Knights v Raiders preview

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

A Knight to make a statement

The Newcastle Knights will be looking to claim a heavyweight scalp on Friday evening when they host the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Positioned among a group of 12 teams separated from fifth to 16th by just four premiership points, Newcastle will be eyeing consecutive wins for the first time since the opening rounds when they take on a high-flying Canberra side that can guarantee a place in the finals with victory.

Returning home buoyant following a last minute 26-20 victory over the Dolphins in Perth last Saturday, coach Adam O'Brien has named Jackson Hastings in place of Fletcher Sharpe, while Jacob Saifiti will make a welcome return from injury in the front-row.

The Knights have won seven out of ten matches against the Raiders under O'Brien, including a historic extra time victory during the 2023 finals series.

Phoenix Crossland will become the 41st man to appear in 100 first grade appearances for Newcastle, while journeyman Jack Cogger will bring up 50 games for the club nearly a decade on from his debut as a teenager.

Heading to the Hunter in rarified form following ten wins from their past 11 matches, the Canberra Raiders will be eyeing six straight wins for only the fifth time in the NRL era.

Getting out to a convincing lead before holding on to prevail 16-12 over the Wests Tigers last Friday, coach Ricky Stuart has rested Hudson Young with former Newcastle utility Simi Sasagi starting on an edge and Noah Martin joining the bench.

The Raiders hold an above average record at McDonald Jones Stadium during Stuart's tenure with four wins and a draw from eighth visits.

Rejuvenated forward Corey Horsburgh will make his 100th appearance for Canberra on Friday night, becoming the 54th man to achieve the feat since the Raiders joined the New South Wales Rugby League in 1982.

Last meeting: Round 18 2024 - Raiders 12 Knights 16

Who to watch: Whether as a halfback, hooker or lock, Phoenix Crossland has consistently put his best foot forward for Newcastle. Bringing up a century of appearances in red and blue on Friday evening, the 24-year-old has developed into one of the first players chosen during Adam O'Brien's tenure through determination and commitment to doing what is needed for his teammates. Getting through a tonne of defensive work while playing a key attacking role in the number 13 jersey, Crossland's milestone game could be a defining game in the side's bid to qualify for three straight finals series.

Coming up against his former team for the first time in the NRL, Simi Sasagi will be aiming to showcase the ability that has begun to be realised at the Raiders. Going from a reserve grade playmaker at Newcastle to a regular fixture of Ricky Stuart's squad over the past 18 months, the 24-year-old Samoan representative has grown into an edge forward role while retaining the versatility to play in the backline as needed. Extending his time in the nation's capital until the end of next season, Sasagi's versatility could prove vital as the Raiders strive to record six straight wins for the first time in nine years.

Favourite: The Raiders are expected to continue their winning ways with consecutive wins in Newcastle for only the third time in history.

My tip: Having struggled for consistency for much of 2025, the Knights have an opportunity to change the course of their season with an upset at home. Knights by 7.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. James Schiller 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Brodie Jones 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Elijah Leaumoana 20. Fletcher Hunt

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney 21. Danny Levi

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Chris Butler;