Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos
Sharks hoping to take big bite out of wounded Cowboys
4 hours ago | Josh Robertson
Knights v Broncos preview
McCullough looks to heap further misery on former side
Anthony Seibold admitted during the week that he regrets letting Andrew McCullough leave. By Friday morning he may regret it even more as the former Broncos rake looks to continue his strong form at Newcastle.
The Knights were outclassed by the Storm early last week, falling to a 18-0 deficit. While a disappointing 26-12 defeat ensued, it is a credit to the coaching of Adam O'Brien that Newcastle were able to peg their way back to within one try of Melbourne.
The Knights of old would have collapsed under such pressure - you only have to look at their 54-10 thumping at the hands of Penrith last year.
But this is a much more resilient bunch and they will be eager to bounce back this week or risk undoing all of their good work in the opening weeks of the season.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon returns on the edge in the only notable team news.
On the contract front, star fullback Kalyn Ponga signed a four-year contract extension as he vowed to deliver a premiership to the city of Newcastle.
They look primed to have a serious tilt this year.
Unlike Newcastle, Brisbane got off to a fast start last week as they raced out to an 18-0 lead over Manly. They tired quickly in the second half though, being run down in the end and remain winless since the season resumed.
Seibold's men only sit two points outside the eight so not all hope is lost but this is a club steeped in success and anything less than a finals finish this year will see questions asked.
Compounding Brisbane's woes is a hamstring injury to gun centre Kotoni Staggs. It sees Corey Oates shift to the wing with Herbie Farnworth moving into the centres.
They are bolstered up front by the returns of Alex Glenn and Tevita Pangai-Junior though, with the former adding some much needed experience alongside new recruit Ben Te'o. Issac Luke is also a chance of making his club debut after being named on the extended bench.
Last meeting: Round 15 2019 - Knights 26 Broncos 12
Who to watch: The match-up in the centres sees two players at the opposite ends of their careers battle it out. Bradman Best is the talk of the NRL. Five tries, nine tackle busts and three line breaks from just five games will do that to you. The best is yet to come from the 18-year old - a scary prospect for the rest of the competition and his opposite number this week.
Darius Boyd turned back the clock with one of his best performances of recent memory last week against Manly. Boyd, unlike Best, is nearing the end of his career having played 322 games, represented his country and state at the highest level. The ultimate professional, Boyd will have to make sure his contact is strong this week against the imposing Best. The 18-year old may give up plenty of games of experience but he more than makes up for it with his size and tackle-busting ability.
The favourite: Newcastle are well-backed to continue Brisbane's woes.
My tip: To be honest, I think the Broncos would have preferred it if the Knights had won last week. Instead, they were handed a reality check and will be even more switched on. Knights by 20.
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 18. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Sione Mata'utia 16. Tim Glasby 13. Herman Ese'ese 14. Tex Hoy 15. Jacob Saifiti 17. Aidan Guerra
1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Darius Boyd 5. Xavier Coates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matthew Lodge 18. Issac Luke 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 15. Ben Te'o 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Thomas Flegler
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Tim Alouani-Roby, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Bryan Norrie;