ROUND 13: Knights v Tigers @ Hunter Stadium

[Junior11]

ROUND 13

SUNDAY JUNE 8
@ Hunter Stadium

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[TABLE="width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]

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[/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]Newcastle
KNIGHTS
POSITION: 15th
LAST 5: L L L L L[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]V[/TD]
[TD]Wests
TIGERS
POSITION: 8th
LAST 5: L W L L W[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Kick Off: 2:00 PM
LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1

Referees: Ashley Klein & Alan Shortall
Sideline Referees: Steve Carrall & Anthony Elliot
Video Referees: Luke Phillips & Steve Chiddy

#NRLNEWWST
#RISEFORALEX

LOWER GRADES BEFORE NRL KICK OFF
HOLDEN CUP: Knights v Tigers @ 11.30 AM (LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1)

NSW CUP: Knights v Warriors Tigers, SATURDAY 5.00 PM @ Lyle Peacock Field, Toronto

TICKET PURCHASE & GAME DAY INFORMATION HERE




1. Darius Boyd
2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Kade Snowden 9. Kurt Gidley 10. Willie Mason
11. Beau Scott 12. Robbie Rochow
13. Jeremy Smith

14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Korbin Sims 17. Chris Houston 18. David Fa'alogo


Warriors Line Up: 1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Braith Anasta 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Liam Fulton 12. Bodene Thompson 13. Adam Blair

14. Sauaso Sue 15. Martin Taupau 16. Blake Austin 17. Ava Seumanufagai
18. Curtis Sironen


KEY KNIGHTS MILESTONES

• DARIUS BOYD PLAYS HIS 200th NRL GAME
• AKUILA UATE REQUIRES 2 TRIES TO BECOME THE HIGHEST EVER TRY SCORING KNIGHT
• AKUILA UATE REQUIRES JUST 2 TRIES TO BECOME THE SECOND HIGHEST EVER TRY SCORER AT HUNTER STADIUM
• AKUILA UATE REQUIRES JUST 1 TRY TO BECOME THE THIRD EVER PLAYER TO SCORE 50 TRIES AT HUNTER STADIUM


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

NOTE: Player withdrawals are a possibility before kick off. We cannot provide refunds so please keep this in mind when placing bets on vBookie events.​

 

[rhugh89]

Stats - Round 13, 2014 - Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers @ Hunter Stadium


Head to Head

​

Played - 18​

​

Knights - 9​

​

Wests Tigers - 9​

At Hunter Stadium

​

Played - 10​

​

Knights - 6​

​

Wests Tigers - 4

​

NRL Record (1998 - Current)

​

Played - 18​

​

Knights - 9​

​

Wests Tigers - 9

​

Battle of the Coaches - Wayne Bennett vs Mick Potter
​

Games - 1​

​

Wayne Bennett - 1​

​

Mick Potter - 0

​

Facts and Figures - Teams


​

* The Knights have won their last 2 games against the Wests Tigers


* The Knights have only beat the Wests Tigers twice since 2008


* The Knights have only beaten the Warriors once at Mt Smart Stadium since 2006


* The Knights have only lost once to the Tigers at Hunter Stadium since 2010


* The Knights have only won 2 games in 2014


* The Knights have only won 1 game at home this year from 4 attempts​

​

* The average amount of points scored in games between these 2 teams is 49.7 points per game (Very High Scoring)

​

​

* The average Margin of victory in games between these 2 teams is 17.45 points per game (Very One Sided)


* The Wests Tigers have won 3 out of their 6 away games this season​

Facts and Figures - Players


​

* Akuila Uate has scored 4 tries in his 4 games against the Wests Tigers​

​

* Akuila Uate has made 995m in 8 games this season at an average of 124.37m per game​

​

* Akuila Uate has made 25 tackle breaks in 8 games this season at an average of 3.1 tackle breaks per game


* Akuila Uate has only made 7 errors in 8 games this season at an average of 0.875 errors per game


* Akuila Uate has scored 5 tries and made 3 line breaks in his 8 games this season


* Darius Boyd has made 932m in 9 games this season at an average of 103.5m per game


