SATURDAY JULY 20th 2024 5:30pm MCDONALD JONES STADIUM NEWCASTLE
Newcastle Knights Aim to Stay in Top Eight Contention
The Newcastle Knights are aiming to stay in contention for the top eight as they return home to face the Broncos on Saturday night.
Both teams are coming off recent losses and are eager to keep their finals hopes alive with just eight rounds remaining in the regular season.
Tight Competition in the NRL Ladder
Newcastle currently sits 10th with 20 points, while Brisbane is down in 13th with 18 points. The competition is tightly packed, with just four points separating the eighth-placed Cowboys (22 points) and the 15th-placed Rabbitohs (18 points).
This makes Saturday’s clash at McDonald Jones Stadium crucial for both sides as they look to make a push for the finals.
Knights’ Recent Struggles and Key Players Returning
The Knights suffered a heavy defeat to Manly in Round 19, falling 44-6 as the Sea Eagles’ backs ran rampant.
Coach Adam O’Brien is hopeful to welcome back a trio of Origin stars, with Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, and Bradman Best all in the mix to back up after Wednesday’s decider.
Broncos’ Injury Woes and Return of Representative Stars
The Broncos also played undermanned in their loss to the Dragons and have four representative stars aiming to return this weekend as they seek to snap a six-game losing streak.
Team Line-Ups
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Krystian Mapapalangi 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew , 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11.Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliot 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jacob Saifiti , 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Mat Croker 20. Thomas Cant, 21. Fletcher Sharpe 22. Thomas Jenkins
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Ezra Mam 7. Josh Rogers 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Blake Mozer 15. Tyson Smoothy 16. Josiah Karapani , 17. Martin Taupau 18. Va’a Semu 19. Corey Paix 20. Reece Walsh 21. Selwyn Cobbo , 22. Patrick Carrigan 23. Payne Haas 24. Adam Reynolds
Referee: Chris Butler, Touch Judge. Drew Oultram, Bunker. The Blind Badger
Maroon Selwyn Cobbo will miss the Knights clash due to groin soreness, with Deine Mariner retaining his spot in the centres and Corey Oates moving to the wing.
While Reynold has been named I doubt he will get a run. He is just there to make up the numbers for the team sheet announcement.
Key Match Facts
The Knights have won only two of their past nine games against the Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Broncos have won their past four games against the Knights.
Long-serving Knights hooker Jayden Brailey has lost all six games against the Broncos.
Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo has scored eight tries in four games against the Knights.
Knights centre Bradman Best has scored four tries in his past five NRL games.
Prediction
This game will be tight so try for a points start either side. If Reynolds plays take Brisbane.
Comments