Knights v Wests Tigers: Ponga ruled out; Tamou to miss
The Knights should have a big home crowd on hand for their clash with Wests Tigers with supporters buoyed by their strong start to the season.
That 20-6 win over the more-fancied Roosters was arguably the team performance of the opening round, with the new halves pairing combining well and recruit Dane Gagai adding much-needed spark.
The Tigers can take plenty of positives of their own from a hard-fought 26-16 loss to another premiership heavyweght in the Storm, with the contest sitting at three tries apiece until the final 15 minutes.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Knights v Wests Tigers
The Rundown
Team news
Knights: A blow for the Knights on Saturday with skipper Kalyn Ponga ruled out after failing to recover from a knee injury suffered in the opening round. Tex Hoy takes over at fullback.
Daniel Saifiti (leg) was named among the reserves on Tuesday but dropped out of the squad on Saturday.
Wests Tigers: A setback for the Tigers on Saturday with co-captain James Tamou ruled out Alex Twal moving in to the front row and Thomas Mikaele joining the bench.
Tamou had been due to return from suspension.
Hooker Jake Simpkin has been named and is expected to be good to go despite hurting his shoulder against the Storm.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 20 Tex HoyFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine Laurie
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 James Roberts
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Oliver Gildart
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari TualaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Ken Maumalo
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jackson Hastings
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Adam CluneHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Jacob SaifitiProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Chris RandallHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jake Simpkin
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Prop for Knights is number 15 Mitchell BarnettProp for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Kurt MannLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tyrone Peachey
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Leo ThompsonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Zane Musgrove
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Jirah MomoiseaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Alex Seyfarth
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Interchange for Knights is number 18 Mat CrokerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Thomas Mikaele
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 21 Simi SasagiReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 19 Luke Garner
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Jake Clifford v Jackson Hastings: Clifford was among the Knights' best in the opening win, handing over some of the direction to Adam Clune while kicking and running the ball well and nabbing a crucial try. Hastings has looked polished through the pre-season and again in round one, with limited opportunity, and he will need to continue to take pressure off Luke Brooks if the team is to have a strong season.
Stat attack
The Knights missed just 13 tackles of any team in round one, the fewest of any side. The Tigers weren't far behind: their 21 misses was fourth best.
