Wests Tigers will look to put a tough run of defeats behind them when they take on the Newcastle Knights this Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
After a close but ultimately unrewarding clash against the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night, Ivan Cleary’s side will make up the M1 desperate to end their losing streak at seven games.
Originally named to return from an ankle injury, James Tedesco will not take part for Cleary's men after being ruled out yesterday — bringing Malakai Watene-Zelezniak back in to the team.
Kevin Naiqama moves from wing back to fullback, as per last week's change.
Following their impressive performances over the past fortnight, Matt Eisenhuth and Esan Marsters retain their positions in the squad and will again be keen to stake their claims.
After a mentally draining loss to the Dragons last Sunday, Newcastle will similarly be desperate to get back in the winners circle with just one victory since Round 2.
Nathan Brown’s men looked to have the win in the bag last week with a commanding half-time advantage, before a second half collapse allowed the Red V to claw their way back.
How a young side responds to the mental hurdle of backing up a devastating defeat like that will be key on Sunday with the two points on offer certainly vital for both teams.
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MATCH DETAILS
Date — Sunday, July 02, 2017
Time — 2:00pm AEST
Venue — McDonald Jones Stadium
TV, LIVE STREAM AND RADIO INFORMATION
TV — Fox League (Ch.502, subscription required)
Radio — Live via AM 702 ABC Grandstand and AM 2GB 873
Live Stream — Foxtel Go, NRL Digital Pass (subscription required)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referees — Gavin Reynolds and Alan Shortall
Touch Judges — Dave Ryan and Chris Sutton
Review Officials — Ashley Klein and Ben Galea
LATEST CROWNBET ODDS
Head to Head — Knights ($1.80), Wests Tigers ($2.05)
Line — Knights -1.5 ($1.90), Wests Tigers +1.5 ($1.94)
Latest odds via Crownbet.com.au (18+ only, gamble responsibly).
(Odds correct as of Wednesday, June 21 at 11:00am AEST)
CONFIRMED SQUADS
Newcastle Knights
1. Nathan Ross 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata’utia 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh King 11. Sione Mata’utia 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitch Barnett (Interchange: 14. Jamie Buhrer 15. Joe Wardle 17. Jacob Saifiti 18. Sam Mataora 19. Sam Stone 20. Trent Hodkinson)
Wests Tigers
5. Kevin Naiqama 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Esan Marsters 4. Moses Suli 18. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. Tui Lolohea 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Elijah Taylor (Interchange: 14. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Matt McIlwrick 19. Jack Littlejohn 20. Joel Edwards 21. Alex Twal)
Team Lists Update
1:00pm, Sunday — Final 17-man team lists confirmed
RECENT RESULTS
Newcastle Knights
Round 12 — BYE
Round 13 — Melbourne Storm 40 def. Newcastle Knights 12
Round 14 — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 18 def. Newcastle Knights 14
Round 15 — BYE
Round 16 — St George Illawarra Dragons 32 def. Newcastle Knights 28
Wests Tigers
Round 12 — BYE
Round 13 — St George Illawarra Dragons 16 def. Wests Tigers 12
Round 14 — Sydney Roosters 40 def. Wests Tigers 18
Round 15 — Cronulla Sharks 24 def. Wests Tigers 22
Round 16 — Gold Coast Titans 26 def. Wests Tigers 14
THE HISTORY
· Head-to-Head — Played 23, Wests Tigers 11, Knights 12
· McDonald Jones Stadium — Played 13, Wests Tigers 5, Knights 8
· Last Time They Met — Wests Tigers 20 def. Newcastle Knights 12 (Rd. 11, 2016)
TEAM MATCHUP
|
Newcastle Knights |
Wests Tigers |
Position |
15th (8 points) |
16th (8 points) |
Home Form |
Won 2, Lost 4 |
Won 1, Lost 7 |
Away Form |
Won 0, Lost 8 |
Won 2, Lost 5 |
Points Scored |
238 points (14th) |
218 points (15th) |
Points Conceded |
383 points (14th) |
396 points (16th) |
