Two clubs that share a great rivalry dating back to the 1997 grand final will meet again in a clash heavily influenced by Origin selections and non-selections.
Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic cemented his NSW Blues spot with a devastating display against Canberra while skipper Daly Cherry-Evans will continue his superb Origin career with the Maroons.
Two names not featuring on the Maroons team sheet were Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, leaving them free to strut their stuff in front of the McDonald Jones Stadium faithful as the Knights chase a fifth win of the season to draw them level with Manly on 13 points.
While the Sea Eagles clicked into gear in an eight-try romp against Canberra, it was a different story for the Knights who could manage just a single try in their loss to the Sharks.
Scoring tries wasn't an issue last time these sides met in Round 5 in Mudgee, a 12-try thriller finishing 34-34 after 80 minutes, and with the scores still locked up after 10 minutes of extra time both teams had to settle for a point.
The showdown between Ponga and Josh Schuster promises to be a beauty as two gifted playmakers look to guide their respective teams to a crucial victory ahead of a Round 14 bye.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Knights v Sea Eagles
Team News
Knights: No late changes on game day, with Kalyn Ponga moving from five-eighth to fullback in place of Lachlan Miller, who drops back to the interchange. Tyson Gamble will partner Jackson Hastings in the halves, having played there while Ponga was injured earlier in the year. Adam Elliott moves into the starting side at lock, while Jack Johns starts in the second row as a replacement for Tyson Frizell, who is on Origin duty.
Sea Eagles: Manly will take the field as named with mid-week signing Jake Arthur set to make his club debut after joining the bench in the 24-hour update and Christian Tuipulotu dropping out. Cooper Johns replaces Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves. Kaeo Weekes starts at fullback in the absence of Tom Trbojevic, while Toafofoa Sipley joins the 17 for Jake Trbojevic (calf) and will start at prop, with Sean Keppie moving to lock.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have come up with 420 tackle breaks this season led by Lachlan Miller (78) and Greg Marzhew (67). The Sea Eagles have just 316 tackle breaks, equal lowest with the Eels.
- Sea Eagles prop Taniela Paseka has made 656 post-contact metres in 11 matches in 2023. Only Payne Haas, Brian To'o, Herbie Farnworth and Pat Carrigan have more post-contact metres.
- The Knights have won three of their past four games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Sea Eagles have scored 102 points in their past three games against the Knights.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored five tries in his past four games at McDonald JonesStadium.
- Sea Eagles second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu has scored a try in his past three games against the Knights.
- Knights prop Daniel Saifiti will make his 150th NRL appearance.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.