working hard to secure a top eight position.
We have a lot to play for this week, it is Old Boys Day, Danny Buderus last home game and we need to win to make the finals, Mason said.
If that is not enough motivation for you, you shouldnt be playing. We have worked too hard since November to not make the finals, the game is right here.
Eels co-captain Jarryd Hayne has not been named in the side after being a late withdrawal from Round 25, still recovering from a knee injury suffered in Round 23 against the Broncos.
Parramatta front-rower Junior Paulo says the side is prepared to play whether Hayne is a late inclusion or remains on the sidelines.
"It would be good to have Jarryd in the squad but the boys have really adjusted to the changes, and having a real go no matter where Ricky puts us is a real positive going into this week," Paulo said.
Click here to buy tickets to Sunday's game and support the Blue and Golds in our last game o the season!
Pirtek Parramatta Eels
1. Ken Sio
2. Vai Toutai
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Ben Roberts
5. Semi Radradra
6. Reni Maitua
7. Luke Kelly
8. Tim Mannah
9. Matt Keating
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Pat O'Hanlon
12. Mitch Allgood
13. Darcy Lussick
Interchange:
14. Joseph Paulo
15. Peni Terepo
16. Daniel Harrison
17. Junior Paulo
Newcastle Knights
1. Darius Boyd
2. James McManus
3. Dane Gagai
4. Joey Leilua
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Zane Tetevano
9. Danny Buderus
10. Willie Mason
11. Robbie Rochow
12. Beau Scott
13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange:
14. Alex McKinnon
15. Chris Houston
16. Neville Costigan
17. David Fa'alogo
