Knights v Raiders preview

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Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders Thursday 8:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Josh looks at Thursday evening's battle between the Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal.

The Southern Hemisphere kick-off for the NRL comes to us from Newcastle on Thursday night with a replay of a dramatic Week 1 finals battle as the Knights play host to the Raiders.

The Knights will come into the season with confidence that they can improve on last season's performance, which saw them make the second week of the finals, following up that Elimination Final win over the Raiders with a subsequent heavy loss in Auckland against the Warriors. The Novocastrians had a mixed start to their the 2024 campaign with an impressive trial win against the Sharks in oppressively hot conditions in Gosford, before an somewhat ok performance against Melbourne in an humid Fiji.

Looking ahead for 2024, the Knights will be hoping for a strong start to make teams take note of them, and a clash against a young Raiders side on "opening" night could be a good way to do it. Last year, Newcastle started their season with a loss against the Warriors in Wellington, so the Knights' faithful will be hoping a home start brings better fortunes.

Teamwise there's very little surprise with Phoenix Crossland named in the 9 jersey for the Knights - Jayden Brailey remains out with a hamstring injury. The one surprise is the decision for Adam O'Brien to put 2023 Premiership winning half Jack Cogger on the bench as opposed to starting in the halves, with the faith being kept in Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble.

There is a lot of pressure on Raiders coach Ricky Stuart heading into 2024, because both the Raiders fans and club themselves like to talk themselves up - but despite making the top 8 last year, Canberra have really struggled to match their on-field performances to their talk. The start to 2023 was a slow one for the Green Machine as they lost their first two matches and left them slightly on the backfoot - something they'll no doubt be keen to correct this year.
In the trials, the Raiders showed a lot of promise like usual, despite only winning one of their two trial matches. Victorious over Parramatta in Week 1, they lost to the Cowboys a week later. The mix of experience and youth is going to be key for Canberra as they start the season somewhat weakened as opposed to their full-strength side.

Exciting youngster Ethan Strange will take on the five-eighth jersey for Round 1, which shows a strong backing for the young teenage star who was dominant in the trials. Suspensions and injuries have meant that coach Ricky Stuart has not been able to name his full strength team - Jordan Rapana is at fullback in place of suspended Sebastian Kris whilst new recruit Zac Hosking starts in place of Elliott Whitehead (calf). One somewhat surprising move has seen Danny Levi take the 9 jersey ahead of 2023 regular Zac Woolford.

Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2023 - Knights 30 Raiders 28

Who to watch: Knights halfback Jackson Hastings is a polarising figure and has been a strong competitor, but at times injury concerns have plagued his career. Despite being the more secure of the halves, the return of Jack Cogger to the Hunter could put the pressure on Hastings and he needs to make a big start to the year for his own sake.

One of the youngest players in the Raiders squad, Ethan Strange has the NRL world at his feet and looks to be a big star of the future. The opening round trip to Newcastle on a Thursday night isn't going to be an easy game for the Green Machine and they will want Strange to star and take a controlling role.

Favourite: Home ground advantage hands Newcastle the upper hand with the bookies.

My tip: This is a game that could end up very similar to their 2023 finals contest. The Knights probably have the edge on paper with a strong line-up but Canberra have that little bit of X-Factor that will make them dangerous if the Knights aren't up to the mark. The way that Jack Cogger is used will be interesting for the contest and could make or break the game for Newcastle. Knights by 6.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Kai Pearce-Paul 18. Jed Cartwright

1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Kaeo Weekes

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Chris Butler;