Raiders v Knights: Sasagi returns; Frizell the milestone man
The Raiders will be looking to get back on track this week against the Knights after their recent run of good form was halted by Penrith.
Canberra were aiming for five wins in a row - but against this year's ladder leaders, they hit a snag and were unable to match them in their match at Mudgee.
They face a tough challenge this week however against a Knights side who are still full of belief, despite losing key players Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas for the season.
Under coach Justin Holbrook this year, Newcastle's team have been rewarded for their spirit and will be looking to press their case for a top four finish with a win.
Last week they proved too strong for the Broncos and ended last year's defending premiers title defence.
In the absence of some of their stars, they have seen some new talents emerge, including forwards Cody Hopwood and Francis Manuleleua.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 23 -
home Team
Raiders
11th Position
away Team
Knights
6th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Raiders: Centre Simi Sasagi is back from a hamstring injury so Seb Kris makes way in the only change to Ricky Stuart's 19-man squad for the must-win clash against the Knights. Sasagi was a late withdrawal from last week's loss to the Panthers.
Knights: Tyson Frizell has been named to start in his 300th NRL game with Cody Hopwood on the bench in the only minor change for Justin Holbrook after a big win over the Broncos. Harrison Graham has been added to the bench after missing last week's game with hamstring tightness.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo WeekesFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Jed StuartWinger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Simi SasagiCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew TimokoCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier SavageWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher Sharpe
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan SandersHalfback for Knights is number 7 Sandon Smith
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Corey HorsburghProp for Knights is number 8 Tyson Frizell
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Owen PattieHooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Knights is number 10 Trey Mooney
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Zac Hosking2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Jermaine McEwen
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Ata Mariota2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Francis Manuleleua
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan SmithiesLock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison Graham
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Joe RoddyInterchange for Knights is number 15 Cody Hopwood
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh PapaliiInterchange for Knights is number 16 Lachlan Crouch
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Daine LaurieInterchange for Knights is number 17 Thomas Cant
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 18 Savelio TamaleInterchange for Knights is number 18 Fletcher Hunt
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Matty NicholsonInterchange for Knights is number 19 Brodie Jones
Reserves
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Coby BlackReserve for Knights is number 20 Toby Winter
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Mark TuialiiReserve for Knights is number 21 Kyle McCarthy
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Vena Patuki-CaseReserve for Knights is number 22 Diesel Hagan
Raiders Ins
- Coby Black
- Mark Tuialii
- Simi Sasagi
- Vena Patuki-Case
Knights Ins
- Diesel Hagan
- Harrison Graham
- Kyle McCarthy
Raiders Outs
- Sebastian Kris
Knights Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won four of their last five games at GIO Stadium.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored six tries in his last five games against the Raiders.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored five tries in his last six games.
- Knights prop Tyson Frizell will make his 300th NRL appearance.
- Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in six games against the Knights.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Don't miss a double header at GIO Stadium as the Raiders NRL and NRLW sides take centre-stage. Tickets are selling fast, click here to secure your seats today.
