Friday night footy: Knights v Roosters; Rabbitohs v Storm
Can the Knights defend their fortress in Newcastle or will the Roosters make it five wins on the trot?
Can the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs dig deep and down the Storm for the second time this season or will Jahrome Hughes find a way to keep his team's top-eight hopes alive?
Two intriguing clashes on a Friday night as for fans to watch the NRL's finest strut their stuff.
With so much at stake for all four clubs, this promises to be one hell of a night of footy and you can follow it all on NRL.com's live blog.
Knights v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium
Match: Knights v Roosters
Round 21 -
home Team
Knights
6th Position
away Team
Roosters
3rd Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Kick off: Roosters have first use of the ball.
Match preview
Knights v Roosters: Round 21
Late Mail
Knights: A late swap on game day with Cody Hopwood promoted to the starting side in his return from a calf injury. Tyson Frizell goes to the bench. Skipper Kalyn Ponga dropped out on Thursday due to quad tightness with Fletcher Sharpe moving to fullback and Sandon Smith the new five-eighth. Centre Dane Gagai has succumbed to calf tightness so the versatile Fletcher Hunt will start in the No.3 jersey. Lachlan Crouch is also out. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana and Kyle McCarthy have been added to the six-man bench.
Roosters: The Roosters are 1-19 with no late changes. James Tedesco (concussion) is back on deck and centre Rob Toia returns after being given a post-Origin rest last week. Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala move to the interchange.
Numbers Game
- The Knights have not defeated the Roosters in Newcastle since 2019.
- The Roosters have won nine of their last 10 games against the Knights.
- Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas has scored nine tries in his last nine games.
- Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 10 tries in his last 10 games against the Knights.
- The Knights have won their last five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Rabbitohs v Storm at Accor Stadium
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 21 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Storm
11th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Match preview
Rabbitohs v Storm: Round 21
Numbers Game
- The Rabbitohs have won all five games at Accor Stadium this season.
- The Storm have won 12 of their last 15 games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs are aiming for back-to-back wins over the Storm for the first time.
- Storm prop Josh King will make his 200th NRL appearance.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 19 tries in 16 games against the Storm.
