With the Women in League Round drawing to a close, all the talk will unfortunately surround Robbie Farrah and whether or not he will play following the passing of his mother last Sunday. It was a great mark of coach Tim Sheens after the match to put things into perspective and say that their loss to the Roosters was just a footy game and that they were only focussed on supporting Farrah and his family through this tough time. From me, my sincere condolences go out to Farrah and his family, as well as Cowboys forward Matt Scott who also lost his mother this week. This is just a game, but I am sure that both men are proud to be part of this great game and it is great to see the Rugby League community gather around these men and offer them every support possible. Onto the footy and all has been quiet in Newcastle since their loss to the Raiders and it has been good for them because it is quite evident that they are struggling this season. Coach Bennett definitely is finding it tough working with a roster which he has yet to have a major say in. But then again, former coach and assistant coach Rick Stone was able to reach the semis with almost an identical squad, all be it with a few less injuries. The Tigers will look to come out strong in this game to make up for their loss to the Roosters. Obviously players were not in the best frame of mind but they would still be very disappointed with the effort overall. With the NSW squad already picked and the QLD squad to be named tomorrow, attention will quickly shift to SOO. Lets see how much the Knights want this game. It is a make or break game for their season as it hangs in the balance. If they lose, they can start looking forward to an early holiday come September.
Newcastle Knights
Searching for a sudden spark, midseason transfer Dane Gagai retains his place in the starting team, as does Willie Mason. Mason has been great this season and other overpaid forwards at the club can definitely take a leaf out of his book, on the field anyway. Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate come back into the team after SOO. Interestingly, Uate has been left out of the SOO squad but he has been struggling for form this season both at club and international level. He will look to come out and prove that he should've been picked. For what it is worth, he was in danger of being dropped and I believe that this is definitely the write move for NSW on the flanks. Boyd will also have to lift his performance. At times this season, he has almost gone through game without being noticed or placing his stamp on the game. Bennett will look to have his team fighting tooth and nail for a win here. This is their season on the line right now.
Wests Tigers
With the obvious distraction leading up to last weeks loss to the Roosters and going into this match, after being named, it will seem as though Robbie Farrah will take his place in the lineup. The Tiger will be happy to welcome Farrah back as he is an integral part of their attacking play. Apart from that, the Tigers will field the same team that played the previous week, right down to the extended bench. Last weeks loss did end a 7 game winning streak for them and they will look to get things back on track here. A win here would firmly cement their place in the Top 8 and give them a great basis to return from after they have the Bye in Round 17.
Recent History
Overall = Knights 7 - Tigers 9
Last 5 games = Knights 1 - Tigers 4
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 4 - Tigers 4
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Knights $2.80 Tigers $1.45
Centrebet = Knights $2.65 Tigers $1.50
Sportsbet = Knights $2.70 Tigers $1.48
Verdict
It would take a very brave person to back the Knights in this game. They have been playing very poorly this season have had little to offer their fans with some terrible performances being displayed thus far. If one can cast their mind back earlier this season when they scored a win over the Bulldogs, it was a game whereby the Dogs were dragged down to the Knights level of play and were beaten there. It had touches of the Dragons about it. But fast forward the clock to Round 16 and the Knights are desperately fighting to keep their season alive. While they are infront of their home crowd and the Tigers will obviously still be affected by the passing of Farrah's mother, they will be out to prove a point and cement themselves inside the Top 8 of this competition and enjoy a Round 17 Bye.
Suggested Bet
Tigers @ $1.45
Margin = Tigers 1-12 @ $3 - If the Knights are fighting to keep their season alive, then one would suggest that they are going to push the Tigers in this game. Tigers have sometimes this season just one games that they should've won easily, suggesting that they only have to do what is needed for the victory.
Fairytale Try Scorer = Robbie Farrah 1st ($26) & Last ($26) - I hate to dwell on it, but everyone would love to see this happen regardless of whether you like Farrah or not. I'm not suggesting that he will be the selfish type of player that goes looking for this, but it would be great to see him cross once.
Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips
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