ROUND 12: Knights v Warriors @ Mt Smart Stadium

Junior11

Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus


Newcastle
KNIGHTS
POSITION: 12th
FORM: L W L L L
VNew Zealand
WARRIORS
POSITION: 7th
FORM: L W L L W
KICK OFF: 2:00 PM
LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1

Referees: Ben Cumins and David Munro

Sideline Referees: Rick McFarlane and Anthony Elliott

Video Referees: Matt Cecchin and Daniel Irvine

TICKET PURCHASE & GAME DAY INFORMATION HERE

LOWER GRADE KNIGHTS GAMES

HOLDEN CUP: Knights v Warriors @ 9:30 AM
NSW CUP: Knights v Warriors @ 11:30 AM



1. Dane GAGAI
2. James MCMANUS
3. Sione MATA'UTIA
4. Joseph LEILUA
5. Akuila UATE
6. Kurt GIDLEY (c)
7. Tyrone ROBERTS
8. Kade SNOWDEN
9.
Adam CLYDSDALE
10.
David FA'ALOGO
11. Beau Scott
12. Tariq SIMS
13. Jeremy SMITH

14.
Tyler RANDELL
15.
Chris HOUSTON
16.
Korbin SIMS
17. Jack STOCKWELL
18. Joseph TAPINE

Warriors Line Up:

1. Sam Tomkins
2. Jonathan Wright
3. Tuimoala Lolohea
4. Solomone Kata
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jacob Lillyman
9. Nathan Friend
10. Ben Matulino
11. Bodene Thompson
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Simon Mannering (c)

14. Siliva Havili
15. Seb Ikahihifo
16. Sam Lisone
17. Albert Vete



KEY KNIGHTS MILESTONES


- Joey Leilua requires 1 tries to reach 50 career tries

- Chris Houston will play his 150th game for the Knights


All discussion on the game in this thread. Pre-match talk and predictions, live score updates & post-match thoughts

 
HEAD TO HEAD - OVERALL

Played - 33

Knights - 17

Warriors - 15

Drawn - 1

HEAD TO HEAD - MT SMART STADIUM

Played - 18

Knights - 8

Warriors - 9

Drawn - 1

NRL RECORD (1998-PRESENT)

Played - 31

Knights - 15

Warriors - 15

Drawn - 1

HEAD TO HEAD - THE COACHES

Games - 1

Rick Stone - 1

Andrew McFadden - 0

FACTS AND FIGURES

* The Knights have lost 7 out of their last 10 games against the
Warriors

* The Knights have lost 10 out of their last 14 games against the Warriors

* The Knights have beaten the Warriors just 6 times in the last decade

* The Knights have only beaten the Warriors 3 times since 2010

* The Knights have lost 8 out of their last 9 games against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium

* The Knights have only won 2 games against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium since 2005

* The Knights have won just 1 game against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium since 2006

* The Knights have not beaten the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium since Round 20, 2012 (24-19)

* In 2015 these teams have met once so far with the Knights winning 24-14 in Round 1

* The Knights have played 4 away games this year winning 2 and losing 2

* The Warriors have played 4 home games this year winning 2 and losing 2

* The average amount of points scored in games between these 2 teams is 45.87 points per game (High Scoring)

* The average Margin of victory in games between these 2 teams is 14.18 points per game (One Sided)

PLAYER STATS

Adam Clydsdale

* Adam Clydsdale has made 192m in his 9 games this year at an average of 21.33m per game

* Adam Clydsdale has made 3 tackle breaks in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has made 1 line break in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has created 1 try assist in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has created 2 line break assists in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has conceded 2 penalties in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale is yet to produce an offload in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has made 267 tackles in his 9 games this year at an average of 29.66 tackles per game

* Adam Clydsdale has missed 11 tackles in his 9 games this year at an average of 1.22 missed tackle per game

* Adam Clydsdale has scored 1 try in his 9 games this year

* Adam Clydsdale has made 3 errors in his 9 games this year

David Fa'alogo

* David Fa'alogo has made 836m in his 11 games this year at an average of 76m per game

* David Fa'alogo has made 5 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* David Fa'alogo is yet to make a line break in his 11 games this year

* David Fa'alogo has conceded 6 penalties in his 11 games this year

* David Fa'alogo has produced 1 offload in his 11 games this year

* David Fa'alogo has made 251 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 22.81 tackles per game

* David Fa'alogo has missed 4 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 0.36 missed tackles per game

