The Roosters will be aiming to bounce back from a dramatic loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night, but will face a tough task of it against the Knights.
The Roosters will be without a number of their stars, including skipper James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker, who have both entered concussion protocols, while winger Dom Young has been banned for two matches for a high tackle.
With a number of other players also still sidelined with injury and suspension, coach Trent Robinson has a difficult puzzle to solve this week.
The Knights on the other hand, got back on track last round, claiming their second win of the season after downing St George Illawarra in horrid conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the Dragons failed to fire, the Knights had fun in the wet, running in five tries.
After spending a fortnight working on his game in NSW Cup, Jackson Hastings returned with a strong performance in the No.7 jersey, while halves partner Jack Cogger set up two tries with pinpoint kicks.
Called up to the starting 17 to replace an injured Tyson Frizell (hamstring), Dylan Lucas made a big impact and will be looking to perform well again this week.
As ever, the Knights were well led by skipper Kalyn Ponga, who picked up six Dally M votes for his part in the win, to hit the outright lead on the tally.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Knights v Roosters
Team News
Knights: A late change an hour before kick-off with Greg Marzhew back on deck from a wrist injury and Tom Jenkins dropping to 18th man. Jack Cogger and Jackson Hastings remain the preferred halves combination. Dylan Lucas is again the man to fill in for the injured Tyson Frizell in the second row.
Roosters: The Roosters are 1-17 with no late changes. With James Tedesco and Sam Walker both out under the concussion protocol, Joey Manu moves into the fullback role and Connor Watson becomes the five-eighth, with Luke Keary shifting into the No.7 jersey. Junior Pauga is the new face in the backline due to Dominic Young’s two-game suspension, along with Michael Jennings who played 53 minutes last week after coming on as the replacement player. Zach Dockar-Clay comes onto the bench while Nat Butcher returns in the second row. Egan Butcher is 18th man.
Match: Knights v Roosters
Round 6 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Roosters is number 1 Joseph Manu
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari TualaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Roosters is number 3 Michael Jennings
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Winger for Knights is number 22 Greg MarzhewWinger for Roosters is number 5 Fetalaiga Pauga
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack CoggerFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Connor Watson
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Angus Crichton
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Sitili Tupouniua
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat CrokerInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 2 Thomas JenkinsReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Egan Butcher
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won eight of their past nine games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Roosters have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights.
- The Knights have lost their past three Thursday night games.
- Knights centre Bradman Best has scored nine tries in his past 11 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Match: Knights v Roosters
Round 6 -
home Team
Knights
13th Position
away Team
Roosters
7th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
