AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Parramatta are steeling themselves for a strong defensive performance as they prepare to become the first side to face Kalyn Ponga in full flight since he recovered from his latest head knock.
Newcastle five-eighth Ponga had his minutes restricted against North Queensland last week when he returned from his fourth concussion in 10 months, humid conditions prompting coach Adam O'Brien to take extra care with his marquee man.
But Ponga has been named to start for the clash at CommBank Stadium and is poised for a mouth-watering duel with Eels halfback Mitch Moses and his compatriots on the right edge.
Having played the first seven seasons of his career at fullback, Ponga switched to the defensive front-line this year, and Parramatta became one of the first sides to face him as a five-eighth when the sides met in pre-season trials.
But coach Brad Arthur is taking little from the Eels' 36-14 win as he urges his side to rise to the challenge Ponga will set.
"Trials don't mean anything," Arthur said.
"What happened in round one doesn't mean anything, we're in round nine now.
"We all know what (Ponga's) strengths are. He's very good with the ball, he's fast, you can't give him much time and space with the ball.
"I don't know exactly how they plan to use him but I do know that we do need to be very good defensively, keep a straight line against him, and limit the opportunities because he's a very good player."
Parramatta and the Knights have begun the season on a similar note, competing admirably but finding themselves with losing records through eight rounds.
A pre-season wooden-spoon fancy, Newcastle came within one point of upsetting reigning premiers Penrith two weeks ago before falling to the Cowboys by two points last week.
"All their games have been close, the margins have been narrow," Arthur said.
"You can see they're trying really hard, the effort's there. They've had a couple of unlucky bounces or tough calls go against them.
"They've really improved and they're playing a good style of footy."