* David Fa'alogo has made 3 errors in his 11 games this year

Dane Gagai

* Dane Gagai has scored 3 tries in his 5 games against the Warriors

* Dane Gagai has made 1,585m in his 11 games this year at an average of 144.09m per game

* Dane Gagai has made 45 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has made 5 line breaks in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has created 3 try assists in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai is has created 5 line break assists in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has conceded 2 penalties in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has produced 6 offloads in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has made 133 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 12.09 tackles per game

* Dane Gagai has missed 27 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 2.45 missed tackles per game

* Dane Gagai has scored 4 tries in his 11 games this year

* Dane Gagai has made 14 errors in his 11 games this year

Kurt Gidley

* Kurt Gidley has scored 7 tries in his 17 games against the Warriors

* Kurt Gidley has kicked 24 goals in his 17 games against the Warriors

* Kurt Gidley has amassed 76 points in his 17 games against the Warriors (4.47 points per game)

* Kurt Gidley has made 781m in his 10 games this year at an average of 78.1m per game

* Kurt Gidley has made 15 tackle breaks in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has made 3 line breaks in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has created 2 try assists in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has created 3 line break assists in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has conceded 2 penalties in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has produced 5 offloads in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has made 240 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 24 tackles per game

* Kurt Gidley has missed 11 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 1.1 missed tackles per game

* Kurt Gidley has scored 1 try in his 10 games this year

* Kurt Gidley has made 13 errors in his 10 games this year

Chris Houston

* Chris Houston has made 807m in his 11 games this year at an average of 73.36m per game

* Chris Houston has made 11 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Chris Houston has made 2 line breaks in his 11 games this year

* Chris Houston has conceded 9 penalties in his 11 games this year

* Chris Houston is yet to produce an offload in his 11 games this year

* Chris Houston has made 416 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 37.81 tackles per game

* Chris Houston has missed 26 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 2.36 missed tackles per game

* Chris Houston has made 1 error in his 11 games this year

Joseph Leilua

* Joseph Leilua has scored 3 tries in his 9 games against the Warriors

* Joseph Leilua has made 1,347m in his 11 games this year at an average of 122.45m per game

* Joseph Leilua has made 49 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has made 7 line breaks in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has created 3 try assists in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has created 4 line break assists in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has conceded 2 penalties in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has produced 13 offloads in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has made 89 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 8.09 tackles per game

* Joseph Leilua has missed 20 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 1.81 missed tackles per game

* Joseph Leilua has scored 5 tries in his 11 games this year

* Joseph Leilua has made 14 errors in his 11 games this year

Sione Mata'utia

* Sione Mata'utia has scored 3 tries in his 2 games against the Warriors

* Sione Mata'utia has made 1,383m in his 10 games this year at an average of 138.3m per game

* Sione Mata'utia has made 18 tackle breaks in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia is yet to make a line break in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia is yet to create a try assist in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia is yet to create a line break assist in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia has conceded 4 penalties in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia has produced 4 offloads in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia has made 87 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 8.7 tackles per game

* Sione Mata'utia has missed 17 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 1.7 missed tackles per game

* Sione Mata'utia has scored 1 try in his 10 games this year

* Sione Mata'utia has made 4 errors in his 10 games this year

James McManus

* James McManus has scored 7 tries in his 12 games against Warriors

* James McManus has made 1,263m in his 10 games this year at an average of 126.3m per game

* James McManus has made 20 tackle breaks in his 10 games this year

* James McManus has made 6 line breaks in his 10 games this year

* James McManus has created 1 try assist in his 10 games this year

* James McManus is yet to create a line break assist assist in his 10 games this year

* James McManus is yet to concede a penalty in his 10 games this year

* James McManus has produced 2 offloads in his 10 games this year

* James McManus has made 22 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 2.2 tackles per game

* James McManus has missed 6 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 0.6 missed tackle per game

* James McManus has scored 3 tries in his 10 games this year

* James McManus has made 5 errors in his 10 games this year

Jarrod Mullen

* Jarrod Mullen has made 475m in his 8 games this year at an average of 59.37m per game

* Jarrod Mullen has made 9 tackle breaks in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has made 2 line breaks in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has created 3 try assists in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has created 4 line break assists in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has made 67 kicks in his 8 games this year at an average of 8.37 kicks per game

* Jarrod Mullen has made 1,999 kick metres in his 8 games this year at an average of 249.87 kick metres per game

* Jarrod Mullen has conceded 2 penalties in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has produced 13 offloads in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has made 120 tackles in his 8 games this year at an average of 15 tackles per game

