NRLW R1: Knights v Eels preview

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Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels Sunday 3:40pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Josh Robertson runs the rule over Sunday's clash between the Newcastle Knights and the Parramatta Eels.

The final game of the round will arguably be the most intriguing as two of the new kids on the block play battle as the Knights host the Eels in what is set to be a big crowd in Newcastle on Sunday.

A side that is filled with predominantly local talent, the Newcastle Knights will be looking to make a big impression for their first match and score a victory. The Knights side like their opponents haven't had a hit out under match conditions, so there will be some questions over the side and the combinations for Round 1. The Knights side which also filled with local talent lead by coach Casey Bromilow, has a strong international representation with eight kiwi internationals adding to the experience that could help Newcastle fight for their maiden NRLW victory.

Another side filled with local talent; the Parramatta Eels also boast low experience at NRLW level but a number of key marquee signings give the Eels a strong base for the opening round. Like the Knights, the Eels haven't had a pre-season trial so there could be some rustiness when it comes to cohesion and combinations during the opening round. The Eels despite a rookie side, have a strong line up on paper with the likes of internationals Maddie Studdon, Tiana Penitani and Bottille Vette-Welsh bringing some strong experience across the park which steadies the Eels right across the park. 

Last meeting: first time opponents

Who to watch: Last season's QLD BHP Premiership player of the year, ROMY TEITZEL moves to the Knights from the Broncos and will become the maiden captain for the Knights. Although Teitzel has only played one game, the 23-year-old has plenty of experience in the QLD women's premiership and her appointment as captain will mean that there is plenty of expectation of Teitzel.

After seasons of expectation but some mediocre performances have left plenty of questions surrounding MADDIE STUDDON who joins her third team in four seasons. Studdon has been a star of the game but with the expectations, Studdon has arguably underperformed in the competition and this season is the perfect opportunity to quiet the critics and lead the Eels to their maiden victory.

The favourite: With more experience, the Parramatta Eels would be considered favourites for the contest.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Eels in the battle of the new teams. The Eels have a strong line-up and experience across key position will help them significantly against a Knights side that is lacking experience. The Knights will be in the contest for a while, but the Eels should be too strong with their experience at the highest level. PARRAMATTA BY 12.

1. Romy Teitzel 2. Katelyn Vaha'akolo 3. Jayme Fressard 4. Bobbi Law 5. Katie Green 6. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly 7. Tahlulah Tillett 8. Caitlan Johnston 9. Krystal Rota 10. Annetta Nuuausala 11. Rangimarie Edwards-Bruce 12. Georgia Page 13. Charntay Poko 14. Emma Manzelmann 15. Charlotte Scanlan 16. Phoebe Desmond 17. Kirra Dibb 18. Maitua Feterika  23. Paige Parker

1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Taina Naividi 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Jocephy Daniels 5. Rikeya Horne 6. Sereana Naitokatoka 7. Maddie Studdon 8. Kennedy Cherrington 9. Nita Maynard 10. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 20. Ellie Johnston 12. Jade Etherden 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Seli Mailangi 15. Filomina Hanisi 16. Therese Aiton 17. Abbi Church 18. Christine Pauli  23. Jamie-Anne Wright 24. Katrina Phippen

Referees: Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Kailey Beattie, Jake Sutherland; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy;