The Knights have managed to keep their season alive for another weekend and now they face their toughest test this weekend as they host the competitions leaders. If they want to make a dash for the final 8, they must win this game. They have been impressive in recent weeks winning on two of the toughest road trips in the NRL, across to NZ and down to Canberra. Wayne Bennett is coming into his own as his players are beginning to play under his successful structure that has allowed him to be one of the best coaches this game has ever had. But then you look at the transformation made by Des Hasler at the Bulldogs in such a short period of time and it has been nothing short of amazing. Hasler has turned a team around that was failing to live up to potential into premiership favorites. They're playing some fantastic football which has their competitors trying to replicate their ball play through their forwards which is giving their outside backs extra room to move. Then there is Ben Barba. If there was every a guy in form who should be favorite for the Dally M with 5 games to go, it is this guy. Everything is working for him at the moment and his support play is outstanding and yielding him a nice bag of tries to date. But his defence has also been great. The Dogs have things moving nicely at the moment but some people are suggesting they need a loss to refocus them in time for the semis. Looking at their run home after this game, perhaps they won't have one. You never want a team to lose because they may lose momentum but they have the added advantage of Des Hasler on their side who can switch their focus back to anything he wants...he said after their win against the Cowboys that they were "not the benchmark"!!! Great work Des and this could be his new "under the radar" statement. What is normally the first game of Super Saturday is now the second but fans will be definitely be watching this one with interest.
Newcastle Knights
For the third consecutive week, the Knights have named an unchanged lineup. This is great for the third week that they can continue to build some consistency on the field and combinations are now beginning to come together. They've overcome two very tough road trips in recent weeks and now return home to hopefully continue on their winning ways. Like a few other teams at this stage of the season, they're playing sudden death football and can ill-afford a loss. But that is evident in their defence, they're been holding sides well within their means. It does take some time to get into a game for them but when they do they can look dangerous. They have all basis' covered on the field too, apart from a solid halves pairing. Tyrone Roberts is playing well though but he is yet to prove himself a quality halfback. Their strengths are a monster forward pack and monster outside backs. Get the ball to them and they can make easy metres up the field.
Canterbury Bulldogs
For the third consecutive week, the Knights have named an unchanged lineup. This is great for the third week that they can continue to build some consistency on the field and combinations are now beginning to come together. They've overcome two very tough road trips in recent weeks and now return home to hopefully continue on their winning ways. Like a few other teams at this stage of the season, they're playing sudden death football and can ill-afford a loss. But that is evident in their defence, they're been holding sides well within their means. It does take some time to get into a game for them but when they do they can look dangerous. They have all basis' covered on the field too, apart from a solid halves pairing. Tyrone Roberts is playing well though but he is yet to prove himself a quality halfback. Their strengths are a monster forward pack and monster outside backs. Get the ball to them and they can make easy metres up the field.
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have no changes to the team that took the field last week against the Cowboys, yet there are to the team that was named. Kris Keating was always going to be out of the match aginst the Cowboys with a hamstrin injury and his place was filled by Joel Romelo, who played very well. The Bulldogs though that were promoted to the starting side filled their roles very, very well. James Graham, who has always been a superstar, continued on his fantastic form this season by leading from the front. The other forward who was promoted to the side, Josh Jackson, also proved his worth and will definitely be a player to watch it the future. They have again named an extended bench but the player expected to drop off the bench will be Harlan Alaalatoa, as he missed out for the Cowboys game. It doesn't matter which players they lose from their squad, Des Hasler can bring another player in who he motivates to reach his potential. But some pundits are suggesting that a loss to the Dogs wouldn't hurt them and could perhaps be a positive as they roll towards the finals. This is some suggestion although you should never wish a loss upon a team as it may take away some of their momentum.
Recent History
Overall = Knights 17 - Draw 1 - Bulldogs 18
Last 5 games = Knights 3 - Bulldogs 2
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 11 - Bulldogs 5
Odds
Last 5 games = Knights 3 - Bulldogs 2
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 11 - Bulldogs 5
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Knights $2.45 Bulldogs $1.47
Centrebet = Knights $2.50 Bulldogs $1.55
Sportsbet = Knights $2.45 Bulldogs $1.57
Betfair = Knights $2.52 Bulldogs $1.56
Verdict
The Knights are one of the form teams in the competition but if you look at the quality of opposition they have beaten, they certainly haven't proved themselves against too much. It was only a few weeks ago that they were outclassed by a far superior Rabbitohs team that also kept them scoreless in the second half. This will now be a good measure of where the Knights are actually at. If this is a game whereby the Dogs need to lose to refocus them for the semis, having one 5 games out from Week 1 would be the best case scenario for them. It is extremely hard to knock the Dogs with the quality of football they've been playing of late. They're forcing their opponents to try certain plays that they would normally never try but the pressure of the Dogs defence is just too much for them. Looking at the two team it is hard to take the Knights, the Bulldogs are a far superior outfit across the park. In saying that, an upset by the Knights who are storming home this season wouldn't surprise one bit. They're at home and the Bulldogs did have a tough game the previous week against the Cowboys and are still without their halfback. Romelo is named at half this week and he made a host of errors last week with his kicks...the same here could mean a loss. But how can you go past the Bulldogs?
The Knights are one of the form teams in the competition but if you look at the quality of opposition they have beaten, they certainly haven't proved themselves against too much. It was only a few weeks ago that they were outclassed by a far superior Rabbitohs team that also kept them scoreless in the second half. This will now be a good measure of where the Knights are actually at. If this is a game whereby the Dogs need to lose to refocus them for the semis, having one 5 games out from Week 1 would be the best case scenario for them. It is extremely hard to knock the Dogs with the quality of football they've been playing of late. They're forcing their opponents to try certain plays that they would normally never try but the pressure of the Dogs defence is just too much for them. Looking at the two team it is hard to take the Knights, the Bulldogs are a far superior outfit across the park. In saying that, an upset by the Knights who are storming home this season wouldn't surprise one bit. They're at home and the Bulldogs did have a tough game the previous week against the Cowboys and are still without their halfback. Romelo is named at half this week and he made a host of errors last week with his kicks...the same here could mean a loss. But how can you go past the Bulldogs?
Suggested Bet
None...tipped the Dogs but will want to see how the Knights have progressed. Just put on a few mystery "pick-the-score" tickets and use this as a guide for future weeks.
None...tipped the Dogs but will want to see how the Knights have progressed. Just put on a few mystery "pick-the-score" tickets and use this as a guide for future weeks.
Good luck!
Scooby
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