Round 4: Knights v Dragons preview
Stuttering Knights host surging Dragons
The Knights were heavily backed to roll the Tigers last Sunday and join the premiership pacesetters at the top of the table with three consecutive victories. In Mitchell Pearce's 300th everything pointed towards an extended celebration until woeful hands forced Newcastle to chase their tail. A late rally had the locals on edge, but in the end with 18 errors and a 67 per cent completion rate, the Knights got what they deserved.
The loss of Bradman Best until at least round 5 knocked Newcastle off its axis. In the Origin hopeful's absence the Knights' re-positioned edges resembled a bumbling comedy where between them, Dominic Young and Gehamat Shibasaki combined for six errors, the last proving to be the final nail in the coffin.
Back on home turf for the third time in four starts, even with the composed Blake Green named on the bench, Newcastle can ill afford to turn up with their hands in their pockets. With a tough month to follow against the Titans, Sharks, Panthers and Roosters, a win over the Dragons will give Adam O'Brien welcome breathing space.
For Anthony Griffin last week proved to be a mixed bag. By the time Ben Hunt hobbled off against Manly, he had well and truly turned his and the Dragons' early season woes around. Now sidelined for an extended period, the pressure is on Adam Clune to strike up the same combination with Andrew McCullough to continue the Dragons march through centre field.
Despite the loss of their skipper, there's plenty to like about the St George Illawarra revival. Having controlled possession, the Dragons pack dominated for the second successive week freeing up Corey Norman to play a role in three tries and Matt Dufty to run amok.
If history is any guide, the Dragons with 12 wins from the last 16 encounters are specials, but tipsters should be aware that Newcastle has racked up massive victories in the past two meetings.
Last meeting: Round 19 2020 - Knights 42 Dragons 18
Who to watch: There's lots to like upfront and out wide in this week's Alex McKinnon Cup.
Newcastle's loss had nothing to do with Daniel Saifiti, the menacing prop's 167m bent the Tigers line all day and his late try assist should have been enough to ice the game. Busting a gut in the engine room alongside fellow NSW hopefuls David Klemmer and Tyson Frizell, all eyes will be on the Knights backs to reciprocate the effort.
With a club record-equaling 22 points against the Sea Eagles, Zac Lomax should smell blood in the water against a hesitant Knights back-line. The high flying centre has become adept at converting routine kicks into points and rubbing it in from the tee. Now with Jack Bird suspended and Hunt on the injured list, the Dragons centre can expect even more action in a team eyeing a hat-trick of wins.
The favourite: The bookies like the home ground advantage in this one and have sided with the Knights.
My tip: This is an Easter Sunday clash to be enjoyed with friends and a plate of hot cross buns. In a contest that promises to be six of one, half a dozen of the other, the only certainty should be a full stomach. With boat sides missing key talent the final result could come down to the potency of Mitch Pearce and Corey Norman. In a thriller, I'm tipping the latter to extend the Red-V's successful run. St George Illawarra by 1.
