2021 NRL – Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Sunday 12^th September, 2021 – 07:05 (UK)

Where is Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Browne Park, Rockhampton

Where can I get tickets for Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches

What channel is Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here

Where can I stream Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL

THE TEAM NEWS

PARRAMATTA EELS

Starting 13: Gutherson, Dunster, Penisini, Blake, Ferguson, D. Brown, Moses, Campbell-Gillard, Stone, Paulo, Lane, Niukore, N. Brown – Interchanges: Smith, Cartwright, Papali’i, Makatoa – Reserves: Kaufusi, Opacic

Unavailable: Nathaniel Roache (Injured), Reed Mahoney (Injured), Maika Sivo (Injured), Keegan Hipgrave (Suspended), Joey Lussick (Injured)

• Parramatta Eels’ decision to rest the majority of their key men backfired as they were on the end of a big loss to Penrith Panthers last week but this will be the real test to determine whether Brad Arthur made the correct decision to do so.
• After winning their previous two including a sensational victory over Melbourne Storm, the Eels could not build on the momentum gained in that and will have to overcome Newcastle Knights on the back of shipping 40 points while they are also without a recognised hooker.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Starting 13: Ponga, Tuala, Mann, Best, Hunt, Clifford, Pearce, J. Saifiti, Brailey, D. Saifiti, Frizell, Barnett, Watson – Interchanges: Sue, Klemmer, King, Jones – Reserves: Momoisea, Sasagi

Unavailable: Edrick Lee (Injured), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Injured), Chris Randall (Injured)

• Newcastle Knights were unable to enter the finals on the back of a six-match winning streak as they suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of Brisbane Broncos last week and they have it all to do to avoid going one and out.
• The Knights have frustrated for much of the season and have struggled for consistency, largely because of Mitchell Pearce missing significant time in the halves but his return has changed his side’s fortunes and he will be integral along with Kalyn Ponga.

THE PREDICTION

Both of these teams come into this on the back of a loss in the final round of the regular season but that will count for little as they meet here. Parramatta Eels come up against Newcastle Knights with the former needing to overcome the disappointment of surrendering their top four spot having spent the majority of the year in those positions. The Knights on the other hand needed a late run of wins to seal their spot in the top eight and while they are capable of coming out on top here, the Eels have won the last three games between the two teams and they are fancied to prevail once again.