Newcastle’s dramatic two-point win over the Wests Tigers has been soured by a possible torn pectoral muscle to Mitchell Pearce which might sideline him for three months.
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Final score
Wests Tigers 20
Newcaslte Knights 22
Round 7 of the NRL season continues this Saturday afternoon as the Wests Tigers host the Newcastle Knights in Tamworth. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:30pm AEST.
Only the most diehard of Tigers fans would have picked their fourth position on the table after six rounds. Ivan Cleary has built a strong culture in this team and it is showing through their defence, conceding only 67 points over the first six rounds, the best defence in the NRL.
Last weekend against the Sea Eagles, the Tigers attack clicked, with Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall developing a formidable combination. Brooks, in particular, may well be in career best form.
The Knights have had a stronger 2018 so far, with three wins and three losses. They will be looking to bounce back from a 40-14 beating from the Storm last round, although the scoreline was probably a little harsh on the Knights.
The loss of Connor Watson to injury a few weeks ago has been felt at the Knights, with a lot of attacking responsibility on the shoulders of Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga.
Recent history between the two teams doesn’t give much away, with the Tigers winning the last 2 clashes whilst the Knights won the 3 matches prior to that.
Prediction
In the form they are in, it is hard to go past the Tigers this weekend. Ivan Cleary has done a tremendous job and, although moving the game to Tamworth may make it more of a Knights home game, I expect the Tigers to win.
Wests Tigers by 6
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:30pm AEST.
jimmmy
Guest
I feel sorry for you PNG. Macca is a huge loss for the Broncs. He is one tough number nine, They can still win their fair share without him though,
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Tipping has gone to tatters but I'm loving the footy.
jimmmy
Guest
Apart from the Thursday game the footy has been wonderful this weekend. Who wouldn’t be an NRL fan?
Sean
Guest
Yeah knights deserved it. Tigers are my team but it was a good game. Tigers giving away penalties is a real concern. They won't make the 8 if they continue to give free goes through penalties.
David Holden
Roar Guru
We have been treated to one fantastic game here. Knights were deserved winners scoring 5 sets to 3. They were in control of the match other than the first 20mins of the second half when Marshall and Brooks ran riot. Grabbing some food and then on to the Cowboys-Titans. Hope you enjoyed the coverage.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Nofualuma...always been iffy with his defensive decisions.
Sean
Guest
Tigers discipline is becoming a real concern. Our completions are always good but we seem to give penalties away regularly.. Dissapointing.
Joe
Roar Rookie
What a game! What a gutsy win by the Knights. Great advert for NRL in Tamworth.
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Short kick off is claimed by the Knights and they will win. Its full time!! Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 22
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Conversion from Sio is wide. 30 seconds to go Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 22
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Kenny-Dowall attracts the penalty and Knights on attack. Amazing set from the Knights. Buhrer chips to the right and Kenny-Dowall scores. Amazing stuff. TRY Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 22
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Pearce has left the field for an HIA. That could be it for the Knights. Safety first set for the Tigers. They take the tackle on the last and its a changeover. Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Ese'ese knocks on and Tigers will have the feed on half way. Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18
David Holden
Roar Guru
75' Better set from the Tigers. However Marshall grubbers long and Knights have 7 tackle set Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18
David Holden
Roar Guru
73' Tigers appear to be just hanging on at the moment. Some Marshall brilliance though ensures the Knights start the set on their 10m. Bomb from Pearce and knock on from the Knights Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18
Rob
Guest
Ponga is the next Superstar. I wish he was playing in the next game for the Cowboys. I feel like Barry watching the Cowboys for the last 10years.
Sean
Guest
Who's defending that side? Bloody hell. Stay on your wing.
David Holden
Roar Guru
71' Knights work it out well and kick from inside the Tigers half. Kenny-Dowall takes the bomb but then knocks on Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18
Joe
Roar Rookie
What a match this is turning out to be! Ken Sio hat trick.
David Holden
Roar Guru
71' Conversion is missed from Ponga. He has 1 from 5 tonight Wests Tigers 20 Newcastle Knights 18