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The Newcastle Knights will host the Illawarra Dragons at Hunter Stadium in the final game for the two clubs in 2014. Join The Roar from 1:55pm AEST for live scores, blogs, and debate.
With the Knights and Dragons placed 12th and 11th respectively this game will be fought solely for pride and the development of the two teams moving forward into the 2015 season.
It is, however, theoretically possible for the Knights to join the top eight and the NRL finals but only if the Broncos and Warriors lose by 50 and the Eels straight up lose to Canberra and Newcastle lose by around 80.
Such a miraculous series of events, however, will most certainly be impossible and thus, both sides will play as if they have nothing to lose – simply because they do not.
With two high-powered backlines this match could well turn into a ‘try-athon’. If this is to occur the Dragons, spearheaded by Benji Marshall, will most likely prevail.
Newcastle are also heading into this game with impressive form at Hunter Stadium, winning four from four so far this season.
Moreover, when the final whistle blows Wayne Bennett’s underwhelming era in charge of the Knights will come to an end against the club he left to join them three years ago.
The game will see the Knights brothers Chanel and Sione Mata’utia come up against older brother Peter for the first time on opposite teams – the younger siblings scored five tries between them against the Eels last week.
The Knights however, have struggled with the Dragons in recent years with their last win coming back in Round 17, 2011.
With nothing to play for, this game will most likely be won in the heads of the players. While the Knights have known for quite a while that they are unable to make the finals, the Dragons are heading into their first dead-rubber.
The ‘Red V’ however, will have to get over any psychological qualms quickly if they want to finish their season on a high.
Tip: Knights by eight.
Join The Roar from 1:55pm (AEST) for live scores, commentary and debate.
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