* Darius Boyd has made 22 tackle breaks in 9 games this season at an average of 2.4 tackle breaks per game


* Darius Boyd has only made 5 errors in 9 games this season at an average of 0.5 errors per game


* Dane Gagai has scored 2 tries in his 2 games against the Wests Tigers

​

​

* Dane Gagai has made 1,655m in 11 games this season at an average of 150.45m per game​

​

* Dane Gagai has 110m or more in his last 7 games this season


* Dane Gagai has made 110m or more in his last 8 games straight


* Dane Gagai has made 52 tackle breaks in 11 games this season at an average of 4.7 tackle breaks per game


* Dane Gagai has only made 9 errors in 11 games this season at an average of 0.8 errors per game


* Dane Gagia has missed 40 tackles in his 11 games this season at an average of 3.6 missed tackles per game


* James McManus has scored 4 tries in his 7 games against the Wests Tigers

​

​

* James McManus has made 1,210m in 11 games this season at an average of 110m per game


* James McManus has scored 4 tries and made 4 line breaks in his 11 games this season


* James McManus has only made 9 errors in 11 games this season at an average of 0.81 errors per game


* James McManus has only missed 6 tackles in 11 games this season at an average of 0.5 missed tackles per game


* BJ Leilua has score 1 try in his 3 games against the Wests Tigers

​

​

* BJ Leilua has made 1,190m in 10 games this season at an average of 119m per game


* BJ Leilua is averaging 10.25m per run this season​

​

* BJ Leilua has made 45 tackle breaks in 10 games this season at an average of 4.5 tackle breaks per game​

​

* BJ Leilua has 4 line breaks and scored 4 tries in 9 games this season


* BJ Leilua has made 17 errors in 10 games this season at an average of 1.7 errors per game​

​

* Kurt Gidley has scored 2 tries in his 8 games against the Wests Tigers​

​

* Kurt Gidley has kicked 23 conversions in his 8 games against the Wests Tigers​

​

* Kurt Gidley has amassed 54 points in his 8 games against the Wests Tigers​

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* Kurt Gidley has made 409 tackles in 11 games this season at an average of 37.18 tackles per game​

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* Kurt Gidley has only missed 22 tackles in 11 games this season at an average of 2 missed tackles per game


* Kurt Gidley has only made 10 errors in 11 games this season at an average of 0.9 errors per game​

​

* Beau Scott has made 4 line breaks and scored 3 tries in 9 games this season


* Beau Scott has made 19 tackle breaks in 8 games this season at an average of 2.3 tackle breaks per game


* Beau Scott has made 225 tackles in 9 games this season at an average of 25 tackles per game


* Beau Scott has only made 7 errors in 9 games this season at an average of 0.77 errors per game


* Beau Scott has missed 22 tackles in 9 games this season at an average of 2.4 missed tackles per game


* Jeremy Smith has made 186 tackles in 8 games this season at an average of 23.25 tackles per game


* Jeremy Smith has only missed 13 tackles in 8 games this season at an average of 1.625 missed tackles per game


* Jeremy Smith has only made 1 error in 8 games this season at an average of 0.125 errors per game


* Jeremy Smith is averaging 10.1m per run this season​

​

* Adam Cuthbertson has made 1,253m in 10 games this season at an average of 125.3m per game


* Adam Cuthbertson has made 299 tackles in 10 games this season at an average of 29.9 tackles per game


* Adam Cuthbertson has only missed 11 tackles in 10 games this season at an average of 1.1 missed tackles per game


* Adam Cuthbertson has only made 2 errors in 10 games this season at an average of 0.2 errors per game


* Adam Cuthbertson has made 22 offloads in 10 games this season at an average of 2.2 offloads per game


* Adam Cuthbertson has only missed 11 tackles in 10 games this season at an average of 1.1 missed tackles per game


* Chris Houston has made 276 tackles in 8 games this season at an average of 34.5 tackles per game


* Chris Houston has only made 3 errors in 8 games this season at an average of 0.375 errors per game


