Raiders v Knights: Sasagi returns; Best, Crossland out
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
12th Position
away Team
Knights
6th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Raiders: Tom Starling will start the game with Owen Pattie moving to the bench in a game day swap. 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. Back-rower Matty Nicholson has now had two games back off the bench and is part of the interchange again with Stuart indicating he will play NSW Cup later on Sunday if he doesn't get on in NRL. The Raiders have won four of their last five games on their home patch at GIO Stadium.
Knights: Phoenix Crossland has come out of the side on Sunday with Harrison Graham starting the game in his return from a hamstring injury. Diesel Hagan joins the six-man interchange in jersey No.22 and could make his NRL debut. Centre Bradman Best dropped out on Saturday due to a calf strain suffered in last week's win over Brisbane. Fletcher Hunt comes into the starting side at centre, with Toby Winter moving onto the six-man bench. After coming off the interchange in 17 of his 18 games this season, veteran Tyson Frizell has been named to start in his 300th NRL match. That pushes Cody Hopwood to the bench.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 23 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Knights
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 18 Fletcher Hunt
-
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 10 Trey Mooney
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingHooker for Knights is number 14 Harrison Graham
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Knights is number 15 Cody Hopwood
-
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 9 Owen PattieInterchange for Knights is number 8 Tyson Frizell
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Joe RoddyInterchange for Knights is number 16 Lachlan Crouch
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh PapaliiInterchange for Knights is number 17 Thomas Cant
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Daine LaurieInterchange for Knights is number 19 Brodie Jones
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 18 Savelio TamaleReserve for Knights is number 20 Toby Winter
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Matty NicholsonReserve for Knights is number 22 Diesel Hagan
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.
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