2024 NRL: Round 17 Preview, Knights Vs Eels
Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 17 clash between the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Newcastle Knights Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Date: Saturday 29th June, 5:30pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Knights: 1. Fletcher Sharpe, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Will Pryce, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Adam Elliott, 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Daniel Saifiti, 16. Kai Pearce-Paul, 17. Brodie Jones, 18. Mathew Croker, 19. Jack Hetherington, 20. Jack Cogger, 21. Krystian Mapapalangi, 22. David Armstrong
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Blaize Talagi, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Joe Ofahengaue, 14. Matthew Arthur, 15. Makahesi Makatoa, 16. Matt Doorey, 17. Ryan Matterson, 18. Daejarn Asi, 19. Joey Lussick, 20. Wiremu Greig, 21. Jake Tago, 22. Charlie Guymer
Referee: Peter Gough
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
Two teams needing a win, the Knights and Eels, meet this Saturday at what will unquestionably be a sold-out McDonald’s Jones Stadium. It shapes as a cracking contest between two desperate sides.
The Knights haven’t won since back in Round 11, during Magic Round, where they just pipped the Titans. They’ve had a couple of byes, and a few close calls, since then, however, ultimately wins are the only currency that matters in the NRL. A loss this week puts them further out of touch with the eight as the season’s end begins to enter its final act.
Adam O’Brien has decided to shake up his halves combination by handing English recruit Will Pryce his NRL debut. It is a move that Knights fans have requested for weeks, it promises to add some spark to their attack. Meanwhile, their other English recruit, Kai Pearce-Paul, makes his return from a toe injury and will start off the bench.
Though the Eels have won slightly more recently, back in Round 13 against the Sharks, they have done so far less than their opposition, and for the time being, find themselves sitting at the bottom of the ladder on difference. Their season has been poor to date, with multiple close losses and several blow-outs. This next block, before their final bye of the season, offers an opportunity to return to winning ways and finally find some form.
Mitchell Moses is named to back-up from Origin II, while Maika Sivo’s return sees Sean Russell revert to the centres, and Daejarn Asi out of the side. Matt Doorey will join the bench for the first time this season, while most notably, Matt Arthur is handed his debut and will similarly start from the bench.
There likely won’t be much in this one. Both sides need to win, and both have attacking threats. Pryce could very likely spark the Knights, while the Eels will be hoping they can hang in and finally put one to bed, having been unable to ice multiple games this year. Expect plenty of points from both sides.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Eels by 14.
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