* Chris Houston has missed 18 tackles in 8 games this season at an average of 2.25 missed tackles per game

​

​

* Willie Mason has made 942m in 9 games this season at an average of 104.6m per game​

​

* Willie Mason has only missed 7 tackles in 9 games this season at an average of 0.77 missed tackles per game


* Willie Mason has only made 2 errors in 9 games this season at an average of 0.22 errors per game​

​

* Tyrone Roberts has made 5 Line Breaks and scored 3 tries in 11 games this season


* Tyrone Roberts has made 24 tackle breaks in 11 games this season at an average of 2.1 tackle breaks per game


* Tyrone Roberts has produced 6 try assists in 11 games this season


* Tyrone Roberts has produced 5 line break assists in 11 games this season


* Tyrone Roberts has only made 8 errors in 11 games this season at an average of 0.72 errors per game


* Tyrone Roberts has missed 46 tackles in 11 games this season at an average of 4.18 missed tackles per game​

​

* Robbie Rochow has made 1,010m in 11 games this season at an average of 91.81m per game


* Robbie Rochow has made 303 tackles in 11 games this season at an average of 27.54 tackles per game


* Robbie Rochow has made 4 line breaks and scored 3 tries in 11 games this season

​

​

* Korbin Sims has made 643m in 7 games this season at an average of 91.85m per game


* Korbin Sims has made 15 missed tackles in 7 games this season at an average of 2.1 missed tackles per game


* Korbin Sims has only made 3 errors in 7 games this season at an average of 0.42 errors per game

​

* Kade Snowden has made 1,032m in 10 games this season at an average of 103.2m per game​

​

* Kade Snowden has made 235 tackles in 10 games this season at an average of 23.5 tackles per game


* Kade Snowden has only made 4 errors in 10 games this season at an average of 0.4 errors per game


* Kade Snowden has missed 22 tackles in 10 games this season at an average of 2.2 missed tackles per game


* David Fa'alogo has only missed 4 tackles in 7 games this season at an average of 0.57 missed tackles per game


* David Fa'alogo has only made 1 error in 7 games this season at an average of 0.14 errors per game


* Jake Mamo has made 379m in 3 games this season at an average of 126.3m per game


* Jake Mamo has made 6 tackle breaks in 3 games this season at an average of 2 tackle breaks per game


* Jake Mamo has only made 2 errors in 3 games this season at an average of 0.6 errors per game


* Jarrod Mullen has made 15 tackle breaks in 6 games this season at an average of 2.5 tackle breaks per game


* Jarrod Mullen has made just 2 errors in 3 games this season at an average of 0.33 errors per game


* Jarrod Mullen has made 2 try assists and 1 line break assist in 6 games this season

​

2014 Season Stats


Position

Knights - 15th

Wests Tigers - 7th


For and Against

Knights - 166 Points For / 257 Points Against

Wests Tigers - 228 Points For / 242 Points Against

* The Knights are ranked 15th in Attack and 13th in Defence based on For and Against

* The Wests Tigers are ranked 8th in Attack and 9th in Defence based on For and Against


Tries Scored

Knights - 29 (15th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 38 (8th in the NRL)


Metres Gained

Knights - 16,537m (7th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 16,053m (12th in the NRL)


Linebreaks

Knights - 37 (10th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 40 (8th in the NRL)


Tackle Breaks

Knights - 330 (Equal 2nd in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 315 (4th in the NRL)


Errors

Knights - 104 (14th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 124 (10th in the NRL)


Kick Metres

Knights - 6,617m (4th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 5,204m (15th in the NRL)


Offloads

Knights - 103 (Equal 9th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 113 (6th in the NRL)


Tackles

Knights - 3,518 (9th in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 3,125 (15th in the NRL)


Missed Tackles

Knights - 357 (Equal 3rd in the NRL)

Wests Tigers - 337 (6th in the NRL)


Statsman'sPrediction and Best Bet


Prediction

Wests Tigers - 40
Knights - 12
FTS - Pat Richards
LTS - Luke Brooks
MOTM - Robbie Farah


Best Bets

Look to the Akuila Uate Record Breaker and Our Happy 200th Darius bonus bets!!!


