Knights v Titans preview

Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans
Hunter Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Two cellar dwellars fight to get off the bottom of the ladder.

After starting the season with four consecutive victories, it's almost unfathomable how hard the Knights have fallen over the past three months. Managing a single win in the past twelve matches, the Knights sit on the bottom of the ladder despite promising so much in the opening rounds. Blown off the park last Friday night, Newcastle will be hoping the promising signs shown late in the game against Canberra pave the way for an absolutely vital win if they are to avoid the embarrassment of winning the wooden spoon. Boosted by the return of Beau Scott from suspension, the Knights will field a near full-strength team and will have zero excuses if they fail to deliver in front of their loyal supporters.

For the Titans things aren't much better. After working their way into the top eight a month ago, a series of losses and a growing injury toll has made life increasingly difficult for coach Neil Henry. With Greg Bird set to play his first game since copping an eight-match ban in May, the Titans will be hoping his return brings about a change in fortune by stiffening up the defensive lapses which have been major issues in recent weeks. Currently sitting in 14th position, there is a chance for the Titans to feature in finals football if they can make a late run for the finals, but if those dreams are to come to fruition it is essential they come away from Newcastle with the two points.

Last Meeting: Round 3, 2015 - Gold Coast Titans 18 Newcastle Knights 20

Who to watch: Scoring the match winning try when they last met in Round 3, Jeremy Smith made a remarkable comeback from injury last Friday in Canberra. Having last played two months ago, the former premiership winning forward showed significant impact in attack and defence, whilst also providing a healthy dose of leadership that has been missing during the Knights horror run. With the Knights in dire need of a win, Smith will need to help his teammates lift not only for the confidence of the side but to repay the faith of the long-suffering supporters who's patience has been tested throughout Winter.

If the Titans are to win on Saturday, James Roberts will need to be at his best. With so many players missing from the Gold Coast ranks, the speedster will be relied upon to create attacking opportunities in the absence of Aidan Sezer, Kane Elgey and William Zillman. Noted for his try-scoring prowess, Roberts has been limited in attack over the past month; coming up against the inexperienced Sione Mata'utia, Roberts will have plenty of opportunities to create points which will go along way towards getting the Gold Coast back on track.

The favourite: With the Knights returning to Hunter Stadium boosted by the returns of a number of experienced players, the home side is expected to emerge with the win.

My tip: Insanity is often defined as doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Knights by 13.

1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Tyler Randell 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Danny Levi 15. David Fa'alogo 16. Joseph Tapine 17. Sam Mataora 18. Paterika Vaivai

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. James Roberts 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Kevin Gordon 6. Josh Hoffman 7. Daniel Mortimer 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Nate Myles 11. Ryan James 12. Dave Taylor 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Agnatius Paasi 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Nathaniel Peteru 17. Chad Redman 18. Ben Ridge

Referees: Gavin Badger, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Folkes;

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