THURSDAY MARCH 13th McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
The Knights emerged unscathed from their clash with the Tigers, securing a victory in their season opener. Fletcher Sharpe and Jack Cogger combined well in their NRL debut, and no changes to the spine seem likely. Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul also impressed in the back row reshuffle, delivering strong performances after switching edges.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew , 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland , 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell , 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Adam Elliott 17. Mathew Croker , 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce 20. Logan Aoake 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Thomas Cant
Veteran back-rower Adam Elliott returns after missing Round 1 and will come off the bench, replacing Brodie Jones, who has been named as the 18th man. Following their strong start against the Wests Tigers, Adam O’Brien has made no other changes to the lineup.
Changes from last match:
In: Adam Elliott (bench), Will Pryce (reserve), Logan Aoake (reserve), Matthew Arthur (reserve), Thomas Cant (reserve)
The Dolphins were without Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls, and Kenny Bromwich in Round 1 due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred. Nikorima is expected to replace Sean O’Sullivan in the halves, while Nicholls could come off the bench in place of Josh Kerr. With Kristefe Finau failing his HIA and ruled out for Round 2, both players have a strong chance of returning. Connolly Lemuelu is likely to slot into the back row, and Tom Gilbert could shift from lock to the edge.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti , 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath, 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone , 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Harrison Graham 22. Aublix Tawha
The loss of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion protocols) and Connelly Lemuelu (fractured eye socket) forces a restructure in the pack with Oryn Keeley promoted from 18th man to start in the back row and Mark Nicholls joining the bench in his return after missing last week’s game to remain in Queensland with his family during the cyclone. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima also returns to the starting side so Sean O’Sullivan drops to the reserves.
Changes from last match:
Out: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (second row), Connelly Lemuelu (bench)
In: Kodi Nikorima (five-eighth), Oryn Keeley (second row), Mark Nicholls (bench), Max Feagai (reserve), Kenny Bromwich (reserve), Harrison Graham (reserve), Ob Tawha (reserve)
Changes: Sean O’Sullivan (five-eighth to reserve)
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Kasey Badger, Matt Noyen, Bunker, Ashley Klein;
PREDICTION
The Knights were scrappy winners over the Tigers last weekend and will have to improve considerably if they are going to be finals contenders. The Dolphins really should have beaten the Rabbitohs, but couldn’t finish the job in the face of fierce opposition. The Knights have just announced the signing of Dylan Brown and it will be interesting to see what that does to the morale of the team. You could reasonably expect a bounce back from the Dolphins, who won’t want to start the season with two losses. Knights will start as favourite here at home in Newcastle, but I will back the Dolphins with a 8.5 point start.
THE SHAM.
NRL Match Review System Under Fire: Inconsistencies Exposed Once Again
NRL fans are growing increasingly frustrated with what appears to be a lottery when it comes to the match review system. The latest controversy surrounds Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton, who has escaped suspension despite dangerously leading with his knees in a try-saving attempt against the Dragons.
Crichton’s challenge, which struck Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu in the head and resulted in a penalty try, was only deemed worthy of a $1,800 fine. Yet just a week earlier, two Canberra Raiders players were suspended for seemingly far less dangerous incidents.
Joe Tapine was not only sin-binned in Las Vegas but also handed a two-game suspension for a shoulder charge on Warriors forward Mitch Barnett—despite no head contact. Meanwhile, Xavier Savage was suspended for a game after making minor contact with Chanel Harris-Tavita’s leg during a kick charge.
The glaring inconsistency in how these incidents have been handled raises serious questions about the NRL’s judiciary process. How can one player escape with a fine for an act that resulted in a penalty try, while others are handed bans for incidents that appear less dangerous in comparison?
The Bulldogs may argue that Crichton had no intent to injure Tuipulotu, but the rules make no mention of intent when determining suspensions. The fact remains that Crichton has a history of similar tackles, having executed a late hit on Jesse Arthars in a recent trial match against the Broncos.
Another incident is the schoolyard tactics of Jack Bird who pulls the hair of Phoenix Crossland and is placed on report. The knobs decide there is, nothing here, and he is let off. Well that says to be, this is fair play and is now allowed in the game. Lets go back to 2019 and Sam Burgess was suspended for one game for a hair pull, and Nathan Brown was charged last year after pulling the hair of Jarome Luai. Blake Larie was fined $1800.00 for his move on Josh Aloiai. Tyson Frizell was charged in 2023 for a hair pull on Jarome Luai.
Fans and pundits alike are calling for greater transparency and consistency in the match review system. If the NRL wants to maintain credibility, there needs to be a clearer standard for what constitutes a suspension. Right now, it feels like a roll of the dice.
Also, the Dragons have a right to be blowing up about two contentious passes that led to Dogs’ tries in the 28-20 defeat.
There is no argument the Dogs were the more dominant team.
But those two tries were ultimately still the difference in the score line.
The one from Kurt Mann to Sitili Tupouniua was dead set forward from where I was sitting, while there was also a huge question mark hanging over the pass from Connor Tracey that Blake Wilson scored off. I thought the officials were very poor, again. I will add I do not follow either side, but I do support a fair contest.
There was also a try to the Roosters against the Broncos which on my TV was a no try. The player was out before he placed the ball down. The Bunker said it was a try ,but do not show us the camera which said it was a try. Very amateur.
You’d love to see the NRL at least allow the Bunker to make a judgement in try scoring situations without a referee’s bias influencing the decision. I have said for a long time the ref should send the possible try to the bunker without any call from him. Simply try or no try. Let the bunker decide.
Graham Annesley always says the ref and the touchies have the best view on the field.
But with the speed of the game that is not always the case.
And it is ridiculous to bury your head in the sand and argue how modern technology couldn’t do a more consistent job given the amount of TV cameras that monitor every game.
And the latest news, Graham Annesley’s Monday briefings to explain the weekend’s refereeing controversies will become a thing of the past, amid growing feeling in league circles the sessions weren’t “a good look” for the game. SO WEAK.
BUT, do not worry, I will keep writing the truth about the referee’s and the blind bunker officials.
Here’s the scoop on Friday’s game!
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