SATURDAY JUNE 29th 2024 MCDONALD JONES STADIUM NEWCASTLE
Knights and Eels Clash in Desperate Bid for Victory
Two teams in need of a win, the Knights and Eels, will meet this Saturday at a surely sold-out McDonald’s Jones Stadium. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two desperate sides.
Both teams come into the game rested and refreshed from the bye, determined to finish the season strongly after mixed results so far in 2024.
Knights’ Recent Form and Line-up Changes
The Knights sit in 12th place after enduring three consecutive losses, although there were many positives in their 26-18 defeat to Penrith in Round 15.
A loss this week would put them further out of touch with the top eight as the season enters its final act.
Adam O’Brien has decided to shake up his halves combination by handing English recruit Will Pryce his NRL debut. Knights fans have been requesting this move for weeks, and 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.
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’ Struggles and Line-up Adjustments
The Eels, meanwhile, are struggling in 16th place, having won just one of their past eight games. They will be desperately hoping Blues No. 7 Mitch Moses can back up after Origin Two to steer them around the park.
With matches against the Storm, Panthers and Roosters still to come in the run home, the Eels simply must get on a roll and gain momentum by winning their matches against sides outside the eight.
Blockbusting winger Maika Sivo is a chance to return from a hamstring injury for the Eels but back-rower J’maine Hopgood (back) looks set to miss out again.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will 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
The Knights are hopeful of having their star fullback Kalyn Ponga back on the field within the next month. However, his absence has provided opportunities for impressive youngsters David Armstrong and Fletcher Sharpe to showcase their talents in the top grade.
Referee, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
Key Match Details and Historical Stats
The Knights have not won at home since Round 9 (14-8 v Warriors).
The Knights have lost their past six games against the Eels.
The Eels have lost all six games away from home in 2024.
Knights centre Dane Gagai has scored six tries in his past six games against the Eels.
Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored six tries in his past six games against the Knights.
Prediction
Both these teams enjoyed the bye last weekend after the Knights lost to the Panthers and the Eels lost to the Roosters the week before. The Eels are currently at the bottom of the ladder after sacking their coach, and they have yet to announce a replacement. The Knights have been on a losing run of their own lately, slipping further from a Top 8 spot. This should be a real line in the sand game, with both teams desperate for a win.
There likely won’t be much in this one. Both teams are desperate for a win and possess potent attacking threats. Pryce could potentially ignite the Knights’ offense, while the Eels will be aiming to hold steady and secure a victory, something they’ve struggled to do in multiple games this year. Expect plenty of points from both sides.
I will go with the Knights in a close contest.
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