CommBank Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 9 NRL game between Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Parramatta Eels heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Parramatta Eels vs. Newcastle Knights game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday April 28, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Where: CommBank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights Odds
Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights Preview
A vital encounter as the 12th-placed Newcastle Knights head out on the road after two nail-biting losses to take on the 13th-placed Parramatta Eels.
The Knights have covered the start in five straight games but could come to rue a golden point heart-breaker against Penrith (16-15) and a tight away loss to North Queensland (18-16) in the past fortnight.
Kalyn Ponga made a positive return in Townsville, while Tyson Frizell form in recent weeks has been vintage in a team that turns up every week.
The Eels eased some pressure with back-to-back wins over the Tigers and Bulldogs, but they were outclassed by the ladder-leading Broncos in a 26-16 loss in Darwin. A lack of patience and a reluctance to earn the opportunity to chance their arm on attack were hallmarks of a sloppy performance.
Compounding the loss, Reagan Campbell-Gillard is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines and Bailey Simonsson (head knock) is out this week. Consequently, Wiremu Greig starts at prop and Haze Dunster returns on the wing.
Parramatta is on a five-match winning streak against Newcastle, carving out a dominant 39-2 win in the Hunter in Round 7 last year. Plenty’s changed for both clubs since, though, and the Eels appear to be $1.42 favourites on reputation.
The Knights look excellent value for a sixth straight cover on the strength of their recent defensive efforts and are a tempting option for a straight-up win. RCG is a big out for the Eels, while the Knights are unchanged.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Parramatta Eels to win at $1.45 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Maika Sivo at $8.50.
Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights Teams
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Greig 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Brendan Hands 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Jack Murchie 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Daejarn Asi 22. Isaac Lumelume
Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Mathew Croker 17. Jack Hetherington 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Jack Johns 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Adam Clune