Match Centre

Round 1: Roosters v Knights preview

Roosters aim high after injury-riddled 2021 with their first challenge a determined Knights side

Both teams will be looking to start their 2022 campaign with a victory when the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon.

After a disappointing end to their 2021 season at the hands of Manly, the Sydney Roosters will be raring to go this year with a side that coach Trent Robinson will hope can turn the club back into serious premiership contenders. Robinson, who recently re-signed with the Roosters until 2028, will be at the helm of the Roosters for his 10th season in 2022, and is the longest-serving Head Coach in the club's history.

The Sydney Roosters will be hoping to bounce back from some lacklustre trial performances - going down to Canberra (32-18) and the Wests Tigers (8-16) - and will be aided by the return of experienced playmaker Luke Keary. Talented young centre Billy Smith has been chosen over new recruit Kevin Naiqama in place of injured up and comer Joseph Suaalii. 22 year old Smith will play in only his 6th NRL game after an ankle injury ended his 2021 campaign prematurely. The Roosters won all three of the matches Billy Smith played in last year.

Connor Watson will make his return to the Roosters after a 4 year stint with Newcastle, and will start at hooker against his old club in place of Sam Verrills who is out through suspension. Maroons prop Lindsay Collins makes his return from a knee injury sustained against the Knights last year in their comfortable round 8 victory.

The Newcastle Knights will be looking to make their third consecutive finals appearance this year, a task that has been made considerably tougher after hooker and co-captain Jayden Brailey injured his achilles in training. This opens the door for Chris Randall to show his worth through the opening rounds of the season after being promoted into the top 30 for the first time.

Star forward Daniel Saifiti is out with a fractured tibia, and is replaced by his brother Jacob in the starting side. Rugby convert Leo Thompson has been named to make his NRL debut off the bench. The prop, who was described by Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien as ‘explosive', joined the Knights on a development contract at the start of 2022, before being granted a spot in the top 30 after impressing in the pre-season. New signing Dane Gagai will get his first start in Newcastle colours since 2017, and former Dragons halfback Adam Clune has big shoes to fill, starting in place of Mitchell Pearce after his move to the South of France. He would have gained some confidence after playing a commanding role in his side's trial draw with Canterbury (16-16) just 3 weeks ago.

The Newcastle side are coming off a trial loss against Melbourne (24-10), in which some defensive issues were exposed. They will be severely tested by a Roosters side who will throw everything at them at the line, and it may also take some time to adjust to life without Mitchell Pearce.

The Knights are winless from two attempts on the hallowed turf of the SCG, and will be desperate to change that this Saturday.

Last meeting: Round 19 2021 - Roosters 28 Knights 8

Who to watch: After playing only two games last year, the return of Luke Keary from an ACL injury will be a massive boost for a Roosters side that lacked experience last year. His role this season as a senior head in the squad means that the success of the side will rely significantly on his performance. His partner in the halves, Sam Walker, will benefit from a mentor on the field, and a good game from Keary could lift the whole team to a resounding victory.

Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga has a lot of weight on his shoulders this year. No longer the young and exciting prospect, he has been around the Knights set up for 4 years now and expectations to deliver are high. Named as co-captain along with the injured Jayden Brailey, the 23 year old is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2024, showing that the club has complete faith in his talent. 2022 should be another massive year for him, and getting off on the right foot this weekend against the Roosters is crucial to both the clubs and his own future.

The favourite: The Sydney Roosters are favoured to start the season with a comfortable win at home this Saturday.

My tip: In what will be a very entertaining match-up, the Roosters should out class the inexperienced Newcastle spine. Roosters by 10.