NRL, ROUND 18. JULY 2nd, 2023 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
In a highly anticipated NRL match, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Newcastle Knights are set to ignite the field at Accor Stadium in a battle for survival. Desperation looms large as both teams fight tooth and nail to keep their seasons alive in this crucial encounter on July 2nd, 2023.
The Bulldogs find themselves in 15th position, struggling with the worst for-and-against differential in the league. With only five wins from 15 matches, they are determined to atone for their recent horror showing before the bye. Head coach Cameron Ciraldo has responded by making several changes to the lineup. One of the highlights is the inclusion of Khaled Rajab in the halves, replacing Karl Oloapu. Ryan Sutton, Harrison Edwards, and Jackson Topine also join the new-look bench, hoping to inject fresh energy and turn their fortunes around.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights sit in 14th position with five wins and a draw from 15 matches. They are desperate to bounce back from three consecutive losses and reignite their season. Last Saturday, they suffered a 20-12 defeat to an undermanned Panthers side. Coach Adam O’Brien faces the challenge of a foot injury to Dane Gagai, which sees Enari Tuala stepping into the side. Lachlan Fitzgibbon returns in the second-row after being cleared following a concussion. The Knights must rise to the occasion if they wish to mount a late-season surge towards September.
Accor Stadium has witnessed some intense clashes between these two teams over the past decade. The Bulldogs have emerged victorious in nine out of their 16 encounters against the Knights. However, their performance at the stadium this season has been underwhelming, securing only two wins from six appearances. The Knights, on the other hand, have struggled to find their footing at Accor Stadium, managing just four wins from their ten visits. The last time they defeated the Bulldogs at this venue was during the 2013 finals series, adding an extra layer of motivation for the Knights to overcome their past record.
Key players will play a pivotal role in this high-stakes encounter. Greg Marzhew, the Knights’ dynamic talent, aims to break his month-long try-scoring drought after showcasing his skills with ten tries in the first half of the season. With a remarkable average of 198 running meters and 94 tackle breaks per game, Marzhew’s performance will be critical in leading the Knights to a much-needed victory. On the other side, Bulldogs’ legacy forward Kurtis Morrin, nephew of Brad Morrin, aims to build on his bright starting appearance against Cronulla. A strong showing from Morrin could turn him into an in-demand prospect not only for the Bulldogs but also for rival clubs.
As the countdown begins for this thrilling clash, NRL fans eagerly await the outcome of the desperate battle between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Knights. Stay tuned for all the updates, team changes, and in-depth analysis of this do-or-die match at Accor Stadium on July 2nd, 2023.
Bulldogs. 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Khaled Rajab 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okunbor 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurtis Morrin 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Franklin Pele 17. Jackson Topine 19. Reece Hoffman 20. Kyle Flanagan 21. Corey Waddell 22. Braidon Burns 23. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Knights. 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Brodie Jones 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jack Johns 22. Adam Clune
Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Darian Furner, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;
PREDICTION.
Two poorly performing sides that will remain in the bottom eight at end of season, and the Knights coach could be the next coach moved on. The Dogs have a tough month ahead also with games against the Rabbitohs, Brisbane and Penrith . I think the Knights have the edge here ,again not by a lot, maybe only 1 point between the sides at full time.
Read this too
Comments