Round 2: Wests Tigers v Knights preview
The Wests Tigers and the Newcastle Knights will be looking to bounce back from their respective disappointing first round performances when they clash on Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval.
It's the second straight Sunday afternoon game at Leichhardt Oval for the Wests Tigers, but they will be hoping to put on a better showing this week. Despite controlling possession and territory in round one against the Gold Coast, they struggled in attack and simple errors led to points being leaked. The 22-10 loss was an unexpected one for the merger, with excitement surrounding the club during trials.
In a controversial move, Tim Sheens pulled Api Koroisau on to the bench to begin the game last week, giving Jake Simpkin the go-ahead in the starting 17. Despite the success that Penrith experienced when employing this strategy last season, question marks remain over whether this move was the right one for the Tigers. It'll be a difficult decision for the coaching staff that could go either way come game day.
Despite failing his HIA last weekend, Shawn Blore was named in the team released on Tuesday afternoon. Appearing to suffer from leg issues in round one, Tommy Talau has still been named. Charlie Staines will get another chance to show his worth in a Tigers jersey with Ken Maumalo sidelined through injury.
Joe Ofahenghaue has been promoted into the starting side at the expense of Alex Twal, while Alex Seyfarth will take to the field off the bench in his first NRL game of 2023. Promising youngster Fonua Pola has been left out of the 17, as has John Bateman who continues his preparation for a Tigers debut in the near future.
The Knights will be ruing missed opportunities from their opening clash with the Warriors across the ditch last Friday. Attempting to stage a comeback late on in the game, Kalyn Ponga was removed from the field for a HIA, causing a backline reshuffle. Newcastle never really looked in control, and were ultimately comfortably beaten 20-12.
Knights number nine Jayden Brailey demonstrated his class in a shining performance for the defeated Newcastle side. His impressive statistics from the full 80 minutes - notably 49 tackles and zero missed tackles - show that he will be a significant player throughout the season that will have a big impact on Newcastle's final result. Up against NSW hooker Api Koroisau in this game, he'll need to have another big performance to get Newcastle over the line.
Dane Gagai is the big in for the Knights, recovering from a hamstring injury. Jack Johns has been given a bench spot with Adam Elliott dropping out, while Tyson Frizell has been named despite concerns around a head injury. Greg Marzhew is amongst the reserves while he continues to suffer from a hip injury.
The Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights have faced each other 34 times, with the wins split evenly at 17 apiece. Newcastle have won their past two matches head-to-head, and will want to make it three at the 8th Wonder of the World on Sunday.
Last meeting: Round 21 2022 - Wests Tigers 10 Knights 14
Who to watch: These two sides engaged in a swap deal over the off-season, with both Jackson Hastings and David Klemmer lining up against their former clubs this weekend.
Both will be eager to prove their worth to their new club and fan base, while also showing their old club what they're missing. Expect a passionate game from both of these players, especially in front of the diehard Leichhardt Oval supporters.
The favourite: The Wests Tigers are small margin favourites heading into this one.
My tip: Unlike the Knights, the Tigers showed promise when they weren't dropping the ball in round one. If they hold onto it, they'll win. Tigers by 10.
