Wayne Bennett’s Newcastle Knights travel to Suncorp Stadium tonight, ahead of the master coach’s full-time return to the Brisbane Broncos in 2015. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST).
Since saying goodbye to the old Lang Park in 2008, Bennett has notched only two wins from his five return visits.
The Knights will also have to reverse recent history if they are to walk away with the two points, the Novocastrians having won just one of their last seven matches against the Broncos.
However, coming off a strong performance last Sunday against the Warriors, Bennett will be confident of improving on both of those records.
Newcastle winger Sione Mata’utia retains his spot in the 17, after being a late inclusion last week before bagging a hat-trick. He will surely be out to replicate that performance again tonight.
Mata’utia will oppose staunch Broncos flyer Daniel Vidot, who had a night to forget against the Bunnies last Thursday. Watch for the Samoan international to bounce back with a big effort against the 18-year-old .
After a quiet performance at ANZ stadium last week, Broncos half Ben Hunt will be out to rediscover the form that had him in the Dally M Medal discussion just a few weeks ago.
Newcastle have nothing but pride to play for this afternoon – something that has seen them pick up their game remarkably in the past month, recording three wins from their past four starts, collecting some big name scalps along the way.
The Broncos on the other hand have everything to play for. They will be desperate to turn the form that has seen them slump out of the eight and register just the one win in the past month.
Back at home, and with their slim finals hopes on the line, I’m expecting the Broncos to get the two points. But only just.
Prediction: Broncos by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the action in the comments below.
Knightblues
Guest
no chance.
Carolyn Hearn
Guest
Can someone please tell Brett Kimmorley to slow his speech down by half,it sounds ridiculous and is hard to understand..take a few breaths Brett..
uPelican
Guest
Monster second half for Brisvegas
Conner
Guest
Okay, we can all agree Brisbane has a fair chance at finals footy.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Go the Broncs. Benny looking better each week. Even signs his running game is coming back.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: BRISBANE 48 DEF. NEWCASTLE 6.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
79' - TRY. WOW....... BRISBANE SCORE OFF THE KICK OFF. Barba's break finished off by Reed! They'll make it 42 the difference! (BRI 48:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
77' - TRY. The big fella Oates storms into a hole and scores another! Adjacent to the sticks, they'll grab the extra 2 points. (BRI 42:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
71' - VIDEO REFERRAL: Barba looks to have grabbed his third! we'll go upstairs, but i'm not really sure what for. We'll see green lights. They'll add the extras... TRY. (BRI 36:6 NEW)
mick
Guest
come on faster
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
65' - Benny Barba swoops on a Cuthbertson error and scoots away for his second. Under the posts, Parker will add the extra 2 here. (BRI 30:6 NEW)
mick
Guest
to slow did he get the kick
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
62' - Parker can't convert. Score remains. (BRI 24:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
60' - TRY. Barba runs in another and the Broncos are in full control here... this could get ugly for the knights. (BRI 24:6 NEW) KTC
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
59' - Hunt adds the extras. (BRI 20:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
58' - TRY. Maranta rewarded for his break, crossing for a 4-pointer in the following set of 6. (BRI 18:6 NEW) KTC.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
56' - A great bust from Maranta leads to a Brisbane penalty, they're just 5m out from the try-line. (BRI 14:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
50' - Possible try here to Jack Reed. Referee has ruled 'No Try' and it looks a tough one to overturn. (BRI 14:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
49' - Newcastle slowly - but surely - getting back into the contest. The next points will prove crucial in this one. (BRI 14:6 NEW)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
45' - Barba sends a kick into touch on the full. Not a great end to the set. (BRI 14:6 NEW)