NRL 2026, Newcastle Knights, Parramatta Eels, round 13, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 30 May 2026, 01:35 PM

The Knights and Eels arrive at McDonald Jones Stadium refreshed on the back of a bye and ready to launch into the second half of the season.

With a 7-4 record that includes wins in their past three games, the Knights enter Round 13 in fifth position, while the Eels sit 14th with only four wins to their name.

The Knights have won two of four at home this season and will be keen to put on a show for the faithful in their seven remaining McDonald Jones games - including three in a row after their Round 15 bye.

With Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith finding their feet at their new club and Kalyn Ponga looking primed for a massive back half of the season, the Knights have the weapons in place to return to the finals and bury the demons of 2025.

Jason Ryles' Eels have had to endure a horror run with injury and copped more bad news this week when playmaker Mitch Moses suffered a hamstring injury at Blues training.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Knights

Eels

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Highlights Latest

Team News

Knights: The Knights are 1-19 with no late changes. Coach Justin Holbrook confirmed on Friday that skipper Kalyn Ponga was "feeling good" and would back up from Origin One. Prop Jacob Saifiti wasn't used by the Blues so he is also good to go as Holbrook goes with the same starting side that downed the Titans in Magic Round. Thomas Cant is the new face on the six-man interchange.

Eels: Harrison Edwards starts the game at hooker and Tallyn Da Silva goes to the bench in a game day swap. Sam Tuivaiti was added to the six-man interchange on Friday as he returns from a shoulder injury. Fullback Isaiah Iongi returns from an ankle injury suffered in Round 4 so Joash Papalii moves to five-eighth alongside Ronald Volkman, who takes over from Mitch Moses (hamstring). Skipper Junior Paulo is set to miss eight weeks of footy after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure for his right knee due to chronic injury.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Knights

Eels

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Eels is number 2 Brian Kelly
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Eels is number 3 Jordan Samrani
Centre for Knights is number 4 Fletcher Sharpe

Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew

Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Sandon Smith

Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Joash Papalii
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan Brown

Halfback for Eels is number 7 Ronald Volkman

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Eels is number 8 Luca Moretti
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Eels is number 17 Harrison Edwards
Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey Mooney

Prop for Eels is number 10 Jack Williams
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas

2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen

2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga
Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker

Lock for Eels is number 13 Jack De Belin

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison Graham

Interchange for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson Frizell

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan Walker
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Pasami Saulo

Interchange for Eels is number 16 Toni Mataele
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Fletcher Hunt

Interchange for Eels is number 20 Sam Tuivaiti

Reserves

Reserve for Knights is number 17 Cody Hopwood

Reserve for Eels is number 15 Charlie Guymer
Reserve for Knights is number 18 Thomas Cant

Reserve for Eels is number 18 Apa Twidle