Pending Milestones


* Darius Boyd will play his 200th first grade game this weekend against the Wests Tigers


* Akuila Uate requires 2 tries to become our highest ever try scorer of all time


* Akuila Uate requires just 1 try to become just the 3rd player to reach 50 tries scored at Hunter Stadium


* Akuila Uate requires 9 points to surpass Timana Tahu as our 4th highest point scorer of all time


* James McManus requires 3 tries to become our 7th highest try scorer of all time







* All 2014 Season Stats and Player Stats
are sourced from NRL.com
​

* Historical Stats and Milestones are my own work​

 

[rhugh89]

Boyd ready to fire in 200th

Matt Logue

Thu 5th June, 12:50PM

Darius Boyd never gives much away but Korbin Sims reckons you always know when he’s ready to perform.

That’s very much the feeling Sims got at training on Thursday, when the normally reserved Boyd significantly ramped up his enthusiasm levels.

According to Sims it's a sign that the Knights' star fullback is set to fire in his 200th NRL game against the Wests Tigers at Hunter
Stadium on Sunday.

"He doesn’t give much away old Darbs but he is one of those players that when he is on, he is on," Sims says.

"And you know he is going to be on.

"He was like that at training today. He had a really good training session.

"Obviously he had a couple of issues coming back from Origin with an injury last week.

"But I’m sure he’ll rise up for his 200[SUP]th[/SUP] NRL game.

"Personally I can’t wait for it and I’m looking forward to running out with him this weekend.

"Hopefully he has a big game as well."

Sims says Boyd's effort to play 200 NRL games is a huge effort and one that can't be underestimated.

"It’s a massive honour," he enthuses.

"Playing 200 games in the NRL alone is a massive achievement.

"Darbs has been around for a long time and he has won premierships.

"He is a great player on the field and he is a great person off the field.

"All the media stuff and flack that he cops is probably just water off a duck's back to him.

"So I’m looking forward to him coming out and proving everyone wrong."

Sims, meanwhile, says the Knights refuse to give up on playing in the finals this season despite their disappointing record so far this season.

"It’s only halfway through the season this weekend, so we’ve got a long road ahead of us," he maintains.

"We’ve had a hard journey, but that’s behind us now so we are looking forward to the future.

"That starts this weekend against the Tigers.

"This is going to be the kick-start game of our season and we just need to push forward and we can’t look at what’s happened and how many games we’ve lost now.

"We’ve just got to start again and we’ve got to start this weekend."


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/05/boyd_ready_to_fire_in_200th.html

 

[Defender1]

Yeah, yeah, we'll see!

 

[packo]

Can't believe he has played the same amount of first grade as Mannering.

 

[rhugh89]

Confidence booster

Matt Logue

Wed 4th June, 02:12PM

Newcastle has recorded just two victories this season but star halfback Tyrone Roberts insists it will only take one win to kick-start some belief within the playing ranks.

In the lead-up to Sunday's crucial clash against the Wests Tigers at Hunter Stadium, Roberts says his side is determined to salvage their season with a powerful display on home turf.

"A win would definitely kick-start our confidence," Roberts said after training on Wednesday.

"As a team... we are just making sure we stick together through these tough times."

On top of trying to keep their slim finals hopes alive on Sunday, the Knights will also have the extra motivation of playing for the region's miners as part of the 'Voice for Mining Family Day' initiative.

Newcastle players will take the field for the first time in the special edition, hi-vis replica mining jersey in support of the Hunter's miners.

Roberts can't wait to don the new-look jumper and pay his respects to one of the most important industries in the local community.

"Mining is a big part of Newcastle," he says.

"It’s good for us to get out and dress up in bright colours (laughs) and hopefully everyone can come down and enjoy the weekend with us.

"It’s always good to be back home in front of the Newcastle fans.

"We love everyone that comes to the game and we are just looking forward to getting a good win."

Asked if his confidence has been affected by the recent run of losses, Roberts was up front in his response.

"Not really," he says.

