Knights v Raiders preview

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

Last year's minor premiers, the Canberra Raiders, will be looking to get a season that is quickly slipping away back on track when they face the Newcastle Knights.

It may be harsh to declare that this soon, but for a Raiders team that looked a genuine premiership threat last year this has been an alarming fall from grace.

Their only win came in dramatic fashion against Manly, who has since sacked its coach.

Otherwise, Canberra has struggled for the same consistency and defensive resolve which defined its breakout 2025 campaign.

There was always going to be some level of regression, especially without halfback Jamal Fogarty as the emerging Ethan Sanders finds his feet, but Ricky Stuart has long maintained high expectations for his team. Expectations that aren't being met.

If the Raiders are to challenge for the premiership again they need to finish inside the top four, and any chance of that happening appears to quickly be fading.

With a disjointed attack and defence that is suffering as a result of self-inflicted errors, the Raiders fell 34-22 to the Sharks last week and now stare at the prospect of starting the year 1-4.

The Knights, on the other hand, have shown improvement under new coach Justin Holbrook and in spite of losing star duo Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown.

While that would have usually been a death sentence for the Newcastle of old, the Knights rallied last week to down the highly-fancied Bulldogs in a statement win that said a lot about the impact Holbrook has had in a short period of time.

That is especially true when you consider it came after a comprehensive loss to the Warriors at home.

Now, after a character-defining victory, you would expect the Newcastle faithful to pack out McDonald Jones Stadium for Sunday's game.

Expectations will be high. The new challenge is living up to them, especially in front of a home crowd that has been let down so much in the past.

For the record, Newcastle has lost seven straight at McDonald Jones Stadium and 11 of the past 12.

In team news, Trey Mooney returns from suspension to face his former club with Pasami Saulo dropping back to the bench.

As for the Raiders, Josh Papalii is also back from suspension in a big boost which sees Morgan Smithies shifted to the bench, while Joe Roddy drops out.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart had previously floated recalling centre Matt Timoko and he joins the extended bench and is a chance of returning for Canberra.

Last meeting: Round 21 2025 - Raiders 44 Knights 18

Who to watch: It's only early, but Dominic Young looks revitalised this season under Holbrook. The former Roosters flyer is playing the best football in his career, running for the fourth-most metres in the competition (685) with the tied third-most linebreaks. He is a sight to behold in space and the Knights have done a good job to get him early ball on the outside and let him do his thing.

The Raiders desperately need one of their leaders in the forward pack to stand up in this game, and former Knight Joseph Tapine makes sense to be that guy. Tapine is typically the kind of no-nonsense, workhorse Canberra would turn to in a moment like this and with errors and ill-discipline hurting them, the Raiders need an inspired performance from their captain against a much-improved Knights pack.

Favourite: Despite the recent form, the Raiders are favourites here.

MY TIP: The Raiders will certainly be desperate and after being virtually left for dead last week, expectations will definitely be higher for the Knights and with that comes plenty of pressure. Despite being favourites, it is hard to trust Canberra at the moment and back at home playing with plenty of confidence, we will take the Knights to continue their winning ways. Newcastle by 2.

1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Wilson De Courcey

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Matthew Timoko

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Chris Butler;