Adam SutcliffeBrian Smith v Michael Hagan as Knights face Eels at Parramatta Stadium
March 26th 2008 07:25
www.nrlnews.com
It's one of NRL Rugby League's newest rivalries. Ex-coach of the Eels, Brian Smith returns to Parramatta Stadium with his Newcastle Knights team 2 wins from 0 starts. For the Eels Michael Hagan is running at a 50% record, having a comeback win against the Bulldogs and a horror loss the NZ Warriors in Auckland.
Hagan would quietly want revenge, as last year Brian Smith and the Knights pulled off a massive smash and grab raid, winning at Parramatta by a long margin.
The Eels welcome back Nathan Hindmarsh and also star halfback Tim Smith. For the Knights they are without big name contract players Steve Simpson, Mitchell Sargent and Ben Cross the new recruit from the Melbourne Storm.
They key for the Knights will be the speed and drive from Kurt Gidley. The livewire back can start something from nothing and has that ability to hit full speed in milliseconds, pushing off tacklers and roaring through. Danny Buderus will also play a key management role for the Knights.
For the Eels, the return of Jarryd Hayne against the Warriors will have gotten the rust out for him and his speed down the edges will be NRL bliss for the Eels. Also returning is workhorse forward Nathan Hindmarsh - who has been the Eels key salary cap man for many years.
While the NRL Results are important, pride will take first place here in NRL Round 3 2008.
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