* Jarrod Mullen has missed 26 tackles in his 8 games this year at an average of 3.25 missed tackles per game

* Jarrod Mullen is yet to score a try in his 8 games this year

* Jarrod Mullen has made 4 errors in his 8 games this year

Clint Newton

* Clint Newton has made 16m in his 1 game this year at an average of 16m per game

* Clint Newton is yet to make a tackle break in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton is yet to make a line break in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton is yet to produce a try assist in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton is yet to produce a line break assist in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton is yet to concede a penalty in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton has produced 1 offload in his 1 game this year

* Clint Newton has made 22 tackles in his 1 game this year at an average of 22 tackles per game

* Clint Newton is yet to miss a tackle in his 1 game this year at an average of 0 missed tackles per game

* Clint Newton is yet t score a try in his 1 game this year

Tyler Randell

* Tyler Randell has made 254m in his 8 games this year at an average of 31.75m per game

* Tyler Randell has made 7 tackle breaks in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell has made 3 line breaks in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell is yet to create a try assist in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell is yet to create a line break assist assist in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell has conceded 2 penalties in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell is yet to produce an offload in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell has made 177 tackles in his 8 games this year at an average of 22.12 tackles per game

* Tyler Randell has missed 10 tackles his 8 games this year at an average of 1.25 missed tackle per game

* Tyler Randell has scored 2 tries in his 8 games this year

* Tyler Randell has made 2 errors in his 8 games this year

Chad Redman

* Chad Redman has made 57m in his 2 games this year at an average of 38m per game

* Chad Redman has made 3 tackle breaks in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman has made 1 line break in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman is yet to create a try assist in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman is yet to create a line break assist assist in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman is yet to concede a penalty in his 2 game this year

* Chad Redman is yet to produce an offload in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman has made 51 tackles in his 2 games this year at an average of 25.5 tackles per game

* Chad Redman is yet to miss a tackle his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman has scored 1 try in his 2 games this year

* Chad Redman has made 1 error in his 2 games this year

Tyrone Roberts

* Tyrone Roberts has made 473m in his 11 games this year at an average of 43m per game

* Tyrone Roberts has made 18 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has made 2 line breaks in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has created 1 try assist in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has created 1 line break assist in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has conceded 3 penalties in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has produced 3 offloads in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has made 86 kicks in his 11 games this year at an average of 7.81 kicks per game

* Tyrone Roberts has made 2,468 kick metres in his 11 games this year at an average of 224.36 kick metres per game

* Tyrone Roberts has made 165 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 15 tackles per game

* Tyrone Roberts has missed 27 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 2.45 missed tackles per game

* Tyrone Roberts is yet to score a try in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has kicked 29 goals from 35 attempts (82.85%) in his 11 games this year

* Tyrone Roberts has made 14 errors in his 11 games this year

Robbie Rochow

* Robbie Rochow has made 352m in his 3 games this year at an average of 117.33m per game

* Robbie Rochow has made 2 tackle breaks in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow has made 1 line break in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow has produced 1 try assist in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow has produced 2 line break assists in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow is yet to concede a penalty in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow has produced 3 offloads in his 3 games this year

* Robbie Rochow has made 74 tackles in his 3 games this year at an average of 24.66 tackles per game

* Robbie Rochow has missed 5 tackles in his 3 games this year at an average of 1.66 missed tackle per game

* Robbie Rochow has scored 1 try in his 3 games this year

Beau Scott

* Beau Scott has made 423m in his 7 games this year at an average of 60.42m per game

* Beau Scott has made 14 tackle breaks his 7 games this year

* Beau Scott has made 2 line breaks in his 7 games this year

* Beau Scott has conceded 3 penalties in his 7 games this year

* Beau Scott has produced 13 offloads in his 7 games this year

* Beau Scott has made 221 tackles in his 7 games this year at an average of 31.57 tackles per game

* Beau Scott has missed 12 tackles in his 7 games this year at an average of 1.71 missed tackles per game

* Beau Scott has scored 1 try in his 7 games this year

* Beau Scott has made 3 errors in his 7 games this year

Korbin Sims

* Korbin Sims has made 867m in his 9 games this year at an average of 97.33m per game

* Korbin Sims has made 14 tackle breaks in his 9 games this year

* Korbin Sims has made 2 line breaks in his 9 games this year

* Korbin Sims has conceded 7 penalties in his 9 games this year

* Korbin Sims has produced 6 offloads in his 9 games this year

* Korbin Sims has made 208 tackles in his 9 games this year at an average of 23.11 tackles per game

