The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium for their Round 12 clash of the NRL Telstra Premiership on Monday 30 May.
For the Eels, who are coming off a 18-6 loss to the Melbourne Storm in Round 11, Head Coach Brad Arthur has made just one change to his side with centre Vai Toutai replacing Michael Jennings who is unavailable for selection due to NSW Blues Origin I commitments.
For the Knights, who will be looking for their second win of the season, Head Coach Nathan Brown has made to changes to his side that suffered a 20-12 loss to the Wests Tigers last week.
The Knights will miss Dane Gagai to Queensland Origin duties whilst young half Brock Lamb has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Jaelen Feeney returns to the side to partner captain Trent Hodkinson in the halves whilst prop Sam Mataora returns from injury, named in the starting side.
With the Eels keeping their eyes focused on their finals contention, needing to win nearly all their remaining games, the take on a desperate Knights side that has not tasted victory since Round 5.
The history at Hunter Stadium is strong in Newcastle’s favour, claiming 17 wins from 24 encounters there, however the Blue and Gold came away with a 28-22 victory in Round 7, 2015 in the last time these two sides met.
Blue and Gold forward Beau Scott, who was omitted from the NSW Blues side earlier in the week, will face his former side for the first time.
Kick off is at 7pm.
LAST TIME WE MET
Match Details: Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium on Monday 30 May. Kick off at 7pm.
Televised: Fox Sports 1 – Live Coverage from 6:30pm.
The History: Played 47; Knights 26, Eels 20, Drawn 1.
The history at Hunter Stadium is strong in Newcastle’s favour, claiming 17 wins from 24 encounters there, however the Blue and Gold came away with a 28-22 victory in Round 7, 2015 in the last time these two sides met.
Parramatta Eels Squad:
1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Vai Toutai 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clint Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Danny Wicks 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 17. Kenny Edwards
Knights Squad:
1. Jake Mamo 2. Cory Denniss 3. Sione Mata’utai 4. Nathan Ross 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jaelen Feeney 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Danny Levi 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tariq Sims 12. Pauli Pauli 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Korbin Sims 16. Josh King 17. Mickey Paea
Match Officials:
Referee: Henry Perenara. Assistant Referee: Gavin Reynolds. Sideline Officials: Rick MacFarlane and Jon Stone.
