Vale: Terry Hill
15 hours ago | National Rugby League
Knights v Raiders preview
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
Hunter Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm 
Jordan Rapana will return for the Raiders, pushing Sisa Waqa into the centres. Jarrad Kennedy will breathe a sigh of relief, moving back to the interchange bench after being caught out of position a couple of times playing in the centres last weekend. Luke Bateman is the man to miss out.
For the Knights, long term injuries to both Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts means it's a new look halves pairing, with Kurt Gidley returning from injury to partner Carlos Tuimavave. Kade Snowden also returns after withdrawing late last weekend due to a neck injury. His return pushes Korbin Sims to the interchange bench, with young Joey Tapine missing out.
It's starting to become desperation stations for the Knights, as they watch the finals slowly move beyond their grasp with every loss. Their performance last week was much improved, however the host of stars they have sitting on the sideline makes it hard for them to gain any sort of traction.
The Raiders, despite looking more impressive over the season as a whole, have not performed much better. Losses to the Dragons, Bulldogs and Broncos in the past three weeks have dented their confidence, however they still know how to score points, averaging almost 23 points per game, the best in the NRL. Their defence is more of a cause for concern though, conceding 24 points per game.
Last meeting: Round 6 2014 - Canberra Raiders 12 Newcastle Knights 26
Who to watch: Carlos Tuimavave's performance for the Knights should be interesting. The young half has a weight of expectation on his shoulders, not only because of his side's recent string of losses, but also because he's partnered in the halves by Kurt Gidley, who is not known for his creative ability. The Knights' gameplan will be to let Gidley take as much of the pressure as they can off Tuimavave, to allow him to play more of his natural game. Last week his hand was forced into playing as the sole half, thanks to an injury to Tyrone Roberts - so the extra support from Gidley should help him.
The Raiders have no such issues, with their halves pairing of Sam Williams and Blake Austin staying pretty consistent all season. Austin, who let his passion get the better of him last weekend, has been in great form all season, and has formed a formidable edge attack for the Raiders.
The favourite: The Raiders' performance away from home has been better than their performances at home this season, and this is reflected in the odds this week. The Raiders will start slight favourites, but the Knights 1-12 at $3.60 looks a worthwhile bet.
My tip: Despite the Knights recent performances, they'll been out with a point to prove this weekend. They almost did enough to secure a win against the Warriors last weekend, and the enthusiasm Tuimavave brings to the side, along with the return of Kade Snowden should be enough to get the Knights a win... just. Knights by 2.
1. Dane Gagai 2. James McManus 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Kurt Gidley 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. David Fa'alogo 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack Stockwell
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Chris Houston 16. Korbin Sims 17. Sam Mataora
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Frank Paul Nuuausala 17. Shannon Boyd
Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: David Ryan, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Luke Patten;