* Korbin Sims has missed 21 tackles in his 9 games this year at an average of 2.33 missed tackles per game

* Korbin Sims has scored 1 try in his 9 games this year

* Korbin Sims has made 6 errors in his 9 games this year

Tariq Sims

* Tariq Sims has made 851m in his 7 games this year at an average of 121.57m per game

* Tariq Sims has made 14 tackle breaks in his 7 games this year

* Tariq Sims has made 1 line break in his 7 games this year

* Tariq Sims has conceded 4 penalties in his 7 games this year

* Tariq Sims has produced 3 offloads in his 7 games this year

* Tariq Sims has made 235 tackles in his 7 games this year at an average of 33.57 tackles per game

* Tariq Sims has missed 11 tackles in his 7 games this year at an average of 1.57 missed tackle per game

* Tariq Sims has scored 1 try in his 7 games this year

* Tariq Sims has made 5 errors in his 7 games this year

Jeremy Smith

* Jeremy Smith has made 790m in his 10 games this year at an average of 79m per game

* Jeremy Smith has made 10 tackle breaks in his 10 games this year

* Jeremy Smith has made 1 line break in his 10 games this year

* Jeremy Smith has conceded 5 penalties in his in his 10 games this year

* Jeremy Smith has produced 5 offloads in his 10 games this year

* Jeremy Smith has made 297 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 29.7 tackles per game

* Jeremy Smith has missed 10 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 1 missed tackle per game

* Jeremy Smith has scored 1 try in his 10 games this year

* Jeremy Smith has made 2 errors in his 10 games this year

Kade Snowden

* Kade Snowden has made 1,441m in his 11 games this year at an average of 131m per game

* Kade Snowden has made 14 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Kade Snowden has made 1 line break in his 11 games this year

* Kade Snowden has conceded 5 penalties in his 11 games this year

* Kade Snowden has produced 21 offloads in his 11 games this year

* Kade Snowden has made 379 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 34.45 tackles per game

* Kade Snowden has missed 24 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 2.18 missed tackles per game

* Kade Snowden is yet to score a try in his 11 games this year

* Kade Snowden has made 8 errors in his 11 games this year

Jack Stockwell

* Jack Stockwell has made 787m in his 10 games this year at an average of 78.7m per game

* Jack Stockwell has made 8 tackle breaks in his 10 games this year

* Jack Stockwell is yet to make a line break in his 10 games this year

* Jack Stockwell has conceded 1 penalty in his 10 games this year

* Jack Stockwell has produced 3 offloads in his 10 games this year

* Jack Stockwell has made 260 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 26 tackles per game

* Jack Stockwell has missed 8 tackles in his 10 games this year at an average of 0.8 missed tackle per game

* Jack Stockwell is yet to score a try in in his 10 games this year

* Jack Stockwell has made 6 errors in his 10 games this year

Joseph Tapine

* Joseph Tapine has made 214m in his 4 games this year at an average of 53.5m per game

* Joseph Tapine has made 3 tackle breaks in his 4 games this year

* Joseph Tapine is yet to make a line break in his 4 games this year

* Joseph Tapine is yet to concede a penalty in his 4 games this year

* Joseph Tapine has made 64 tackles in his 4 games this year at an average of 16 tackles per game

* Joseph Tapine has missed 3 tackles in his 4 games this year at an average of 0.75 missed tackles per game

* Joseph Tapine is yet to score a try in his 4 games this year

* Joseph Tapine is yet to make an error in his 4 games this year

Akuila Uate

* Akuila Uate has scored 3 tries in his 8 games against the Warriors

* Akuila Uate has made 1,528m in his 11 games this year at an average of 138.9m per game

* Akuila Uate has made 33 tackle breaks in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has made 7 line breaks in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has created 2 try assists in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has created 1 line break assist in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate is yet to concede a penalty in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has produced 9 offloads in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has made 43 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 3.9 tackles per game

* Akuila Uate has missed 17 tackles in his 11 games this year at an average of 1.54 missed tackles per game

* Akuila Uate has scored 5 tries in his 11 games this year

* Akuila Uate has made 10 errors in his 11 games this year

Pat Vaivai

* Pat Vaivai has made 114m in his 2 games this year at an average of 57m per game

* Pat Vaivai is yet to make a tackle break in his 2 games this year

* Pat Vaivai is yet to make a line break in his 2 games this year

* Pat Vaivai is yet to concede a penalty in his 2 games this year

* Pat Vaivai has made 31 tackles in his 2 games this year at an average of 15.5 tackles per game

