Match Preview: Eels v Knights

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 27 Apr 2023, 03:25 PM

The Eels will aim to extend their run of wins over Newcastle when the two sides meet at CommBank Stadium on Friday.

Parramatta have not lost to the Knights since 2019, and will look to use their Round 9 clash as a springboard to return to the winner's list.

Classic Encounter: Eels v Knights

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Team News

The Eels will have to adjust to life without Reagan Campbell-Gillard after the prop was ruled out for an extended period with a groin injury.

Wiremu Greig replaces him in the starting side, with Makahesi Makatoa returning to the bench.

Bailey Simonsson is also unavailable due to concussion protocols. Sean Russell takes his place in the centres, and Haze Dunster rejoins the side on the wing.

As for Newcastle, Kalyn Ponga has been named to start at five-eighth after playing off the bench in his return from a head injury last week.

The team is otherwise unchanged from their narrow loss to North Queensland.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Friday 28 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lachlan Miller
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell

Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
Winger for Eels is number 5 Haze Dunster

Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kalyn Ponga
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Wiremu Greig

Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh Hodgson

Hooker for Knights is number 13 Kurt Mann
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
2nd Row for Eels is number 14 Bryce Cartwright

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Lock for Knights is number 16 Mat Croker

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 15 Brendan Hands

Interchange for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Tyson Gamble
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob Saifiti
Interchange for Eels is number 20 Ofahiki Ogden

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Jack Hetherington

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake Arthur

Replacement for Knights is number 18 Simi Sasagi

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:51 AM

Recent History

It has been over 12 months since the Eels and Knights last went head to head. Their only encounter of 2022 was a memorable occasion for Parramatta, as they posted a 39-2 win over the Novocastrians.

Match Highlights: Knights v Eels

The Eels have a dominant record over the Knights in recent seasons, winning each of their last five encounters dating back to 2019. This includes Parramatta's victory over Newcastle in the 2021 Finals Series in Rockhampton.

Form Guide

The Eels and Knights had similar starts to 2023, separated by just two points on the premiership table.

Parramatta have won three of their past five matches, but fell to a 26-16 loss to competition leaders Brisbane last week.

Newcastle have lost their last two games against the Cowboys and Panthers.

Key Match-Up

A pair of playmakers are out to steer their team back to winning ways in Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga.

With a dry track expected, the two flamboyant five-eighths will be able to play their natural attacking games.

Key Stat

Friday will mark four years to the day since Newcastle last defeated the Eels. Parramatta will be out to extend their winning streak against the Knights to six matches and beyond four years.