SUNDAY JULY 7th 2024 GIO STADIUM CANBERRA
Knights vs Raiders: Clash of 11th and 12th on Ladder
The battle of 11th and 12th on the ladder promises to be an intriguing one with the Knights coming off a thrilling home win and the Raiders smarting after a frustrating away defeat.
Knights Hold Strong Against Eels, Eye Raiders Challenge
In front of the Newcastle faithful, the Knights, bolstered by Bradman Best’s devastating form and Will Pryce’s impressive debut, withstood a strong challenge from a desperate Eels outfit.
Raiders Look to Rebound at GIO Stadium
They must now make the trek to the national capital to face the Raiders, who pushed table toppers Melbourne to the limit before going down 16-6 at AAMI Park.
Raiders Seek Home Redemption
After beginning the season with three consecutive home victories, the Raiders have lost their last three games at GIO Stadium and will be eager to deliver a strong performance for the Green Machine faithful.
Knights’ Canberra Challenge: Recent Record and Expectations
The Knights have won just two of their past seven matches in Canberra but did come away with a comprehensive 28-6 victory there in Round 22 last year.
Key Player Returns Could Boost Knights
Forwards Leo Thompson (Achilles) and Dylan Lucas (hamstring) have a chance to return, providing a boost for Newcastle as they enter a crucial three-game stretch against the Raiders, Sea Eagles, and Broncos before their final bye of the season in Round 21.
Raiders Adjust Line-up for Clash
Canberra haven’t made many personnel changes this week, but last week’s debutant Jordan Martin is ineligible for selection due to concussion protocols following the 16-6 loss to Melbourne. He will be replaced by former Knight Simi Sasagi, who will take his spot on the interchange bench. Seb Kris, named among the reserves, indicates he is close to a return and may be a late call-up for Sunday afternoon. Positional changes to watch include the in-form Kaeo Weekes shifting from halfback to fullback, Adam Cook moving into halfback, and Jordan Rapana moving to wing.
Ponga Returns for Knights, Crossland Out
The most exciting news leading into this game is Newcastle’s line-up changes, headlined by the return of their captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga. Fletcher Sharpe, who has performed admirably, will drop to the interchange bench in jersey 14, while Phoenix Crossland is ineligible for selection due to concussion protocols and will be replaced by Jayden Brailey as the starting hooker.
Team Line-Ups
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage, 6 Ethan Strange 7. Adam Cook 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney , 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Sebastian Kris 19. Zac Woolford 20. Emre Guler 21. James Schiller , 22. Hohepa Puru
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones , 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jack Cogger , 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Thomas Cant
Referee. Gerard Sutton. Touch Judges. Matt Noyen, Jon Stone, Bunker, Blind Badger.
Bunker Under Scrutiny After Poor Weekend
Don’t expect any great decisions coming from the Bunker in this game. I don’t know how she finds her way home.
In fact over the weekend the officials have been poor overall. In a professional game we need professional officials. We don’t have that at the moment.
LOOK AT YESTERDAYS GAME. Bulldog, Jaeman Salmon hits Te Marie-Martin , high and late, DOGSHOT. Apparently they are trying to stop head high contacts, but nothing here. No penalty, No Sin Bin, NOTHING. On Monday, Annesley will say it should have been a penalty. TO LATE,BRO. Weak Referee, Weak Bunker, AGAIN. Chris Butler and Adam Gee, officials my arse. WEAK, WEAK, WEAK.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
The Raiders have conceded 118 points in three consecutive losses at GIO Stadium.
The Knights have conceded at least 24 points in each of their past five games.
Raiders utility Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in his past five games.
Knights second-rower Tyson Frizell will play his 250th NRL game.
Raiders veteran Jordan Rapana has scored six tries in his last six games against the Knights at GIO Stadium.
Prediction.
This will be tight and for Newcastle a lot depends on Ponga playing or not playing. I would look for a points start on either side, and wait until near kick off to see the final players draft.
Will the Canberra Faders win at home, or can the Knights get up?
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