* Pat Vaivai has missed 2 tackles in his 2 games this yearat an average of 1 missed tackle per game

* Pat Vaivai is yet to score a try in his 2 games this year

* Pat Vaivai is yet to make an error in his 2 games this year

2015 SEASON STATS

**NRL Ranking in brackets, Red is negative Green is positive**

Position

Knights - 12th

Warriors - 7th

Points Scored

Knights - 188 (12th)

Warriors - 212 (7th)

Points Conceded

Knights - 222 (4th)

Warriors - 211 (Equal 6th)

Tries Scored

Knights - 32 (9th)

Warriors - 38 (Equal 4th)

Tries Conceded

Knights - 38 (5th)

Warriors - 37 (Equal 6th)

Metres Gained

Knights - 16,833 (6th)

Warriors - 16,060 (11th)

Linebreaks

Knights - 46 (3rd)

Warriors - 50 (1st)

Tackle Breaks

Knights - 301 (1st)

Warriors - 271 (6th)

Errors

Knights - 123 (2nd)

Warriors - 126 (1st)

Kick Metres

Knights - 4,812 (13th)

Warriors - 4,535(15th)

40/20's

Knights - 0 (Equal 16th)

Warriors - 1 (Equal 3rd)

Offloads

Knights - 111 (Equal 3rd)

Warriors - 94 (Equal 8th)

Missed Tackles

Knights - 296 (5th)

Warriors - 216 (15th)

* Tries Conceded, Points Conceded, Missed Tackles and Errors are negatives so the lower your ranked the better

Example - The Knights are ranked 2nd for Errors, This means they make they make the 2nd highest amount of errors in the NRL


PREDICTIONS AND PENDING MILESTONES

Prediction


NZ Warriors - 46
Newcastle Knights - 12
FTS - Manu Vatuvei
LTS - Shaun Johnson
MOTM - Shaun Johnson

Pending Milestones

- Joseph Leilua requires 1 more try to reach 50 career tries

- Chris Houston will play his 150th game for the Knights, He is the 17th player to reach this milestone​
 
Knights maintain belief

Wed 27th May, 05:39PM

Newcastle Knights’ coach Rick Stone assures belief is well and truly present among his squad.

Still in the first fold of the season, the Knights know there’s ample opportunity to divert their current course.

After playing the Brisbane Broncos on Monday night at home, the Knights now hit the road to take on the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.

“We know we have some work to do and know it’s a challenge going to New Zealand, but we’re looking forward to it,” Stone said.

“Sunday can’t come quick enough for us.

“The NRL is a tough one. We’ve won a few close ones and we’ve lost a few close one’s of late.

“You have to keep being consistent in most of your games to win those close ones.”

While the Knights meet the Warriors, who have won five matches this season and roll off back-to-back wins, they know their Round 1 victory demonstrates they have what it takes to bring their opposition undone.

“It’s always been a tough trip for us,” he added.

“We obviously got them in the first round and they are building some momentum.

“They have had a couple of close wins in their last few starts.

“They are gaining some confidence and a Warriors side with some confidence is a dangerous one.

“Every time we do the trip to the Tasman we are expecting a tough game and we are expecting the same again."

Stone maintains the Knights need to rise above the challenges presented by the absence of key squad members.

“We need to be better and more mentally stronger than that,” he said.

“We need to be able to respond to some adversity.”

After suffering a head knock in the second half of Monday night’s match against the Broncos, Kurt Gidley is on track to prove fitness for Sunday’s game.

“The head injury seems to be okay and he has passed a concussion test,” he said.

“He has a cork…so he’ll be a bit sore at the moment. He’ll be on light duties I’d suggest tomorrow and we’ll have some idea where he’s up to."

Meanwhile, Stone wished Knights’ NSW Origin representative Beau Scott all the best for Wednesday night’s series opening game at ANZ Stadium.

“Beau only knows one speed and that’s flat out generally,” he said.

While he hopes the Test forward to come through unscathed, he explained his likelihood of lining up on Sunday can only be determined after the match.

“He’s obviously a big part in the NSW Blues and is likely to play plenty of time tonight, so let’s just taken one thing at a time,” Stone said.

“He’s got to get through the game first and we’ll assess him tomorrow when he comes out of camp and we’ll see what shape he is in to see if he goes to New Zealand or not."

