Both sides come in rested and refreshed from the bye and determined to finish the season strongly after mixed results so far in 2024.
The Knights sit 12th after sliding to three consecutive losses although there was plenty of positives to come out of the 26-18 defeat to Penrith in Round 15.
The Eels, meanwhile, are languishing in last place having won just one of their past eight games, and they will be desperately hoping Blues No.7 Mitch Moses can back up after Origin Two to steer them around the park.
With matches against the Storm, Panthers and Roosters still come in the run home, the Eels simply must get on a roll and gain momentum by winning their matches against sides outside the eight.
Blockbusting winger Maika Sivo is set to return from a hamstring injury for the Eels but back-rower J'maine Hopgood looks set to miss the rest of the season due to back surgery.
The Knights will be hoping to have No.1 gun Kalyn Ponga back on deck within the next month but his absence has opened the door for impressive youngsters Fletcher Sharpe and David Armstrong to make a name for themselves in the top grade.
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Team News
Knights: Leo Thompson is a late withdrawal with an Achilles issue so Jack Hetherington joins the bench. Back-rower Dylan Lucas was ruled out after battling hamstring tightness throughout the week. As a result, Kai Pearce-Paul will start in his first game back from a toe injury and Mat Croker has been promoted to the bench. English recruit Will Pryce will make his NRL debut at five-eighth.
Eels:Blues star Mitchell Moses will play in a huge boost for the Eels, while Maika Sivo is also set to return from a hamstring injury. Makahesi Makatoa will start the game and Junior Paulo goes to the bench in a game day swap. Ryan Matterson has been named on the bench alongside Matt Doorey and Matt Arthur, who makes his NRL debut. Daejarn Asi is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have not won at home since Round 9 (14-8 v Warriors).
- The Knights have lost their past six games against the Eels.
- The Eels have lost all six games away from home in 2024.
- Knights centre Dane Gagai has scored six tries in his past six games against the Eels.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored six tries in his past six games against the Knights.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.