Bevan French has been ruled out of Parramatta's clash with Newcastle on Friday night in a blow to the Eels who are looking to break into the NRL Telstra Premiership top four. 

The Eels have won six games in a row, but will be without the speedy custodian for the clash with Newcastle due to hamstring tightness, with Will Smith set to take his place. 

The Knights have not made any changes to their starting 17.

Eels: 

19 William Smith
2 Semi Radradra
3 Michael Jennings
4 Bradley Takairangi
5 Kirisome Auva'a
6 Corey Norman
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Siosaia Vave
9 Cameron King
10 Timothy Mannah (C)
11 Manu Ma'u
12 Tepai Moeroa
13 Nathan Brown

Interchange:
14 Daniel Alvaro
15 Kenny Edwards
16 Suaia Matagi
17 Peni Terepo
18 David Gower
20 Frank Pritchard