Knights v Wests Tigers preview

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Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers Sunday 4:05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Redemption on the menu as Newcastle hit home

Newcastle return home for the first time since Round 2 when they host the Wests Tigers in the final match of Round 6.

The Knights have had a mixed start to season 2025. After a strong opening fortnight, the Novocastrians have stumbled over the last fortnight. Two disappointing losses against the Titans and the Bulldogs have the Knights stumbling into this fixture. Yes, there have been injuries and you can make the argument that they have been brave, but overall they will admit that they are down on form from their lofty high standards. 

Heading into this game against the Tigers, they are struggling on forward troops with Jacob Saifiti unavailable after an unfortunate injury as he was running out onto Accor Stadium last week. That makes the challenge of stopping the visitors pack even more challenging. Other players to not finish last week were Jack Hetherington and James Schiller while Jack Cogger had surgery on a dislocated finger.

That is priority one, their edge defence has been fairly good this season. Their attack also has to improve, players like Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Fletcher Sharpe are still in this football side, so to score a combined six points in their last two outings is really unacceptable and has to change fast.

Onto team news and the Knights have been absolutely gutted ahead of this fixture. Out of the side are Jack Cogger (finger), James Schiller (concussion), Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Adam Elliott. NSW Cup outside back Kyle McCarthy gets a chance on the wing. Phoenix Crossland moves into the halves with Jayden Brailey at hooker. Brodie Jones starts up front with Kai Pearce-Paul returning from suspension in the backrow. Matt Arthur makes his Knights debut off the bench and we have an NRL debut for former rugby convert Tyrone Thompson.

Well for the Tigers you look at their record and you can easily make the argument that they could be 4-1. Last week's second half fadeout against the Broncos has been the only occurrence where the Tigers haven't been competitive this season. They will be looking for revenge after a narrow opening round loss at home to the Knights. Terrell May has shown signs of renewal at the club after his ugly exit from the Roosters, showing his leadership up front.

To beat the Knights they need to write the wrongs of those tight losses they have had this season. With ball in hand, they have just rushed a little with ball in hand. Lachie Galvin is the talk of the rugby league world amidst his contract talk, but he showed against the Broncos that he is ready to take that next step. They should get some readership back for this one, which will be a big help in their chance of winning. 

Onto team news and while the hosts are gutted, the visitors welcome back Jarome Luai in the halves for the injured Latu Fainu. Jeral Skelton is on the wing for Luke Laulilii. Samuela Fainu is a welcome addition back in for Jack Bird who reverts to the bench while Tony Sukkar is in the reserves. 

Last meeting: Round 1 2025 - Wests Tigers 8 Knights 10

Who to watch: The focus is squarely on Kalyn Ponga. After a quiet fortnight, Ponga is simply primed for a big one in this one. After being kept under 100 metres for the first time in what feels like an eternity, KP will want to attack this game with everything he has and go after the Tigers edge defence which did struggle at times last weekend.

For the Tigers, we are looking at Apisai Koroisau. In a side that was looking for leaders, Koroisau did all he could against the Broncos last weekend, guiding his team around the park in a potent 1-2 punch with Tallyn Da Silva. This season has been a quiet one for the hooker on the stat sheet. But his mere presence is a lifter and boost for this Tigers side.

Favourite: The Knights are favourites with the bookies for this one. The Tigers have only won twice against the Knights since 2020 with both wins coming in 2021. 

My tip: Newcastle back at home on a Sunday afternoon with their backs against the wall just feels like a scenario too good to pass up for the home side to win. The Tigers will make them earn it though, it feels like a game where both sides have to win to set themselves up heading into the critical next stage of the premiership. With that in mind and the returnees, they should get revenge for Round 1 in a tight contest. Tigers by 4.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle McCarthy 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Phoenix Crossland 15. Tyrone Thompson 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Brodie Jones 14. Matthew Arthur 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Paul Bryan

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To'a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 19. Heath Mason

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;