Round 18 of the NRL season sees the Newcastle Knights host the Parramatta Eels. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:55pm (AEST).
These are two sides that have fallen well below their fans’ expectations this year.
The Knights’ recruitment drive was impressive and they started the year well, but a long run of injuries has had a big impact and they are well outside the running for the top eight.
The Eels are currently last on the ladder and, together with the Cowboys, have been the big disappointments of 2018.
With both teams playing for pride only, we can expect an open game with plenty of points scored.
Back from a week off with the bye, Newcastle will still be hurting after a last-start 36-16 home loss to the Bulldogs. They do have a big in though, with Mitchell Pearce making his return from a long-term pec injury, which pushes Jack Cogger out of the 17.
However Kalyn Ponga is out with a hamstring injury, seeing Nick Meaney make his NRL debut at fullback. Danny Levi starts at hooker for Slade Griffin (long-term knee injury), while Daniel Saifiti returns as prop, moving Herman Ese’ese to lock, Aidan Guerra to second row, and Sam Stone out of the 17. Nathan Ross will start from the bench.
After a week off with the bye as well, Parramatta will be keen on playing well for the full 80 minutes after they let the Dragons off the hook in Wollongong a fortnight ago.
Parramatta are pretty much unchanged, with Tepai Moeroa returning from suspension on the bench, as Will Smith drops out of the squad.
Prediction
The Eels have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and should have beaten the Dragons at their last start.
Mitchell Pearce is a big addition to the Knights line up but he may need time to return to his best after a long lay off, while the loss of Ponga is a huge blow.
Eels by 10.
Tom G
Guest
I’ve said since Arthur was appointed parramatta and it’s supporters deserve better. The guy is a myth. This should be a super power in league and yet after several years of his control they are nowhere. This is a club gifted with the best juniors, have piles of cash and have had one good season in heaps to point at. Sure the salary cap thing provided an excuse but apart from one decent season, largely off the back of a freak winger, what have they got to show? Signing Ferguson is yet another bewildering recruitment decision. Their supporters, among the most passionate in the comp, deserve more.
Andrew
Guest
No other team in the NRL would say the eels performance this season is acceptable. Tonight for me was enough. The coach is untouchable, the team play like individuals and play for individual stats. One out crap all second half. Any other team in the NRL would have beaten the knights tonight (no offence Newcastle), that was slop from the eels.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT The Knights have got home tonight against the Eels. Parramatta scored some great tries and Hayne was back to his best tonight with his strongest game since returning to the Eels. However the Eels' error count was too much for them in the end and the Knights capitalised to win. Parramatta had a try turned down at full time but the bunker got it right. It was not a high quality game but the tight finish provided an exciting conclusion. Pearce was strong in his return and the Knights have another win with their first choice no 7. Hope you enjoyed the call, Roarers and enjoy your weekend
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' The Knights taking all the time in the world and they win this one. Its full time and Newcastle have won 18-16. Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' Eels making good yards early. Hayne gets it to 30m. Norman has grubbered through on last and French has claimed a try. On field ruling of no try. This is a really tight one. French's foot is on the line and this is a no try Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Safety first set here from the Knights. Pearce grubbers into touch and Eels will need to go 80m Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Moses gets it to Moeroa. He gets an offload away but there is an error and the Knights have the ball. The Eels will have one more shot Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Can't understand why the Eels aren't getting it to Hayne. Pearce kicks on half way and taken by French Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
74' Gutherson gets it to 30m line. Norman goes left on the last tackle but is taken by Buhrer and we have a changeover. Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
73' Levi with yet anotger good run and followed up by Ross. Ese'ese has looked for an offload and the ball is down, Eels with feed Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
72' All out attack from Parramatta but Norman's pass to Niukore is put down. Let off for Knights Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
71' Looks like he has copped a poke in the eye as well. Nathan Ross is into the game. Pearce's kick hits an Eels, is not played at and Parramatta have the ball Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
71' Mata'utia is down injured. Looking like it may be a HIA. Sione will be off for the remainder of the game. Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
70' Pearce kicking inside 40m and taken by Gutherson. They need to find Hayne here as he looks like he can break the game. Quick play the ball from Gutherson but his pass is intercepted Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
68' Vave inside the Knights half. Another huge run from Hayne. Moses kick is taken by French but the play breaks down and the Knights have the scrum Knights 18 Eels 16
Renegade
Roar Guru
Herman the coach killer.... what was that??
David Holden
Roar Guru
66' Cameron KIng having his knee strapped so we have a short break in play. Big set coming up for both teams and Knights won't be concerned with delay. Knights defence holds. Last tackle kick is taken by Mata'utia who gives it to Watson who runs 50m. Let off for the Eels as Ese'ese penalised for a poor play the ball. Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
65' Eels throw plenty at the Knights and last tackle kick is knocked on by Meaney. Repeat set for Eels Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
63' Norman's kick finds Meaney but Newcastle winning the middle at the moment. Watson makes dart through the middle. Short pass to Ese'ese goes down and Eels have ball Knights 18 Eels 16
David Holden
Roar Guru
63' Mata'utia makes half break. Pearce kick is taken by French Knights 18 Eels 16