Knights v Eels preview

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Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels Sunday 4:05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Anxious wait for Nathan Brown as Newcastle look to break five-game losing streak against electric Eels

You really have to feel for the Newcastle faithful. Despite three-straight wooden spoons, the passionate fans from the Hunter continued to turn up and support their team.

Last year saw improvement. And a host of off-season purchases, particularly that of David Klemmer, was meant to turn them into top-eight hopefuls.

In fact for most, September footy was a mere pass mark.

Klemmer hasn't disappointed though. He's brought most of what he was expected to - strong carries and leadership through the middle.

The issue, unfortunately for Brown, doesn't seem to be restricted to one individual. Rather, the whole team's attitude in defence has been lacking in recent weeks.

In the first four weeks of the competition, the Knights had only conceded 54 points - an average of under 14 points a game.

In the last two weeks however, they have let in 64.

And 38 of them came against the Titans, who had only the week prior claimed their first win of the year.

It's not panic stations just yet, but another couple of losses will almost certainly rule them out of finals contention.

Unfortunately for Newcastle fans, they don't get it easy this week. A Parramatta side coming off a 51-6 win awaits them.

The Eels were the complete opposite of the Knights heading into 2019. Brad Arthur's men had no expectations after collecting the wooden spoon, with many predicting they would have that same honour again this year.

But Parramatta's self-belief has carried them to fifth spot on the ladder.

The only risk this week is a drop in intensity and energy after last week's game. After all, it was their first match at their brand-new stadium.

It is only to be expected. Yet high on confidence and against a struggling Knights side, there are no excuses if the Eels are true contenders.

Last meeting: Round 18 2018 - Knights 18 Eels 16

Who to watch: The battle of the fullbacks shapes as an intriguing battle.

It is a one-man show for the Knights at the moment. Kalyn Ponga has been scintillating in his return to the number one jersey - his individual brilliance on display in a stunning solo try against the Gold Coast last week. With his teammates low on confidence, all eyes will be on Ponga to see if he can spark Newcastle's spluttering season.

There has been much speculation made about Clinton Gutherson's future at Parramatta and while he suffered an injury-affected 2018, his form so far this season suggests he may be a must-keep. The ‘Guth' ran for 190 metres, set up two tries and just as many line breaks against Wests last week.

The favourite: Parramatta are only slight favourites.

My tip: Newcastle will come good eventually. The Eels may start slow and are certain to experience a comedown after last week's triumphant return to Parramatta but they should still be too strong. Eels by 10.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Danny Levi 16. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tim Glasby 10. James Gavet 15. Herman Ese'ese 17. Josh King 20. Sione Mata'utia

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitchell Moses 14. Peni Terepo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tepai Moeroa 15. Tim Mannah 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Manu Ma'u

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Adam Cassidy, Rickey McFarlane; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Bryan Norrie;