Raiders v Knights: Cook calls shots; Captain Kalyn's back
The battle of 11th and 12th on the ladder promises to be an intriguing one with the Knights coming off a thrilling home win and the Raiders smarting after a frustrating away defeat.
With Bradman Best in devastating form and Will Pryce a revelation on debut, the Knights withstood a strong challenge from a desperate Eels outfit in front of the Newcastle faithful.
They must now make the trek to the national capital to face the Raiders, who pushed table toppers Melbourne to the limit before going down 16-6 at AAMI Park.
After starting the season with three wins on the bounce on home soil the Raiders have dropped their past three at GIO Stadium and will be desperate to put on a show for the Green Machine faithful.
The Knights have won just two of their past seven matches in Canberra but did come away with a comprehensive 28-6 victory there in Round 22 last year.
Forwards Leo Thompson (Achilles) and Dylan Lucas (hamstring) both return in a boost for Newcastle as they enter an important three-game stretch against the Raiders, Sea Eagles and Broncos before their final bye of the season in Round 21.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Knights
Team News
Raiders: NSW Origin forward Hudson Young was a late withdrawal 24 hours before kick-off, with Ata Mariota to start in the second row and Emre Guler joining the bench. A new-look backline for Ricky Stuart with Kaeo Weekes at fullback, Jordan Rapana on the wing, Albert Hopoate in the centres and Adam Cook at halfback. Simi Sasagi joins the interchange in place of last week's debutant Jordan Martin (concussion protocols). No late changes on game day with Seb Kris the 18th man.
Knights: A massive boost for the Knights with skipper Kalyn Ponga back from the foot injury that has sidelined him since Round 7. Prop Leo Thompson returns after being a late withdrawal last week with an Achilles problem while back-rower Dylan Lucas (hamstring) is also back on deck. However, Adam Elliott was a late withdrawal 24 hours before kick-off, with Mat Croker to start at lock. Hooker Phoenix Crossland (concussion protocols) will miss the match so Jayden Brailey starts in the No.9 and Fletcher Sharpe fills the utility role off the bench. No further changes on game day.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 18 -
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 Jordan RapanaWinger for Knights is number 2 Enari Tuala
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew TimokoCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Albert HopoateCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier SavageWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Will Pryce
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Adam CookHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh PapaliiProp for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom StarlingHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan SmithiesLock for Knights is number 18 Mat Croker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Danny LeviInterchange for Knights is number 14 Fletcher Sharpe
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey MooneyInterchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob Saifiti
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Simi SasagiInterchange for Knights is number 16 Brodie Jones
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Interchange for Raiders is number 20 Emre GulerInterchange for Knights is number 17 Dylan Lucas
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Sebastian KrisReplacement for Knights is number 19 Jack Hetherington
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have conceded 118 points in three consecutive losses at GIO Stadium.
- The Knights have conceded at least 24 points in each of their past five games.
- Raiders utility Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in his past five games.
- Knights second-rower Tyson Frizell will play his 250th NRL game.
- Raiders veteran Jordan Rapana has scored six tries in his last six games against the Knights at GIO Stadium.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
13th Position
away Team
Knights
9th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