In other team news, Adam Clydsdale is set to make a return to the fold after sitting out the last two rounds due to a shoulder injury.

“He was probably 50/50 last week but we decided to go again with Chad (Redman),” he said.

Stone praised the 22-year-old NSW Cup pillar, who stepped up into the role.

“I was absolutely happy with Chad and how he brought some energy and vitality to our team,” he said.

“I just think the best fit for us at the moment is to get (Adam) Clydsy back.

“He’s our first choice hooker and we have to back him a bit that way. Hopefully he can do a good job for us on Sunday."

Much of the Knights’ focus will level on mental preparation in order to bounce back from Monday’s loss.

“It can be tough and it’s a tough game and generally when you’re down and your confidence is not great, it gets dented pretty easily,” Stone

“One of the things spoken about in our team meeting is that making sure we have a little process to go with our senior players to get ourselves back on track.

“You can’t look too far ahead in the game, particularly when the momentum is against you."


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/05/27/knights_maintain_bel.html




 
Knights up to tough task

Wed 27th May, 06:28PM

Knights forward Korbin Sims says the Newcastle side is ready for the challenge of travelling across the ditch to take on the New Zealand Warriors this weekend.

“Auckland is always a hard place to play football, but if we can dominate possession, which we really haven’t been able to do this year, then I reckon we’’ll be able to get the win,” Sims told the media on Wednesday.

“Mentally we just have to prepare hard.

“We’ve been preparing hard in the last two weeks and we’ve had one win from there.

“We need to do a little better than we have been doing.

“We are just trying to build on performances each week."

Sims has also turned the magnifying glass on his own game and looks to make improvements.

“I’m not playing where I was at the start of the year, so I’m just trying to get back to that point where was at the start,” he said.

“Hopefully I can get my spot back."

After Monday night’s loss to the Brisbane Broncos at Hunter Stadium, he believes it’s increasingly important for the Knights to show resilience.

“We have had a couple of losses that have been bad, but everyone is still pretty upbeat,” he said.

“You have to be in this game otherwise one loss will turn into five, which we’ve already been through.

“We just have to keep moving forward.”


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/05/27/knights_ready_for_to.html




 
New Zealand Warriors - 36
Newcastle Knights - 8
FTS - Manu Vatuvei
LTS - Simon Mannering
MOTM - Shaun Johnson
 
The red & blue gut feeling deep down in me makes me think we'll win this one. But who knows with the squad we are going to be playing, no Mullen, Scott will be busted whether he plays or not after Origin, Smith will be toughing it out to play & we got rid of any sort of spark we had out of hooker with the Randell & Redman combo to get Clydsdale back in there.
 
Be nice to know the actual squad before tipping. No Gids maybe and Newton and Vaivai again maybe with no Joe Tapine. And what has happened to Mataroa? Is he injured or fallen off the planet?
 
Be nice to know the actual squad before tipping. No Gids maybe and Newton and Vaivai again maybe with no Joe Tapine. And what has happened to Mataroa? Is he injured or fallen off the planet?

Well Mataora is behind Vaivai in the prop pecking order & so far we've only had to dip as deep as Vaivai.

- - - Updated - - -

Chris Houston & Tariq Sims press conferences.
 
Be nice to know the actual squad before tipping. No Gids maybe and Newton and Vaivai again maybe with no Joe Tapine. And what has happened to Mataroa? Is he injured or fallen off the planet?

I will purchase both jalens and mataroa tickets to nz with the condition they play first grade this week haha
 
Scott returns from Origin duties

Thu 28th May, 03:13PM

The Newcastle Knights welcomed back Origin star Beau Scott on Thursday after an outstanding series opening performance at ANZ Stadium.

Wednesday night’s blockbuster match was the enforcer’s ninth Origin appearance after playing a role in the Blue’s 2014 series success.

In a triumph for Knights and NSW supporters alike, Scott powered over the line in the first half, unable to be haltered by two Maroons defenders, to score his first Origin try.

“It would have been a bit sweeter if we came away with the victory, but it’s always nice to get a try on the big stage like that,” he told Knights TV on his return to Knights HQ.

“The first 40 minutes were positive, but the first 20 minutes in the second half, we let ourselves down a bit.

“I thought the effort was great from the boys and gives us something to build on coming into game two.”

Perhaps the most important question for any Knights supporters centres around Scott's availability for Sunday's match against the New Zealand Warriors.

While he won't travel with the team on Friday, the plan is to travel with the other two grades on Saturday to allow for an extra day to assess his recovery.

