Match Preview: NSW Cup Round 13

Wests Tigers NSW Cup team will look to extend their recent success with another victory this weekend when they take on the Newcastle Knights.

Having defeated the Knights just two weeks ago in NSW Cup, Wests Tigers come into this week’s clash on the back of three straight wins, and will be desperate to extend that streak against the home team, who haven’t won in their last five.

Can the visitors make it four wins in a row heading into the bye next week?

Read on for a full match preview including all the key details, TV and live stream information, team news, player analysis and more. 

Match Details — Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2014

Time: Kickoff at 5:00pm AEST

Venue: Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto

Live Stream: Click here for a live stream of the match via Bar TV Sports.

Confirmed Squads

Wests Tigers

1. Kurtis Rowe 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Asipeli Fine 4. Keith Lulia 5. Setefano Taukafa 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Michael Stevens 8. Nathan Brown 9. Joel Luani 10. Michael Bullock 11. Dene Halatau 12. Jarred Farlow 13. Kyle Lovett (Interchange: 14. Andy Fiagatusa 15. Brenden Santi 16. Sitaleki Akauola 17. Jy Hitchcox 18. Sam Hollis)

Newcastle Knights

1. Nathan Ross 22. Josh Mantellato 3. Pat Mata’utia 4. Timana Tahu 5. Brayden Wiliame 6. Matt Minto 7. Michael Dobson 30. Toka Likiliki 9. Travis Waddell 10. Pat Vaivai 11. Clint Newton 25. James Elias 13. Tyler Randell (Interchange: 14. Chad Redman 15. Brendon Horwood 16. Dylan Hartin 17. Tama Koopu)

Last Five Matches

Wests Tigers

R8b — Mounties RLFC 24 def. Wests Tigers 14

R9 — Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 28 def. Wests Tigers 22

R10 — Wests Tigers 30 def. Cronulla Sharks 28

R11 — Wests Tigers 26 def. Newcastle Knights 22

R12 — Wests Tigers 52 def. Wentworthville Magpies 16

Newcastle Knights

R8b — Wentworthville 50 def. Newcastle Knights 32

R9 — Penrith Panthers 38 def. Newcastle Knights 16

R10 — North Sydney Bears 18 def. Newcastle Knights 12

R11 — Wests Tigers 26 def. Newcastle Knights 22

R12 — New Zealand Warriors 34 def. Newcastle Knights 12

Key Matchup — Dene Halatau vs. Clint Newton

Dene Halatau made a successful return from an injury suffered in the Club’s pre-season off the bench last week, and has earned himself the starting spot now as he seeks to make his way back into first-grade. The veteran forward offers great versatility in the middle of the field — able to cover at hooker or lock as well — and will certainly be looking for a big performance here in his first start for 2014. However, the same goes for Clint Newton in many respects. The 32-year-old has battled injury throughout 2014 and hasn’t had any good luck since returning to Newcastle from his two-year stint in Penrith. Having featured in successful campaigns for Newcastle early in his career, Newton knows what it takes to succeed in the NRL and will be desperate to have an impact here against a strong pack. It looms as a very intriguing battle up front indeed.

Team Stats