NRL Round 6 Preview - Knights v Cowboys

Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Saturday 17 April 2010, kickoff 5:30pm

The Newcastle Knights have everything to play for in this game. Their reputation is on the line after losing 4 games in a row including a heartbreaking home loss to Penrith on Easter Monday and then being convincingly beaten by South Sydney last week. Most league pundits are talking about the Bulldogs and Eels' woes in early 2010 - the Knights should be mentioned in the same disappointing breath.

With a talented 'spine' of De Gois, Dureau, Mullen and returning captain Kurt Gidley, Newcastle will be too strong for the visiting Cowboys who are completely ravaged by injury. Everything they do in attack goes through the missing Payne and Thurston. The Newcastle Knights are not fairdinkum if they lose this game. Also, Willie Mason has traditionally played well in his home town - he should do so again here and will be worth watching.

Man of the Match Prediction: Cory Paterson
Tip: Knights 32-12
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TEAM LISTS

Knights: 1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. Akuila Uate 3. Junior Sa'u 4. Wes Naiqama 5. Cooper Vuna 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Scott Dureau 8. Ben Cross 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Evarn Tuimavave 11. Cameron Ciraldo 12. Cory Paterson 13. Steve Simpson
Interchange: 14. Matt Hilder 15. Dan Tolar 16. Richie Fa'aoso 17. Mark Taufua; Reserves: 18. Con Mika

Cowboys: 1. Shannon Gallant 2. John Williams 3. Will Tupou 4. Willie Tonga 5. Ashley Graham 6. Grant Rovelli 7. Ray Thompson 8. Matthew Scott 9. Anthony Watts 10. Antonio Kaufusi 11. Scott Bolton 12. Steve Rapira 13. James Tamou
Interchange: 14. Clint Amos 15. Ty Williams 16. Willie Mason 17. Manase Manuokafoa; Reserves: 18. Carl Webb

Referees: Ashley Klein & Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis & Luke Potter; Video Referee: Phil Cooley