Round 18: Roosters v Knights preview
Two teams stinging off shock last-start losses look to shore up their finals prospects
The cavalry returns this week as the Roosters hope to put the disruptions of the Origin period behind them.
James Tedesco and Boyd Cordner both return while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will also take his place after being cleared by the judiciary on Tuesday.
The focus now turns to consolidating their position in the top four.
As it stands, the fourth-placed Roosters only sit two wins ahead of the Panthers, who round out the top eight.
The defending premiers have had plenty of excuses for their recent struggles, rarely able to put the same seventeen out for consecutive weeks.
But now that they are virtually full-strength the pressure will be on to put themselves in the best position possible to claim back-to-back titles.
This week they will also be looking for revenge against a Newcastle outfit that belted them earlier in the year 38-12.
It was at that point that many people really starting taking the Knights seriously.
But back-to-back home losses to the Warriors and Bulldogs have seen doubts creep in once more.
Nathan Brown's men now sit just one win ahead of the ninth-placed Sharks and are at serious risk of plunging out of the eight.
The return of livewire Kalyn Ponga this week is crucial after an uninspiring attacking display in last week's 20-14 defeat to the Bulldogs.
But they can't expect him to do it all. That is a dangerous way of thinking.
Last meeting: Round 11 2019 - Knights 38 Roosters 12
Who to watch: The battle of the fullbacks alone is worth price of admission. Fresh off claiming the Wally Lewis Medal for Player of the Origin Series, James Tedesco has announced himself as the competition's form fullback. His transformation under coach Robinson has been immense. Always considered a damaging runner, it is Tedesco's improvement with the ball in hand that has added an extra dimension to the Roosters' attack.
Kalyn Ponga has also significantly improved Newcastle's attack, even without the ball in hand. The 21-year old has constantly impressed with his fancy footwork and speed. Just his presence alone often puts the opposition defence in two minds. The Knights struggled for answers last week against Canterbury and will greatly appreciate Ponga's return.
The favourite: The Roosters are well backed to jag a win.
My tip: The return of Ponga is much-needed for Newcastle but they won't be able to match the intensity of the Tricolours up front. Roosters by 14.
