Knights v Roosters preview

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Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters Thursday 7:50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Newcastle and Sydney do battle in round six.

Last Friday saw slippery conditions and staggered attack across high scoring affairs between the Roosters and Bulldogs, and Knights and Dragons. Sydney were heavy favourites, but fell 30-26 to a determined Canterbury-Bankstown outfit, whilst Newcastle relatively easily dismantled St George 30-10 at home.

For the Roosters, it was a tale of two halves - going into the break 26-0 after a dreadful display where i'll-disciple and sheer stupidity saw Dom Young sent off in the 26th minute. Somehow, despite being down to 12 men for the second half (11 when Victor Radley was in the sin bin) they managed to put on 26 points to the Bulldogs' 4. The contrast in performances left fans wondering what could've been if they started the match stronger.

Although conceding two tries in 21 minutes, the Knights were otherwise flawless in their statement win, where halves pairing Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger looked at ease, and star fullback Kalyn Ponga continued to revere in his magic. After a mixed start to the season, there was plenty to like from Newcastle in round five.

The Knights good luck continues, with no injuries or suspensions allowing coach Adam O'Brien to name the same 17 that took on the Dragons. Unfortunately, the Roosters don't have the same luxury, and are rocked with the loss of James Tedesco and Sam Walker due to concussion protocols, and a two game suspension to Dom Young.

Joey Manu will move to fullback with Michael Jennings replacing him at centre. Luke Keary shifts from ⅝ to halfback in Walkers' absence, and Connor Waston starting in the number 6 jumper. Junior Pauga replaces Young on the wing, along with the unforced changes of Nat Butcher being named in the second row, bumping Sitili Tupouniua to the bench alongside the returning Zach Dockar-Clay.

Last meeting: Round 16 2023 - Roosters 18 Knights 16

Who to watch: After previously being dropped to NSW cup in favour of a Cogger/Gamble halves pairing, halfback Jackson Hastings proved he was there to stay in his comeback match last Friday. Scoring one try and setting up another, Hastings has given himself a solid foundation to build upon across the remainder of the season.

It's almost cliche at this point to say be on the lookout for Kalyn Ponga as the game breaking fullback continues to soar to new heights. Claiming 6 Dally M points last week, Ponga was easily best on ground and shows no signs of slowing down. It'll take a mighty defensive effort from the Roosters to contain KP who's starting to find some dangerously good form.

It's always a delight to see Joseph Manu get a crack at fullback, with the prolific ball hog (I mean runner) relishing in the chance to get maximum involvement in the game. We've become accustomed to seeing some monster performances from Manu at fullback over the years. He's started the year well at centre, and will undoubtedly have something brewing this coming Thursday.

Playmaker Luke Keary has really struggled to start 2024, with a lack of clarity with his role in the halves and level of involvement in the game being glaringly obvious for fans, with his performances suffering as a result. A shift to halfback where he can maintain greater control may be what Keary needs, as he looks to snap out of a string of poor performances and return to the player he once was.

Favourite: The Newcastle Knights are favourite to beat the Sydney Roosters.

My tip: I'm usually good at NRL tipping, but somehow have only tipped one from five games I've previewed for League Unlimited. I'm hoping Newcastle can turn my fortune around, as I think they'll be too strong for an undermanned Roosters side. Knights by 14.

1. Kalyn Ponga 22. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 2. Thomas Jenkins

1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 5. Fetalaiga Pauga 6. Connor Watson 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 18. Egan Butcher

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Chris Butler;