"As the losing keeps going, we’ve got to stay upbeat and make sure we don’t lack on the training field, because it will just continue into the game.

"We’ve just got to keep enthusiastic and train hard.

"It’s just a bit of concentration, so we’ve got to go back to the drawing board and work on those little things."

It's a challenge that starts with the Tigers on Sunday, a must-win game according to Roberts.

"Yeah they (the Tigers) have been playing well and that comes back to confidence within the team," he says.

"Everyone is confident with each other and they are playing well.

"We’ve just got to get back to training focus on our own performance and hopefully we can get the result on the weekend."


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/04/confidence_booster.html

 

[rhugh89]

Mason fronts Big League

Wed 4th June, 04:02PM

In this week’s issue of Big League magazine, Willie Mason opens up about how his time at Newcastle has changed his view on his role in teams.

By his own admission, Mason can be a good or a bad influence on the team-mates that look up to him. It just took him a while to realise it.

After 12 years of first grade and a career of controversy, home truths from coach Wayne Bennett in 2012 finally showed just how motivating Mason’s unique character can be.

Handpicked by Bennett for his rock-solid confidence and extensive experience, the penny dropped for the former international and New South Wales forward who never thought of himself as a leader.

"Before (Wayne) did that, a lot of people were questioning my leadership at the Roosters and things were getting said.

"It really p’ed me off because I couldn’t control it," Mason, now 34, tells Big League.

"I never question myself or my leadership skills, on or off the field. But I’ve learnt that I can either drag a team high or I can drag a team low depending on my actions.

"I didn’t really realise that until I got (to Newcastle).

"I was 32 and looking at guys that are 20 years old and realised I could be a bad or a good influence.

"Because I’ve been so strong-headed in my career with partying, drinking, smoking or whatever, I can control whatever I want to do but a lot of kids can’t.

"I never understood (that players can be impressionable) until Wayne said a few things and I suppose it just sort of dropped.

"When I started at the Bulldogs, my dad had died so I had no-one telling me what to do, I did it myself.

"I didn’t have anyone at 17 or 18 to tell me how to do things.”

For all his mistakes, Mason has never compromised his own integrity because he counts on himself and himself alone.

Feeling his way through life and football.

"My goal at the Knights is to be one of the leading forwards and one of the players to bring this club up and to be one of Wayne’s guys to lead this club,” he says.

"That’s a big responsibility when he puts that on you.”

Mason also spoke about his career and how achieving so much at such a young age left him at a loss as to what to do next and how now he’s found his way back to the top in rugby league, he’s ready to continue on as long as he can match it with the younger guys.

To read the full story, grab this week’s Big League with Willie on the front.

Just $5, it’s available at newsagents, at the game and on Zinio, Apple Newsstand and Google Play.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/04/mason_fronts_big_league.html

 

[rhugh89]

Scott keen to resurrect Knights’ season

Matt Logue

Wed 4th June, 12:12PM

Beau Scott has claimed his first Origin win in Queensland, now he has his sights firmly set on resurrecting the Knights’ disappointing season.

Speaking after training on Wednesday, a focused Scott said he was desperate to help end the Club's five-match losing streak with a strong display against the Tigers at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.

The veteran forward missed last Sunday's loss to the Warriors due to a neck injury and fatigue following the opening Origin but after positive scan results on Monday he is fully fit and ready to take on the Tigers.

"I guess I was on a high for a couple of days after the (Origin) game, but not so much now because I’m back to work and I’ve got a job to do here in Newcastle," says Scott, who admits the opening Origin in Brisbane was one of the toughest games in his career.

"I had a little bit of a sore neck and obviously a bit of fatigue after the game.

"But I’ve had a scan on the neck and it’s all clear now, so I’m ready to go this week.

"I guess coming back to Newcastle we need to turn things around here at the moment and it starts against the Tigers.

"We just have to concentrate on that first win to start off and go from there.

"It’s good to be home on Sunday in Newcastle and I’m looking forward to getting back on the paddock."

Scott will be joined in the back-row on Sunday by former Dragons teammate Jeremy Smith, who is back in the starting side for the first time since injuring his knee against the Broncos back in Round 7.

