Live: Lowly Eels threatening to spoil Knights’ bid to enter NRL top four

G’day KB.

For those who may have missed the early blog post, the reason Ponga can play today is that the punishment for foul play in representative games is a fine.

This has been the case since 2022, because NRL clubs did not like that they were being punished for indiscretions committed in matches outside of the NRL.

So Ponga cops a big fine, and is not suspended from NRL games.

You are right, KB. It is harsh for Manly, who lost Tolu Koula for two weeks because of his concussion.

Much like Brisbabe losing Reece Walsh after he was hit in the first match of the 2024 Origin series.

Newcastle were the overwhelming favourites heading into this match, and they lead at half-time.

But the Parramatta Eels, without Mitchell Moses, have played really well. The Eels should be leading, but blew a massive chance in the 39th minute.

Knights lead 12-10.

Parramatta should be going into half-time with the lead.

Joash Papalii received a great offload from Kitione Kautoga, and he was away.

Papalii draws in Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga, and just needs to pass to Sean Russell on his left.

But the pass is a shocker. It travels at least three metres forward.

I am impressed Russell could even catch it.

That is a blown chance.

Knights 12

Eels 10

Parramatta thought they had scored a third try.

A great kick from halfback Ronald Volkman to the goal-line is caught by centre Sean Russell, and the Eels number 4 got the footy on the line.

But ref Jarrod Cole has called Russell offside from the kick. It looks like the right call. I think about five Eels were in front of Volkman when he kicked the footy.

With a full set at the goal-line, the Parramatta Eels have their second try.

On the final play of the set, Tallyn Da Silva jumps out from dummy-half and puts in a grubber kick.

Dylan Walker was chasing through, and he grounds the footy just before the dead-ball line.

Knights 12

Eels 10

Parramatta has a penalty, 10 metres from Newcastle’s line.

The Eels were able to tap back an attacking bomb, and it led to Joash Papalii charging to the line.

Knights’ forward Jermaine McEwen pulls off a try-saving tackle, but Papalii got an offload away that was touched by Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga.

Ponga then tackles an Eels player without the ball.

Parra has a great chance.

Knights 12

Eels 4

After the Eels blow a big chance, the Knights take theirs.

Right winger Dom Young makes a line break down the touchline.

The Knights then go from the right wing to the left. Sandon Smith throws a big pass which bounces to left winger Greg Marzhew.

The Newcastle winger collects the ball, stumbles over his feet, keeps running, dives for the line, and scores in the corner.

Kalyn Ponga converts from the touchline.

Knights 12

Eels 4

It has been back-and-forth action for the past 10 minutes, after Parramatta’s opening try.

A poor offload from Dom Young, that was knocked-on by Phoenix Crossland, has given the Eels a tremendous attacking chance.

But the Eels have blown it.

Eels halfback Ronald Volkman throws a big cut-out pass to nobody, and it bounces into touch.

Parramatta have their first try on the back of two penalties committed by Newcastle’s Trey Mooney.

The Eels had an attacking set at the Knights’ line.

The Eels shift to the right, and winger Brian Kelly runs directly at Knights outside backs Greg Marzhew and Fletcher Sharpe.

The duo try to hold him up, and then two more Knights come to help.

But Kelly has too much power and he is able to get the footy on the ground.

Knights 6

Eels 4

Newcastle prop Trey Mooney gave away two full penalties in the space of 60 seconds.

He was pinged for a dangerous tackle when Parramatta was in their own end, then for a late tackle to give the Eels an attacking set at the goal-line.

Knights 6

Eels 0

G’day Mike.

You can add all three members of the ABC Sport commentary team — Glen Lauder, Dene Halatau and Bridget Murphy — as those who have tipped the Knights.

A magnificent start from the Newcastle Knights.

Five-eighth Sandon Smith gives a short and flat pass to Dylan Lucas, and the second-rower beats three defenders, then runs 30 metres to score under the posts.

Kalyn Ponga kicks the goal.

Knights 6

Eels 0

The referee, Jarrod Cole, blows the whistle, and Saturday’s NRL action begins.

Parramatta kicks off, and Newcastle will have the first use of the footy this afternoon.

Jacob Saifiti takes a strong first run, and it sets up a nice set of six from the Knights.

The home side makes it to halfway and Dylan Brown, in his 150th NRL match, kicks clear.

You can listen to the ABC Sport live call by tapping the link below, or on the radio in certain markets.

You can also listen live on the ABC Listen app.

New South Wales is set to be without exciting hooker Blayke Brailey after he suffered a suspected broken arm in Cronulla’s 28-22 win over Manly.

Catch up on yesterday’s NRL action ahead of today’s three matches.

Parramatta is hopeful Mitchell Moses will be fit to play against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Monday, June 8.

Moses will miss this afternoon’s match for the Eels after injuring his hamstring, which ruled him out of playing for NSW in State of Origin Game I.

Read more on this story by tapping the link below.

Some readers may be wondering why Kalyn Ponga is allowed to play for the Knights this afternoon, after being sent off during State of Origin on Wednesday for a nasty shoulder charge to the head of NSW winger Tolu Koula.

The NRL’s Match Review Committee charged Ponga with a Grade 2 shoulder charge.

Usually, that would result in a suspension, but a judicial process that was established in 2022 means he can play club football.

With an early guilty plea, Ponga was fined 23 per cent of his match fee for State of Origin.

The justification for the heavy fine, rather than a suspension, is that clubs not to be penalised for incidents that happen in representative matches.

Do you think this is the right punishment, or should players who commit foul play in rep matches be banned from club games?

Newcastle Knights

Kalyn Ponga is backing up for Newcastle after being sent off during Wednesday’s State of Origin.

Jacob Saifiti will also play, after not being used by the Blues on Wednesday.

Parramatta Eels

The Eels have made a minor change to the side just before kick-off.

Harrison Edwards (number 17) is going to start at hooker and Tallyn Da Silva (number 9) will come off the bench.

Isaiah Iongi returns at fullback for his first match since round four.

Joash Papalii moves into the halves with Ronald Volkman. Mitchell Moses is out after injuring his hamstring in the lead-up to Origin.

all times in AEST

• Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels, Hunter Stadium, Newcastle, 3pm
• Wests Tigers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney, 5:30pm
• Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7:35pm