MAY 28th, 2023 McDONALD JONES STADIUM, NEWCASTLE
In the electrifying NRL Round 13 match on May 28th, all eyes will be on McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle as the Manly Sea Eagles go head-to-head against the formidable Newcastle Knights. This clash between two rugby league titans promises to deliver an enthralling spectacle, reminiscent of iconic encounters from years past.
One cannot forget the legendary 1997 ARL Grand Final, a battle etched in the annals of rugby league history. The memories of Mitch Pearce’s debut as a Knight, where he secured victory with a game-winning field goal against Manly in 2018, still reverberate. Even their recent encounter, which ended in a thrilling 32-all draw after an intense 90 minutes, leaves fans hungry for more.
As the teams gear up for Sunday’s showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher, particularly for the home side. The Knights are desperate to keep their season alive after suffering a defeat to the Sharks last week. On the other hand, the Sea Eagles aim to ride the wave of momentum following their resounding win against the Raiders, as they strive to secure a spot in the coveted top eight.
With a bye looming in the subsequent round, both teams’ key playmakers are determined to lead their squads to victory, ensuring a well-deserved rest. The clash of the fullbacks is set to captivate fans, as the dynamic Kalyn Ponga seeks to prove his worthiness for his Origin position, while rising star Kaeo Weekes aims to leave a lasting impression and cement his place in the Sea Eagles’ lineup. Another thrilling battle to watch out for is the sibling rivalry between the Johns brothers, Cooper and Jack, who always relish the opportunity to outshine each other on the field. This fierce competition, fueled by their father’s legendary status in Newcastle, promises an unforgettable spectacle on Sunday.
In team news, the Knights will be without Tyson Frizell due to his State of Origin commitments, with Adam Elliott stepping in. Lachlan Miller moves to the interchange bench, allowing Ponga to reclaim his position at fullback, while Tyson Gamble fills the vacant halves spot. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles will miss the Trbojevic brothers and Daly Cherry-Evans, who are representing their state in Origin, providing an opportunity for Weekes and Cooper Johns to make their mark. Keep an eye on Jakob Arthur, a new recruit, from the Eels, who has a chance to debut for the club and showcase his talents from the extended bench.
Recalling their last encounter in Round 5, it’s evident that this clash has all the ingredients for another nail-biting contest. With both teams hungry for crucial points during the Origin period, expect nothing short of a relentless battle on Sunday.
The Newcastle Knights have showcased their prowess at McDonald Jones Stadium, securing three out of their last four victories on home turf. On the other hand, the Sea Eagles have experienced a slump, losing three of their last four matches. The absence of the Trbojevic brothers and Cherry-Evans might pose a challenge for the Sea Eagles, but they will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to overcome it.
Previous meetings between these teams have witnessed high-scoring encounters, with 54 and 64 points registered respectively. The Knights have consistently covered a -6.5 line in seven of their last eight
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jack Johns 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Lachlan Miller 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Enari Tuala 20. Brodie Jones 21. Adam Clune 22. Kurt Mann
Sea Eagles: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Sean Keppie 14. Christian Tuipulotu 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Condon 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Dean Matterson 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Morgan Harper.
Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Standby Touch Judge: Ben Teague
Bunker Review Official: Grant Atkins
PREDICTION.
Newcastle have the big advantage in their second encounter for 2023, with Manly losing Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans to Origin duty.
Two more Trbojevic brothers are also missing with injury, with Jake potentially out for the entire Origin series with a calf tear.
It’s a bit of a momentum halter for the Sea Eagles, who racked up their biggest win of the season last week on the road against the Raiders, prevailing 42-14.
The Knights have lost Tyson Frizell to Origin, but usual Queensland mainstays Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga were overlooked, allowing them to line up on Sunday.
Newcastle were no match for the Sharks last week, but will be hoping to replicate their last home game, which resulted in a 46-26 victory over the Titans. For me its the Knights at home with the Manly stars missing. Knights by 9.5 points.
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