“I’m going okay, I’ll guess I’ll just play it by ear the next couple of days and see how I go on the weekend,” he said

“Some say the closer the (turnaround) game the better and some people like it the other way around.

“There’s always a big build up to an Origin, just to get over that hype and the intensity of the game is probably the major factor than the muscle soreness itself."

While in camp with the Blues, Scott watched his Knights teammates take on the Brisbane Broncos on Monday night.

“We started the game really well I thought and just couldn’t stick to what was working for us,” he assessed.

“It was disappointing sitting in Sydney watching it and the boys are obviously disappointed with the result.

“The best thing about it is we have this weekend to turn it around and get back in the winner’s circle.

“The Warriors is a tough trip with the time difference and the weather difference.

“They are big boppers over there as well so it’s going to be a tough challenge for us.”
The Knights travel to New Zealand on Friday and are holding an OPEN TRAINING SESSION on Saturday afternoon.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/05/28/scott_returns_from_o.html





 
Smith is ruled out again. Beau won't travel with the first grade team tomorrow but if he pulls up alright will travel with the lower grades on Saturday.
 
The road to Warriors

Thu 28th May, 04:29PM

There’s always plenty for professional rugby league players to balance and consider as they begin their preparation for the pinnacle of their week, game day.

As the Newcastle Knights get ready to embark on the trip to Auckland for their Round 12 match against the New Zealand Warriors, there’s the added element of significant travel that comes into the mix.

While it goes with the territory of playing in the NRL, ensuring players arrive at game day at their ultimate peak comes down to thoughtful and precise management of player routine.

Before Friday’s journey, forward Jack Stockwell takes Knights TV through the team’s travel routine running into Sunday’s big game.

“It’s an early start for us from Mayfield tomorrow,” he said.

The Knights will board their team bus before the sun peeps over the horizon to travel down the M1 to Sydney International Airport to check in for their morning flight.

After three-hours in the air, once grounded in Auckland the players progress through customs to arrive at their team hotel late in the afternoon.

“We will have a sleep-in and then training in the afternoon on Saturday before game day,” Stockwell added.

Looking after their bodies is the emphasis on the flight.

“It’s just about keeping the body moving I guess and wearing some skins on the plane to make sure you don’t tighten right up,” he said.

“We make sure when we get there, we get the body moving right away.”

Stockwell knows the Knights will arrive firing at Mt Smart Stadium but expects the Warriors too to be hungry for a win.

“Playing the Warriors at their home ground is always a big ask", he said.

“They have some big boys too which our forward pack will have to muster up against.

“It’s a challenge for us, but I’m looking forward to it personally and playing those boppers, especially over there as they’ll be fired up with a home crowd.

“It will be challenge against the boys and especially against (Shaun) Johnston, he can turn one on.

“A few people might find it intimidating going over there, but I’m looking forward to it and like coming up against the Warriors over there because there’s a great atmosphere.

“They have passionate fans over there. It’s only one town one team and everyone gets right behind their boys.”

More than anything, Stockwell says the team is eager for another opportunity to action the right changes this week to conjure a valuable win.

“We are looking to win every week, so it’s just about getting our season back on track,” he said.

“I think we can do that starting this week against the Warriors.”


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/05/28/road_to_warriors_.html




 
Warriors v Knights preview

Thu 28 May, 2015, 12:00pm

By Corey Rosser, NZ Correspondent, NRL.com


Down on form and luck over the past two months, the last thing Newcastle Knights coach Rick Stone wants to be doing is travelling to Auckland to face the Warriors this weekend.

With just a single win since Round 4 the Knights are struggling for answers and know the job won't get any easier this Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium, against a Kiwi outfit who are growing in confidence after a couple of recent gritty wins.

The Warriors will have appreciated the week off for the bye, with several players – particularly their back row – playing big minutes through the opening 10 rounds of the Telstra Premiership.

Neither side will be hurt too badly by the Origin clash mid-week, with Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman the only Warriors involved and the Knights having just Beau Scott backing up.

Both Adam Clydsdale and Jeremy Smith return to the Newcastle side as well, which sees Clint Newton, Chad Redman and Pat Vaivai all drop out.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden welcomes back the experienced duo of Manu Vatuvei and Sam Tomkins, while local juniors Sebastine Ikahihifo and Siliva Havili are named on the bench.

Watch out Warriors:

Periods of poor defence and concentration have been the story of the Warriors' season, and only pieces of individual brilliance saved them from defeat in their last two encounters.

