NRL Round 20 NZ Warriors v Newcastle Knights Preview

The Knights seem to be a team that is seemingly building towards next season with only a mathematical chance left for them to make the finals. And there is no tougher trip for them than one across the ditch to face the Warriors. The Warriors are now playing for their season and are fighting to push themselves into the Top 8. They are currently two points out of the 8 after being level with the Tigers going into Round 19. But things didn't go to plan as they were beaten by the Broncos in Brisbane. It was a game that was played in terrible conditions but they can hold their heads up high. They were a very good as a beaten side and actually can take a positive away from the game in that they scored more tries than the Broncos. Not to say that they were let down by their goal kicking, but they were let down by their inability to finish. They will be hoping that they can get back on track here as they do have a better points difference than the Tigers which they would like to improve on in this game. But the Warriors have the Knights in their way. Up in Newcastle in recent weeks they must be wondering how their team can take them through a whole raft of emotions with their performances. They were on a two game winning streak when about to face the Rabbitohs but were comprehensively beaten. Then they came out and surprised everyone by handing a pounding to Manly. It was definitely the performance their loyal home fans deserved and winning games takes the heat of the coach Wayne Bennett and his under performing players. It was said after the game that the team was beginning to come together, shame it could be too late. Time will tell whether or not they are improving by the end of this clash.

NZ Warriors

The Warriors welcome back their young, monstrous centre, Konrad Hurrell to the starting side. As a result, Lewis Brown moves from starting in the centres to the bench. Omar Slaimankhel is subsequently pushed from the bench back to 18th man (on and extended bench) and he will probably be the man to drop off. Apart from that, the Warriors are the same team that took on the Broncos, including the beast, Manu Vatuvei who made his return to the wing last week with a try. They certainly possess the strong forwards and are well lead around the park by Nathan Friend at hooker, which sets their halves up to build from. When their forwards dominate, so do their halves. And James Maloney and Shaun Johnson will be hoping that this is the case because they also have a great back line to get the ball to when it is needed. They sure can finish.

Newcastle Knights

James McManus has unfortunately succumbed to an injury has been ruled out for this clash and probably the rest of the season. Kevin Naiqama comes onto the wing for him and is only one of two changes to the starting team. Zeb Taia has shifted back to the bench whilst Zane Tevevano has moved from the bench into the starting team to replace Taia. The Knights have also named an extended bench that now includes Robbie Rochow, as well as others from the win over Manly. As mentioned above, this is a very tough road trip, especially for the Knights. If they are to win, their forwards must dominate the Warriors from the opening minutes. Otherwise, their halves will have plenty of pressure on them and traffic directed their way in defence. 

Recent History

Overall = Warriors 13 - Draw 1 - Knights 14

Last 5 games = Warriors 5 - Knights 0

At Mt Smart Stadium = Warriors 7 - Draw 1 - Knights 7

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Warriors $1.26 Knights $4.00
Centrebet = Warriors $1.28 Knights $3.85
Sportsbet = Warriors $1.30 Knights $3.60
Betfair = Warriors $1.30 Knights $4.10

Verdict
The Warriors are a team that is playing to keep their season alive and can only control their own performances. Throw that in with one of the toughest road trips in the game across to NZ and the Knights have an uphill battle. The Warriors put in a very spirited performance last week and are a team that is beginning to find some consistency. When they do, everyone else should look out because they can return to the team that saw them make the grand final in 2011. Their forwards will also look to dominate the Knights in this clash. They have a very strong bench to call along when needed.

Suggested Bet
Warriors 13+ @ $2


Power house back = Konrad Hurrell First ($9) and/or Last ($9) - Take one or the other...or even both. He is returning from injury and will be looking to get back into some form as soon as possible. He is also one of the most damaging ball runners in the competition and is sure to be a handful for anyone.


Super line v Winning Margin = Warriors -20.5 @ $3.25 v Warriors 19+ @ $2.75 - If you think that this game will be a blowout, then you have to look at these two options. But if you were weighing them up, surely the "Super line" offers greater value.


Scooby
@scoobystips