Round 21: Knights v Storm preview
Newcastle are in the race to make finals during these last seven rounds and with every win counting they are looking to take on a momentous task, facing the Storm who are a strong top four side.
The Knights are fresh off a win following their final bye of the season, where they defeated the battered West Tigers 34-18, also marking their first back-to-back win of the season. They are currently sitting in tenth position on the ladder with seven wins, one draw and nine loses, it will be tough challenge if they wish to slip into the eight during this final quarter of the season.
Experienced representative level centre Dane Gagai returns to the side after suffering an ankle injury that has left him sidelined for just over a month, where he replaces Enari Tuala. This is the only change to the Newcastle side that claimed victory over the Tigers in the previous round.
The Melbourne spine and supporting forward back put on bedazzling performance against the Roosters last round, despite a masterclass from many players alongside the win they unfortunately let two tries through in the final three minutes of the game, meaning their defence isn't quite perfect for the backend of the season.
After suffering a jaw injury earlier in the season, Marion Seve made his return through the QLD Cup last round, and he is listed among the reserves for this coming match. Bellamy sticks with the same side that rolled the Sydney Roosters, with Alec MacDonald retaining his bench spot and Bronson Garlick as 18th man. This is the second round in a row that the Storm have named the same starting seventeen (plus 18th man), possibly marking that the side have finally found their groove for the season and are perfecting a side and gameplay to lead them into finals.
History is certainly on the side of Melbourne for this matchup, where they have won their past 11 games against the Knights. Newcastle do however have a good history at their home ground this season, where they have won five of their past seven games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Both Dominic Young and Xavier Coates are young powerful wingers of their sides, with Young scoring 16 tries in his last 13 games and Coates scoring eight in his past four. Both of these young superstar wingers will be looking to add another try or two (or maybe even three) to their 2023 count this coming Saturday.
Last meeting: Round 8 2022 - Knights 2 Storm 50
Who to watch: Playing his 100th game for the Knights last round, Kalyn Ponga has been perfecting his game since returning to the fullback position in Round 13. Despite his poor goal kicking last week only converting three from seven attempts, Ponga was able to set up three tries as well as scoring his own four-pointer. Totalling five tries and 13 try assists so far this season, it will be no surprise to see him assist with a try or two along with adding another try to his count.
Harry Grant is one of the game's best 2023 dummy halves, who's specialty play is scoring tries off his own runs from dummy half. Grant has scored six tries, assisted with eight and even kicking his own 40-20 this year. I love watching him play and am looking forward to what he comes up with this coming Saturday especially after his stellar performance last week.
Favourite: Melbourne are favoured to claim victory against the Knights, and continue to consolidate a top four position on the ladder.
My tip: Melbourne have been putting together extremely improved and more cohesive attack in their past two games after losing to the Penrith in a messy Round 18 clash. Their defence is slightly spotty; however, I do not believe that the Knights are at the level to be able to capitalise and claim victory. Depending on how Newcastle starts the game this could either be a Melbourne blow out score or a more closer game, and I am leaning towards the second option. Melbourne by 14.
