NRL, SEMI, GAME 4, SEPT 10th,2023 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CANBERRA RAIDERS
MCDONALD JONES STADIUM ,NEWCASTLE
In what promises to be a blockbuster NRL semi-final clash, the Newcastle Knights will host the Canberra Raiders at the iconic McDonald Jones Stadium on September 10, 2023. This game marks a significant moment for Newcastle fans as it’s their first home final since 2006.
The Knights’ journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. From languishing in the 14th position just a couple of months ago, they surged into fifth place on the ladder, riding the momentum of an impressive nine-game winning streak. What’s even more impressive is that seven of those victories were by margins of 13 points or more, including a dominant 28-6 triumph over the Raiders back in July.
A major catalyst for the Knights’ resurgence has been the outstanding performance of Kalyn Ponga, who many consider the best player in the competition during their winning streak. The star fullback, despite missing last week due to a shoulder problem, is expected to play a crucial role in this pivotal match. But Ponga isn’t the only standout player for the Knights; their entire backline has been electric over the last two months. Dominic Young has been scoring tries in breathtaking fashion, Bradman Best is brimming with confidence after his Origin debut, and Greg Marzhew has been a battering ram on the wings.
On the flip side, the Canberra Raiders have had a rather lackluster season, barely making it into the finals. They failed to secure a single victory by more than 12 points and have struggled in recent games, winning only against teams in the bottom four since Round 17. Their task is made even more challenging by the absence of key forwards Josh Papalii and Corey Horsburgh in the finals.
The elimination final on September 10th marks the return of finals footy to Newcastle after 17 long years. The Knights, who have qualified for the finals for the third time in four years, are aiming for their first finals victory since 2013. In contrast, the Raiders are in their fourth finals series in five years but face an uphill battle to break their 29-year premiership drought.
Both teams have made significant changes to their lineups. The Knights welcome back several key players, including Jackson Hastings, Kalyn Ponga, and Lachlan Fitzgibbon, after injuries and resting players against the Dragons. On the Raiders’ side, coach Ricky Stuart has made strategic decisions, keeping core players intact while making some notable adjustments.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Adam Clune 19. Lachlan Miller 20. Dylan Lucas 21. Enari Tuala 22. Brodie Jones
Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Jack Wighton 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Nick Cotric 6. Matt Frawley 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Ata Mariota 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Hohepa Puru 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Trey Mooney 18. Jarrod Croker 19. Albert Hopoate 20. Danny Levi 21. Ethan Strange 22. Xavier Savage
Prediction:
Considering the Knights’ scintillating form, their impressive winning streak, and the absence of key Raiders players, the odds seem to favor the home team. A Knights victory, possibly by a margin of 13 points or more, appears to be the most likely outcome.
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