Ipswich v Newcastle preview

Ipswich Jets v Newcastle Knights
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 3:40pm

This is the big one folks! The match to decide who are the national champs of the 2nd tier Rugby League competition in Australia.

This Sunday prior to the NRL decider, we have the Newcastle Knights who have a wonderful win by 20-10 over Wyong last Sunday at Parramatta Stadium, on the back of some very strong performances by Jake Mamo and star half Jaleen Feeney. The Knights have been the real surprise packet of season 2015 after finishing 7th and dancing their way through 4 must win games to take out the Premiership in outstanding fashion.

They won't get it easy on Sunday as they take on a Ipswich Jets side that have dispatched everyone in front of them and have done so by playing exciting football and taking chances week in week out. Short kick offs, not kicking it on the last tackle and set plays from dead ball situations have been the cornerstone of their play which has surprised and delighted many fans North of the border. They won the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final last week with a comprehensive 32-20 win after Marmin Barba again found his way to the try line in a classy performance.

Last meeting: These two teams meet for the first time in their history - last season's first ever State Championship Final saw Queensland's Northern Pride defeat the Penrith Panthers 32-28.

Who to watch: Who to watch for the home side.

For the Knights young half back Jaleen Feeney is one to keep an eye on. He has been the backbone of the Knights attack this year but particularly in this Finals Series. he has a very upright running style (similar to Blake Austin) and has a great ability to get defenders to stand off him resulting in more metres and provides attacking opportunities for himself as he has dazzling foot work. His kicking game still needs a bit of work but overall Feeney is a match winner and someone you want in your side. The former Bulldog will be hot property at the end of the season and don't be surprised to see him feature in Nathan Brown's plans for the Knights in 2016.

For Ipswich they'll need a big game from Hooker Matt Parcell. Parcell is moving to Brisbane next year and is a fantastic signing for the Northern Beaches club. He has had 1st Grade experience with the Broncos this year and has shown himself to be a very mature player who provides great service out of dummy half and has a wonderful passing game. His vision is second to none in the QLD Cup and he has been the backbone offensively for the Jets this year. Add to this his solid defence (averages more than 30 tackles a game) and you have a pretty complete player.

The favourite: The Jets are favourites for this unique clash.

My tip: I think the Jets will have a bit too much in this clash, their unconventional play is hard to defend and the Knights have had to put a lot of effort and emotion into the last 4 weeks. Jets by 16.


1. Carlin Anderson 2. Marmin Barba 3. Liam Capewell 4. Nemani Valekapa 5. Richard Pandia 6. Josh Cleeland 7. Dane Phillips 8. Josh Seage 9. Matt Parcell 10. Rod Griffin 11. Sam Martin 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Keiron Lander
Interchange: 14. Landon Hayes 15. Kurtis Lingwoodock 16. Billy McConnachie 22. Fakahoko Teutau

1. Jake Mamo 2. Honeti Tuha 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Joseph Tapine 5. Ken Tofilau 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Damian Sironen 9. Danny Kerr 10. Sam Mataora 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Jacob Saifiti 13. Clint Newton
Interchange: 14. George Ndaira 15. Marvin Filipo 16. Michael Steele 17. Josh King 18. Luke Yates 27. Tama Koopu


Referees: Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea;


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