2:00pm SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1st 2024 McDonald Jones Stadium NEWCASTLE
Knights Seek to Keep Finals Hopes Alive in Crucial Clash Against Titans
The Hunter Valley will be buzzing on Sunday afternoon as the hometown favorites, the Newcastle Knights, take on the Gold Coast Titans in a crucial clash to keep their slim finals hopes alive. The Knights are deeply entrenched in the tight race for the final spot in the top eight, while the Titans will be looking to spoil the party and bounce back after a challenging few weeks.
Kalyn Ponga’s Form Key for Knights’ Finals Aspirations
Knights’ superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga was in scintillating form as the Knights ran away with the game against the Bunnies and if the home side want to stay in the hunt for a finals run their main man will have to once again play a major role in sparking their attack.
If the Titans aren’t prepared to see the fleet-footed fullback swinging down a short side and link up with a rampaging Greg Marzhew or speedster Fletcher Sharpe, it could turn into a long day in the office for an already frail edge defence.
Injury Updates and Squad Changes for the Knights
Centre Bradman Best returns after the hamstring injury he sustained in Round 20 against the Broncos, leading to Dylan Lucas shifting to the back row to replace Kai Pearce-Paul (laceration). Brodie Jones moves from the bench to the starting side to replace Tyson Frizell (concussion protocols) and Thomas Cant joins the bench.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew , 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson , 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Brodie Jones 13. Adam Elliott , 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker , 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Thomas Cant , 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Sebastian Su’a 20. Jackson Hastings 21. David Armstrong 22. Thomas Jenkins
Titans’ Struggles and Desire to End the Season on a High
The glimmer of hope that Titans fans had as the side went on a 5-1 winning run has since dissipated on the back of three consecutive heavy losses and fans are just hoping to claim another victory before the season ends. The Titans have been outscored 124-38 over their last three games, and Des Hasler will be eager to see signs that the systems he implemented, which previously led to victories, are taking hold with the team, proving that their earlier success wasn’t just a temporary streak.
Previous Encounter: Knights Edge Out Titans in Round 11
When these sides last met back in round 11, it was a David Armstrong hattrick and a 18-0 second half that saw the Knights run down the Titans to win 28-24. Historically, the Knights have had the upper hand against the Titans, holding a 6-4 advantage in their last 10 meetings.
Just the one change with Phil Sami coming into the centres in place of AJ Brimson, who is headed for surgery on the groin injury that has hampered him all season. Tanah Boyd is again listed as 18th man.
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita , 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe , 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall , 14. Josiah Pahulu 15. Isaac Liu, 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas , 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Joe Stimson , 21. Arama Hau 22. Jaylan De Groot
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Daniel Luttringer, Liam Kennedy, Bunker, Matt Noyen
Head-to-Head Statistics and Key Players
The Knights have emerged victorious in four of their last five encounters with the Titans.
The Titans haven’t secured a win at McDonald Jones Stadium since 2016.
Knights winger Fletcher Sharpe has crossed the line five times in his last three games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has an impressive record, scoring 43 tries in 42 NRL appearances.
Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has notched six tries in eight games against the Titans.
Prediction
The Knights showed their hunger last week against the Rabbitohs, though they still conceded some points, while the Titans had impressive moments before being overrun by the Roosters. The Knights still have a chance of sneaking into the Top 8, while the Titans’ season is over, however, an upset is not out of the question here. If Kalyn Ponga continues to contribute more each weekend, the Knights should win this.
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