Get out of jail free cards are rare in the NRL, and Mannering and Co need to perform better and not rely on one against Newcastle.

The Knights were strong through the opening 40 minutes last week, leading 18-10 at the break and outplaying the Broncos in most areas of the game.

If they can repeat that against the Warriors – minus the second-half collapse – they will be tough to match.

Watch out Knights:

Warriors halves Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend have been on fire in their last two matches, running the ball a combined 38 times for 296 metres.

They have been deadly when tucking the ball under the wing, and equally dangerous when they hand it off; Townsend has two try assists in the last two games, and Johnson one assist with a brace of tries for himself.

The Warriors get two of their best attacking weapons back this week in Tomkins and Vatuvei, which makes them a much tougher opponent across the board.

With his high involvement on the ball Tomkins takes responsibility away from the halves and allows them to play what they see, while Vatuvei is the number one target anytime the Warriors enter the attacking 20.

Key Match-Up: Manu Vatuvei v Akuila Uate

The all-time leading try scorers for their respective clubs, the powerful duo will mark up on each other this weekend in a clash which always gets the punters excited.

Vatuvei has been in career-best form so far in 2015, with seven tries and an average of 140 running metres per game.

On the right edge for the Knights Uate has proved one of their most dangerous attacking options, averaging 139 metres and breaking the line on seven occasions in 2015.

The History: Played 33; Knights 17, Warriors 15, drawn 1

The overall head-to-head battle is fairly even, with the Knights grabbing the advantage thanks to victories in their last two meetings with the Warriors. Prior to that however Newcastle had little luck against the New Zealanders, and in 13 games since 2008 they have just four wins.

What Are The Odds:

The Warriors are heavy favourites with Sportsbet, but there's more money invested on the Knights' away from home as customers sniff around for some value.

It comes as little surprise that big Manu Vatuvei has been extremely well backed in first try scorer betting.

Did You Know:

If Newcastle can secure victory this weekend it will make three in a row against the Warriors, something they haven't achieved since back in the 2003/04 seasons.

Since that period the Knights have only won six games against the Warriors, and their head-to-head record against the New Zealand side is among their worst in the competition.

Match Officials:

Referee: Ben Cummins

Assistant Referee: David Munro

Touch Judges: Rick MacFarlane and Anthony Eliott

Video Referees: Matt Cecchin and Daniel Irvine

Televised:

Sky Sport – Live from 4.00pm NZT. Fox Sports – Live from 2.00pm AEDT.

The Way We See It:

The Knights have just one victory since Round 4, and while they were good for 40 minutes last week there isn't much to suggest they will leave Auckland with the two points on Sunday.

The Warriors are growing in confidence after back-to-back wins, and head into this clash fresh off a bye week.

Warriors by 16.


http://www.nrl.com/warriors-v-knights-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/86606/default.aspx
 
In the Tariq interview, right at the end, they ask him if there are any changes this week, and he says, "yes there are, not that i'll tell you blokes about it" and goes on to say whoever is in the positions will have to try their hardest.
It will be interesting to see who gets on the plane with the firstgrade squad. In the training video in the background you could see Clydsdale, Redman, Newton, Vaivai and I think Carlos was there - but he could have just been filling in for Gids since he can't train.
 
NRL Late Mail ahead of round 12: Team changes and gossip


  • TOM SANGSTER
  • NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA
  • MAY 28, 2015 4:36PM


Warriors v Knights -
Sunday, 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors:

Manu Vatuvei (sternum) and Sam Tomkins (knee) will return for the Warriors.

Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman got through Origin and are expected to back up.

Knights - Updated 4.30pm Thursday:

Jeremy Smith (sternum) has been ruled out.

He is replaced by Joseph Tapine (back), who has recovered of an injury of his own after being a late withdrawal last week.

Beau Scott pulled up well from Origin and is set to play.

Adam Clydsdale (shoulder) is right to return, while Kurt Gidley has been cleared of concussion.

Gidley’s corked thigh is of more concern, but he is expected to play.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...anges-and-gossip/story-fnp0lyn3-1227372690432
 
In the Tariq interview, right at the end, they ask him if there are any changes this week, and he says, "yes there are, not that i'll tell you blokes about it" and goes on to say whoever is in the positions will have to try their hardest.
It will be interesting to see who gets on the plane with the firstgrade squad. In the training video in the background you could see Clydsdale, Redman, Newton, Vaivai and I think Carlos was there - but he could have just been filling in for Gids since he can't train.

I don't think he was talking about players. He was asked has anything changed from last week in preparation.
 
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