Three Origin players will feature in the Round 13 clash between the Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons this evening, join us for live scores and updates from 5.30pm AEST.
The Knights are the home team, but the Dragons will feel pretty good too – their current winning streak at Hunter Stadium, eight games, is the longest active streak by an NRL side at an away venue.
The Knights have the advantage on the ladder, sitting in 7th spot after an equal number of wins and losses. They’ve scored the second most points in the competition so far, but their record in the last five weeks is pretty rough – only one win.
The Dragons are almost in the same boat, coming off four consecutive losses. They’re placed in 13th, and have lost twice as many games as they’ve won. Last week the Dragons lost 16-14 to the Bulldogs, keeping it close despite being behind from the 25th minute onwards.
In Round 12 the Knights faced league-leaders South Sydney Rabbitohs, and were strong through the first half to go into the break 12-12.
In the second half it was a different story, and the Rabbitohs pulled away to win 25-18.
The previous game between the Knights and Dragons was just two months ago, and Brett Morris got things started with an early try, and a Soward field goal put the Dragons up 9-0 at half.
Darius Boyd had an up-and-down game for the Knights, scoring shortly after halftime, but then fumbling inside his own ten which led to the Dragons game-clinching try, with the final result 19-16.
The news this week has centred on Dragons coach Steve Price’s decision to drop Jamie Soward from the squad to their NSW Cup side, and bring up Chase Stanley as a replacement.
Soward, who has signed with Penrith for next season, played fairly well last week but rumour has it that he’s unpopular with the rest of the playing group.
Making the headlines for Newcastle were reports that the team is in discussions with 35-year-old halfback Craig Gower, who hasn’t been seen in the NRL since 2007 (he’s been playing in Europe during that span) and may join the team as soon as next week.
Players to watch include Chase Stanley and his performance at the Dragons five-eighth spot, and Knights winger James McManus, who is equal first on the NRL try-scorers list with 11 tries in 12 games.
I’m tipping the Knights by four!
Kazzie
Guest
The effort was their from the knights but we are missing a good dummy half. Waddell's service from dummy half is too slow, allowing the defence to get up quickly on the guy receiving the ball, even more so if he passes it too high. We lack an experienced halfback to take the pressure of Mullen, who seems to have to do the job of both halves. Mullen was really good last night, seems to be starting top gain confidence in his knee enough to try taking on the line with his running game. Darius Boyd also needs to step up more. I feel for Mullen, he is performing consistently for the team but others are not stepping up and helping him. No wonder after both this loss and the loss to souths he looked devastated. To be honest, even though Gower hasn't played NRL for a number of years, I can't wait for someone with his experience and competitive streak to join the club. The team needs someone who is willing to give them a serve and rev them up, even though Mullen does try they don't seem to respond. Given how much effort Mullen puts in and his importance to the team I would have thought that the guys would dig in when the going gets tough, some do but some don't. It is also interesting that the guys making errors when the team gains momentum are Mason and in this game, Housten.
don
Guest
can we buy gallen at least he has a bit of ticker not like our mob
don
Guest
we are getting pretty sick of it
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
All but 2, but pretty much!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons First time the Knights have lost after leading at halftime, albeit it was a very narrow lead! Well deserved win by the Dragons, they were the team taking more risks and creating a few more opportunities, while the Knights defence was stout... until the 56th minute. That's three consecutive losses for the Knights, who will have a tough time next week against the Storm. The Dragons match up against the Cowboys in the first Round 14 fixture. Thanks for joining us on the Roar!
don
Guest
another let down by the knights and at home
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons Heartbreak for the Knights as they just were gashed by Dugan in the last 15 minutes, but joy for the Dragons to get a big win away! Dugan obviously man of the match, he was responsible for 12 of their 14 points!
bob
Guest
thats how its done against the ods
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons It's a final chance for the Knights! Mullen picks a kick through, but Morris gathers it up and takes the tackle! Dragons win!
Zaccaaa
Guest
Dugan has scored all their points
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons The Knights are only 10 away! Last tackle.. grubber from Smith, and it's knocked out for a line dropout! 30 seconds to go!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
79' Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons Dugan just added to his resume to submit for the next Origin! Hold up, the Knights recovered the short kickoff!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
78' Newcastle Knights 8 - 14 St George Illawarra Dragons Looks like a win for the Dragons in the dying minutes! Great comeback from 8-0! Dugan to convert his own... SUCCESSFUL!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' Newcastle Knights 8 - 12 St George Illawarra Dragons TRY FOR DUGAN! Dugan squirrels his way through a couple of Knights and next to the post! All the forwards were over in the scrum and he was too much to handle for the Knights defence!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
He hasn't kicked much yet, but could do!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
76' Newcastle Knights 8 - 8 St George Illawarra Dragons Dragons are in field goal range... Fien takes a shot but no good... but McManus can't hold it! Knockon inside the 10!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
76' Newcastle Knights 8 - 8 St George Illawarra Dragons Rochow with a rare kick! Grubber straight to Morris. Huge pressure on the Knights now.
Jason
Guest
Doesn't Stanley kick goals? Don't know if he's any good.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
75' Newcastle Knights 8 - 8 St George Illawarra Dragons Fien has been pretty good handling the kicking duties though. Another long kick pins the Knights deep in the their half!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
74' Newcastle Knights 8 - 8 St George Illawarra Dragons Wouldn't you want a couple of decent kickers in this scenario? Maybe one called Soward? He could've gotten a field goal!