A win against the Parramatta Eels today will all but assure the Newcastle Knights of a place in the finals next week. Join us for live scores from 3.00pm AEST.
Newcastle showed strong attitude to come from behind to defeat Brisbane last week up at Suncorp Stadium.
Trailing 14 nil in the first half, it appeared that the Knights were destined for defeat, especially after Akuila Uate bombed a try after dropping the ball over the line under no pressure whatsoever.
Despite the several setbacks, Newcastle rallied on the back of a strong performance from Darius Boyd to earn a crucial victory.
Now, the Knights simply must beat 2013 wooden spooners Parramatta to ensure a place in the finals.
With a top eight spot still firmly up for grabs, the Knights can ill-afford any complacency against an Eels team with nothing to lose.
Prediction
Parramatta are coming off a morale boosting victory over the Dragons on Monday night and will be keen to finish the season on a high note by perhaps putting a severe dent in Newcastle’s finals aspirations.
With the Knights expected to win well today, an early try against the run of play may just add that little bit of unnecessary pressure that may put Newcastle off its game.
Newcastle will want to keep an eye on Fui Fui Moi Moi who is coming off a very strong performance against the Dragons.
The former Kiwi international scored two tries against the Dragons on Monday and will be keen to finish the season strongly for Parramatta.
The present form of Jarred Mullen, Joseph Leilua and Darius Boyd however bodes well for a Knights victory.
The preceding players played very strongly against Brisbane and will look to build on their strong efforts on the eve of the finals.
Overall, Parramatta may provide the Knights with a few nervous moments early in the contest but Newcastle should still prove far too strong at home.
Knights by 20
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Johnny: I love your inner beauty, just give it a chance to let it shine ;)
john badseed
Guest
you won't boil my rabbit will you? you couldn't be mor e wr on g
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Nah...the redwood is on your shoulder, its hard to miss. Although my bite is worse than my bark. I'll wait for you to realise I've got you profiled pal. :)
john badseed
Guest
barking up the wrong tree fran
Fran_Gipani
Guest
No shhhhing! Tell me how you're 'sarcastic' and not a twisted sore loser with a redwood tree on your shoulder....seedy johnny. Got your m.o mate.
john badseed
Guest
Shhh, just my attempt at sarcasm Fran. In fact I'm still bitter about '97 hence the 'roids comment. Remember robbieO?
Fran_Gipani
Guest
I haven't used language such as '*anker'. The plot thickens. Either everyones a squealer or SOME mods pick n choose what they wish to publish according to bias. That's normal, everyone is biased toward 'their team' Moderation is GOOD..helps keep trolls away. The policy here is goony goo goo. And 'johnny' your contribution needs to lift its game to be effectively offensive instead of looking like a angry teen spitting vitriol. You're welcome.
Fran_Gipani
Guest
I think ive found the exuberant mummy button rider. Hello 'johnny' :) Your slandering comments towards Manly seems to fly ok with your moderator mate. But oh dear....I agree with a stotmtrooper that the game LOOKED SUS, and MY comment is *gone*. Slander is in aye? Alright I just got the late mail Son.
john badseed
Guest
Newcastle 50/1 for premiers better bet than Manly. Start 'em up Joey, Manly are wankers, Steroids are Champions HaHa.
Pest
Guest
Gets worse for parra , Stickys a raider come friday
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Go on chan 9 lol. Riveting viewing.