It won’t go down as a classic second half, but Danny Buderus got his first win as coach of the Newcastle Knights on Saturday as his charges snapped a three match losing streak, defeating Wests Tigers 24-18.
>>MATCH REPORT: Knights beat Wests Tigers in thriller
Wests Tigers 18 def. by Newcastle Knights 24
The resurgent Wests Tigers take on the struggling Newcastle Knights to kick-off a bumper Saturday of rugby league action. Join The Roar from 3pm (AEST) to see how this one unfolds.
On paper this match looks a fait accompli. The Tigers have hit their straps in recent weeks, while the Knights have been on the receiving end of some pretty heavy scores. But the beauty of the NRL is that on any given day, any side is capable of causing an upset.
Far from being wooden spoon contenders, the Tigers have won two of their last five to move to 13th and still being a mathematical chance of snaking a finals berth. Jason Taylor has named a virtually unchanged squad for this weekend’s game.
The Knights meanwhile, have won just one of five and sit dead last on the ladder.
Newcastle have made several changes. In perhaps the most positive change Jake Mamo returns to fullback, with Kurt Gidley shifting to the halves. Kade Snowden and Tariq Sims have also been named in the starting side.
For the Tigers to win they will be relying on James Tedesco’s attacking spark, with the custodian in sensational form of late. If the forwards can aim up as they did against a sizeable Raiders pack last week, then the Tigers are a real shot at winning.
The Campbelltown factor could come into it late in the match as the home side doesn’t play there often, and a footy-starved crowd could be desperate to cheer their side home.
The Knights have looked pretty ordinary, but showed signs of fight last week. Plus there are a host of players playing for their futures. A back three of Mamo, Aku Uate and Nathan Ross, along with Dane Gagai in the centres, is a pretty handy start to the set, and if the forwards can assist in the roll-on then the Knights could make big metres up the middle third of the field.
There has been a question mark on both of the these teams’ defence, and this game could leak a lot of points. If nothing else it should be fun to watch as neither side play particularly structured football.
Prediction
Every round has an upset, and this game has the potential to be it. The Knights will be more relaxed away from a parochial home crowd and this game could allow them to play to their potential.
Knights by 6
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
It doesn't get any easier for either side. The Tigers will take on the Sharks next weekend while the Knights will face the Storm. There's still plenty of rugby league to come tonight with the Panthers hosting the Warriors shortly and the Roosters taking on the Eels. Thanks for joining The Roar for live coverage of the match between the Wests Tigers and the Newcastle Knights, enjoy your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Recapping the score now Newcastle 24 (Roberts 2, Uate, Randell tries, Roberts 3, Gidley goals) def Wests Tigers 18 (Nofoaluma, Richards, Tedesco tries, Richards 3 goals) Both sides missed opportunities to score throughout the game, the Knights bombed at least 4 tries while the Tigers cost themselves on a couple of occasions. It won't please either coach, but the Knights will have the happier trip home
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
It won't go down as a classic second half, but Danny Buderus gets his first win as coach of the Knights as his charges snap a three match losing streak. The Tigers were brave in defence, but didn't really offer anything in attack - though to be honest they were always up against it as they finished the match with 15 players.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Good effort from Roberts there, if he could eliminate some of the bad decisions from his game he'd be a really good halfback -- hopefully the Titans staff can coach some thinking into him..
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
That's it the full time hooter has gone NEW 24 WST 18 And a second half that stretched for ages ends with a victory to the red and blue
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Roberts can't add the extras
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
TRY KNIGHTS Roberts crashes over as he runs the ball on the last play It's his second for the night and seals the deal for his side
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
77' Richards does amazingly well to gather in a terrible pass, but Gagai does even better to steal it off him in a one on one strip to earn the ball in great position for his side NEW 20 WST 18
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
76' Well that just sums up the second half there was about 4 knock ons by both the Tigers and Knights and Scott drops it as he tries to score a try He was short anyway. Tigers to work it off there home line - interesting stat the Tigers haven;t scored a second half try in there last 5 outings at Campbelltown no wonder the fans are screaming for a try! NEW 20 WST 18
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
That was a terrible set from the Knights, but credit to the Tigers they fought well in defence there
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
72' heart in mouth moment for Tigers fan there - Tedesco stretches out to get the ball in a very awkward position but he's ok. Farah drops the ball, very late call but probably the right one. Knights ball 30 out
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
A sweeping attacking raid from the Tigers comes to nought as the ball goes behind Richards into touch. Nice defensive work from Uate who came in off the wing to force the error NEW 20 WST 18 There's around 8 minutes remaining
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
70' Roberts forced to play at the ball to stop a Tigers raid NEW 20 WST 18
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
69' Penalty Tigers This will help get them out of there own half NEW 20 WST 18
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
We had a 2 minute delay to go back to where we were Oh well play is back underway Knights on the attack
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Video ref called in Smith held up in goal - that was clear but they want to go back and check the kick where Tedesco couldn't hold on the ball Seriously Smith wasn't even claiming a try and we've gone back 2 plays effectively
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Gidley will step up to attempt this goal as Roberts is a bit dusty after copping a shot last set. The skipper makes no mistake NEW 20 WST 18
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Looks like he's going to be held up as well If he is it's the double - both brothers missing opportunities But penalty to the Knights - Lovett ruled to be not square at marker, but then he was the main man who stopped the try Knights will take the two this time
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Video ref looked into a possible try for Korbin Sims
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
64' Gidley does a kick and pounces on the loose ball, 6 more ruled