Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 11 clash between the Knights and Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Newcastle Knights Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Date: Friday May 16, 6:00pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Paul Bryan
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Matt Doorey 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Toni Mataele 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Ryan Matterson 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Jake Tago 22. Brendan Hands
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Kasey Badger
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
It’s a battle of the cellar dwellers this Friday as the Knights host the Eels: two sides enduring disappointing seasons and desperate to claw their way out of the bottom half.
The Knights will be eager to deliver something for their home fans after last week’s 20-point collapse. A few changes have been made: youngster Fletcher Hunt replaces Greg Marzhew, while Tyson Frizell shifts to the front row to cover for the injured Leo Thompson. Adding extra motivation, this match marks Dane Gagai’s 300th NRL game — a milestone sure to fire up the squad.
The Eels, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise against the Dolphins but once again failed to convert effort into points. Zac Lomax returns and will line up on the wing, marking his first appearance alongside 2024 NSW teammate Mitchell Moses in club colours. Matt Doorey earns a start ahead of Charlie Guymer, and Eels junior Toni Mataele makes his NRL debut from the bench.
For much of the season, Newcastle’s major concern has been their inability to score. That appears to be easing, with 50 points registered across their past two outings. Still, their capitulation against the Titans raised serious questions about composure and game management. The halves pairing continues to misfire: if the Knights are to prevail, Jack Cogger needs to piece together an 80 minute performance in controlling the game.
Parramatta’s problems lie more in polish than effort. Their attacking shape has impressed at times, but costly errors and missed opportunities have haunted them — none more so than Isaiah Iongi’s bombed try early last week. If the Eels can hold the ball and eliminate the ill-discipline that’s plagued them, they’ve proven they can pile on points.
Both teams are at a crossroads. Desperation often breeds drama, and this clash may hinge on who wants it more. Still, the Eels’ edge in the halves — through Moses and Brown — might be the difference against a Knights side still seeking fluency in those positions.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2 points.
Check out our round 11 predictions here.
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