Penrith punish rusty Roosters
10 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
Can the Warriors break through against the improving Knights?
Having been highly criticised for their opening two performances, the Warriors went agonisingly close to registering their first win against Melbourne last week, only to be outplayed by the poise and experience of Cooper Cronk. Hosting a Knights side that has managed just one win at Mt. Smart Stadium in a decade, the Warriors will be hoping their strong form at the venue proves to be a contributing factor in registering their first win of 2016. With coach Andrew McFadden coming under fire for his decision to relegate blockbusting centre Konrad Hurrell to reserve grade, the Tongan powerhouse will make his first appearance of the season off the bench, replacing utility Nathaniel Roache. With Manu Vatuvei and Issac Luke still out with injury respectively, seasoned winger Jonathan Wright and rookie hooker Jazz Tevaga retain their positions after solid showings against the Storm.
Staring down the barrel of yet another loss last week, the Knights showed remarkable commitment to fight back from 16-0 down to come away with a draw against the Raiders. With a healthy mixture of rookies and seasoned veterans, the Knights look set to continue their development under coach Nathan Brown and will have their sights set firmly on condemning the Warriors to a winless opening month. Retaining the same side that impressed at home last week, Sione Mata'utia will need to beat a dangerous throw charge in order to take his place, however should the Australian international be ruled out, expect Akuila Uate to return to the side after sitting out last week through injury. Having provided the Knights with a much-needed boost off the bench last week, forwards Mickey Paea and Pauli Pauli will be out to replicate their performances on Monday in order to offset the size of the Warriors forward pack and deliver Newcastle their first win of 2016.
Last meeting: Round 12 2015 - Warriors 24 Knights 20
Who to watch: Hailed as the next great Kiwi superstar during his tenure at the Roosters, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be hoping his strong form against Newcastle continues on Monday afternoon. Crossing for five tries in as many games, including a hat-trick last season, the Warriors fullback will be out to exploit the inexperienced Knights outfit with his blinding speed and mesmerising footwork. While his effort with the ball has continued since crossing the ditch over the off-season, he hasn't provided the impact that saw the Roosters claim three consecutive minor premierships, however once he does the Warriors have the potential to become the most dangerous side in the NRL.
Having toiled away with the Raiders and Knights since debuting in 2010, front-rower Sam Mataora appears to have hit his potential under the guidance of Nathan Brown. Drifting in and out of first grade last season, the Cook Islands international has lead the way for Newcastle up-front, culminating in a starring effort against his former club last week, including a crucial try in the second half. Set to face off against one of the most experienced forward packs in the league, Mataora will be looking to continue his development and help the Knights record their first win of 2016.
The favourite: Having pushed Melbourne last week, the Warriors are expected to break though against the inexperienced Knights at home.
My tip: Widely expected to finish at the bottom of the ladder, Newcastle showed tremendous grit and tenacitity last week. If the side can replicate their second half showing on a regular basis, the Knights are capable of upsetting a number of sides throughout the season. Knights by 10.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 21. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 20. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 13. Simon Mannering 12. Ryan Hoffman 17. Albert Vete
Interchange: 14. Charlie Gubb 15. Sam Lisone 16. Konrad Hurrell 9. Jazz Tevaga
1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 5. Cory Denniss 4. Pat Mata'utia 20. Jake Mamo 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 14. Danny Levi 10. Korbin Sims 11. Jacob Saifiti 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 9. Tyler Randell 15. Mickey Paea 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. Pauli Pauli
Referees: Adam Devcich, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Shane Rehm, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Ashley Klein, Bernard Sutton;