Roar Guru
St. George Illawarra Dragons
21
Match Complete
Newcastle Knights
16
M. Feagai | 79 | |||
Z. Lomax | 77 | |||
60 | J. Clifford | |||
58 | K. Ponga | |||
M. Feagai | 53 | |||
J. Bird | 51 | |||
49 | J. Clifford | |||
48 | D. Gagai | |||
37 | E. Tuala | |||
Z. Lomax | 30 | |||
A. McCullough | 29 | |||
Z. Lomax | 19 |
4 | Tries | 3 | ||
1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
1 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
Round 6 of the NRL Premiership continues this afternoon when the St George Illawarra Dragons take on the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4.05pm (AEST).
After an encouraging start to their seasons, both of these teams have since struggled, to the point where a win here becomes very important.
It was only 4 weeks ago that the Dragons took the Panthers to the brink of defeat at Kogarah. Since then, heavy defeats to the Sharks, Eels and the Rabbitohs have sent shockwaves through the Dragons and questioned the credentials of Anthony Griffin.
Griffin dropped youngsters Tyrell Sloan and Talatau Amone after the loss to Cronulla but the poor losses since suggest that the Dragons problems lie elsewhere.
There are a number of changes for the Dragons, headlined by Josh McGuire and Tyrell Fuimaono returning from suspension. Josh Kerr will start with Aaron Woods moving to the bench. George Burgess comes in for Jackson Ford.
The Knights won 2 from 2 to start the season but have since lost to the Panthers, Sharks and Sea Eagles. Clearly this hasn’t been an easy draw but it’s the manner of the losses that would concern Anthony O’Brien.
Over the last fortnight, the Knights have scored the sum total of 6 points, one try against the Sea Eagles. Jake Clifford, Adam Clune and Kalyn Ponga need to create more opportunities.
David Klemmer makes his long-awaited return from injury for the Knights. Jacob Saifiti moves back to the bench with Jirah Momoisea sidelined. Edrick Lee replaces the injured Dom Young on the wing.
Prediction
Although only early in the season, this match takes on an extra important nature. The winner gets the chance to kickstart their season whilst the loser is in danger of falling out of contention very early on.
The return of Klemmer gives the Knights pack a stronger look and Kalyn Ponga is due a big game. This could be the one.
Newcastle Knights by 12.
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEST)
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel
Betting: Dragons $1.68, Knights $2.20 – odds via PlayUp
St George
1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh Kerr 11. Tariq Sims 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Talatau Amone 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Josh Mcguire 17. George Burgess
Newcastle
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Kurt Mann
Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Leo Thompson 17. Sauaso Sue
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