SUNDAY MARCH 24th 2024 McDonald Jones Stadium Newcastle
Knights vs. Storm: Round 3 NRL Showdown
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday’s Round 3 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm
Dramatic Endings for Knights and Storm
The Knights and Storm experienced dramatic endings in Round 2, yet the emotional outcomes for the two clubs couldn’t have been more disparate.
Knights’ Homecoming
Newcastle went to the wire and beyond in Townsville but came away empty handed after a Chad Townsend field goal sunk them in golden point.
Two hours later, the Storm orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat the Warriors, propelled by Xavier Coates’ miraculous try at AAMI Park.
The Knights return to their home ground, aiming to swiftly move past their recent disappointment and secure a crucial victory to ignite their season.
Storm’s Confidence
Meanwhile, the Storm, currently at 2-0, exude confidence as they head to the Hunter with a dominant 30-16 head-to-head record against the Knights since their inception into the competition in 1998.
The condition of star five-eighth Cameron Munster (groin) continues to be uncertain, although Jonah Pezet has admirably filled in for the past two weeks and is prepared to step up once more.
With Jahrome Hughes suspended for one game due to contrary conduct for incidental contact with referee Chris Butler during the victory against the Warriors, Pezet now faces additional responsibility in playmaking duties. Many deem the decision to suspend Hughes unjust, advocating for a fine instead.
Key Line-up Changes
Former Panther Jack Cogger takes on the role of halfback for the Knights, with Jackson Hastings moving to the reserves list. Co-captain Jayden Brailey, recovering from a hamstring injury, will make his season debut coming off the bench. Enari Tuala returns from a quad injury to the wing, stepping in for Greg Marzhew, who faces 4-6 weeks on the sidelines due to surgery for a fractured scaphoid.
Following Jahrome Hughes’ suspension, Tyran Wishart transitions from the bench to halfback, while Kane Bradley steps into the interchange. Cameron Munster’s absence due to a groin injury keeps Jonah Pezet at No.6. Additionally, prop Christian Welch remains sidelined after failing a HIA last week, resulting in Tepai Moeroa joining the bench.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce 20. Mathew Croker 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Jackson Hastings
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kane Bradley 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Aaron Pene 20. Jack Howarth 21. Marion Seve 22. Shawn Blore
Referee: Grant Atkins, Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judge: Matt Noyen, Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
The Knights have won eight of their past 10 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Storm have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Knights.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 13 tries in his past 13 NRL games.
Knights centre Bradman Best has scored three tries in four games against the Storm.
PREDICTION
With their starting halves missing the Storm will have trouble with their direction in this game against the Knights. Jonah Pezet has done his job filling in for Cam Munster but the kicking game and direction of Hughes will be sorely missed for a team that relies so much on routine and structure.
Newcastle have not had the start to the season that many had expected falling to 0-2. The Knights have been in the game in both contests but it has been their second half performances that have led to them losing back to back games for the first time since Rd 16 & 17 last year.
No Hughes, Munster, Welch and Asofa-Solomona for the Storm.
I can not decide which way to go in this. I feel the Knights will start as favourite, at home, in front of a packed stadium, but the Storm are such a hard side to beat.
I found a points start for both teams, Knights plus 5.5 points, and the Storm plus 5.5 points, both the same money, so go with your heart. I won’t bet, that’s how close this will be, instead enjoying the battle.
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