Knights v Cowboys preview

Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
Hunter Stadium - Saturday 2:00pm

After starting 2015 on a massive high, the Knights have slid downhill massively. 4-0 after four weeks, the knights have slipped to a 4-3 win loss record, thanks to some terrible performances in the wet. The Knights were thoroughly beaten by the Dragons, embarassed by the Sharks, and then pipped by the Eels last weekend.

While the Knights have stars all through the backline, they've been unable to get any good ball in the last few weeks, with their halves struggling to find traction.

The Knights have named an unchanged 17, with fans asking questions as to why Rick Stone continues to stick with a losing side. They'll be looking for an improved performance this week, as fans are beginning to feel disheartened.

The Cowboys season so far has been almost the opposite to the Knights. Early losses in the first three rounds saw a change in fortune for the Cowboys, and they've now won four on the trot, including big wins against the Panthers and Roosters. The Cowboys side is also unchanged from last weekend.

Last meeting: Round 2 2015 - North Queensland Cowboys 14 Newcastle Knights 16

Who to watch: Tyrone Roberts' performance has been poor in the past few weeks, to say the least. Many Knights fans have been calling for his head, with some even suggesting that he be dropped in favour of unproven halves from the lower grades. On his day, Roberts provides an x-factor that can win games for his side. But by far the majority of his games lately have not lived up to that. He'll need a big game to win back some friends, and also to help his side win the game.

On the other hand, Johnathan Thurston can do no wrong. On the back of some strong performances from his forward pack, Thurston has been responsible for his side's last 4 wins. If the Knights are to stand a chance this week, they'll need to shut Thurston down, no easy task at the best of times, but made even more difficult for the Knights without Beau Scott and Robbie Rochow.

The favourite: The Knights poor performances over the past few weeks, coupled with the Cowboys renewed vigor, sees the Cowboys start as heavy favourites.

My tip: I know I said the same thing last week, but surely the Knights can't play that badly for four weeks in a row. Something's gotta give. It'll either be a heavy Knights loss, or a narrow Knights win. Knights by 2.

1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Chris Houston 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. David Fa'alogo 16. Joseph Tapine 17. Jack Stockwell 18. Sione Mata'utia

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Justin O'Neill 3. Tautau Moga 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant 19. Ray Thompson

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Daniel Irvine;

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