Knights v Raiders: Trey's day; Big Papa back on deck
Last year's minor premiers Canberra and wooden spooners the Knights go head-to-head in Round 5 - but the formline has completely switched places.
Under new coach Justin Holbrook, Newcastle have found their steely edge and come into the game with a 3-1 record after defeating the Cowboys, Manly and the Bulldogs so far this season. There loss was in Round 3 to the Warriors.
Against the Bulldogs last week, they overcame the odds - as well as having a player in the sin bin - to defend their way to a 24-16 victory.
The Raiders however have an 1-3 record and are still looking to add another victory after posting a golden point victory over Manly in Round 1.
After suffering a poor 40-6 loss to the Warriors in Round 2, Ricky Stuart's men have been in their matches, but just not able to sustain that effort or pressure on their opposition for the full game.
Last week against the Sharks, their case was not helped by an early sin binning of forward Corey Horsburgh, but their fought their way back in a seesawing game, only to let Cronulla off the hook.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Round 5 -
home Team
Knights
4th Position
away Team
Raiders
15th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: Prop Trey Mooney is back from suspension so Pasami Saulo slides to the bench. Harrison Graham has been promoted to the No.14 role after a strong showing against the Bulldogs so Cody Hopwood drops to the reserves. No other changes for Justin Holbrook after an impressive win over the Bulldogs.
Raiders: Forward leader Josh Papalii is back from suspension so Morgan Smithies reverts to the bench. Kiwi centre Matt Timoko and speedster Chevy Stewart have been added to the six-man interchange with Daine Laurie and Jed Stuart dropping to the reserves.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher HuntFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher SharpeFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Sandon SmithHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan Sanders
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey MooneyProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Noah Martin
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat CrokerLock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison GrahamInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Jayden Brailey
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson FrizellInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Zac Hosking
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Pasami SauloInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Ata Mariota
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Thomas CantInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Morgan Smithies
-
Interchange for Knights is number 18 Tyson GambleInterchange for Raiders is number 18 Chevy Stewart
-
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Wilson De CourceyInterchange for Raiders is number 19 Matthew Timoko
Reserves
-
Reserve for Knights is number 20 Cody HopwoodReserve for Raiders is number 20 Owen Pattie
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Francis ManuleleuaReserve for Raiders is number 21 Jed Stuart
-
Reserve for Knights is number 22 James SchillerReserve for Raiders is number 22 Daine Laurie
Knights Ins
- Francis Manuleleua
- James Schiller
- Trey Mooney
Raiders Ins
- Chevy Stewart
- Josh Papalii
- Matthew Timoko
- Owen Pattie
Knights Outs
Raiders Ins
- Joe Roddy
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have lost their last seven games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Raiders have won three of their last four games against the Knights.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored six tries in his last six games against the Raiders.
- Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored a try in his last three games against the Knights.
- With a win, the Knights will equal their best start after five rounds, since 2015.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