"When you’ve got an experienced player like Jeremy on the sideline, it’s not going to help anyone’s cause," Scott says.

"It’s good to have him back in the side this week.”


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/04/scott_keen_to_resurrect_knights_season.html

 

[rhugh89]

NRL Round 13 Preview

Matt Logue

Thu 5th June, 10:25AM


NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v WESTS TIGERS

Round 13, 2014 NRL Premiership
Sunday, June 8 Kick-Off: 2pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Referees: Ashley Klein, Alan Shortall

Last Time They Met:

Newcastle recorded a dominant 42-10 victory over the Tigers at Hunter Stadium in the opening round of last season.

Key Stats:

The Knights and Tigers are equal on nine wins each from their 18 clashes since the joint-venture club's inception in 2000.

Newcastle has won their past two matches against the Tigers but prior to that the men in black and orange had won five of the past six matches.

Teams:

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Boyd, McManus, Gagai, Leilua, Uate, Mullen, Roberts, Snowden, Gidley (c), Mason, Scott, Rochow, Smith. Interchange: Clydsdale, Sims, Houston, Fa'alogo.

WESTS TIGERS

Tedesco, Nofoaluma, Simona, Lawrence, Richards, Anasta, Brooks, Woods, Farah, Galloway, Fulton, Thompson, Blair. Interchange: Sue, Taupau, Austin, Seumanufagai, Sironen.

Match analysis:

Newcastle has only won two matches this season and sit in second-last position on the competition table but assistant coach Rick Stone remains positive.

"It has been disappointing, but we haven't been too far away in the last couple of weeks," Stone stresses.

"We've just got to keep believing in the processes and how hard we work and realise that some good things will come of it.

"I think we are getting a bit closer in that regard and with a bit more luck and effort and some real support from the crowd, this week is going to be a good one."

Stone has no doubts the return of winger Aku Uate from a knee injury will significantly help the Knights' chances of beating the Tigers.

Uate is one of the NRL's most potent wingers and the men in red and blue need him to fire on Sunday.

"It will be a boost having Aku in the team," he enthuses.

"He wasn't feeling terrific with his knee last week and decided to stay away from the New Zealand trip, which is probably not a bad thing because you can get a bit of swelling on the plane trip.

"So hopefully he'll be a little bit fresh and keen to make amends for the last couple of weeks.

"Let's hope he can get a couple of tries on Sunday."

The Knights will also welcome back key forward Beau Scott, who takes his place in the back-row after two weeks on the sideline due to groin and neck injuries.

Partner in crime and former premiership-winning Dragons teammate, Jeremy Smith will join Scott in the forwards.

Stone can't speak highly enough of the talented duo.

"Beau and Jezza are particularly important to our football team," Stone says.

"They bring a lot of competitive spirit and they're really tenacious and they compete on every play.

"Beau was exceptional in the Origin and he'll derive some confidence from that for sure.

"He brings some confidence and belief, particularly to our right-edge and I think the boys over that side will be happy to see him back.

"He also brings a bit of presence as well and it's the same with Jez.

"They're both respected players who play pretty consistently ever week."

Key match-ups:

Darius Boyd vs James Tedesco

Boyd has been widely criticised for his form this season but he deserves a rap for his recent efforts.

The Brisbane-born fullback was strong for Queensland in the opening Origin, while he backed up that performance with a solid showing against the Warriors last Sunday.

While there's no doubting Boyd can be better, he is starting to showcase the type of effort that saw him win last year's Knights' best and fairest award.

He faces a big battle on Sunday against Tigers fullback James Tedesco, a player with enormous potential and ability.

Tedesco will also be boosted by his last-minute decision to pull out of his three-year deal with Canberra to remain at the Tigers.

Tyrone Roberts vs Luke Brooks

When it comes to entertaining match-ups, this one should be right up there.

Roberts was outstanding in a beaten side against the Warriors last week, while Brooks is the bloke tipped by many to become a future superstar.

So who wins out?

Well a lot will depend on which forward pack gets on top.

If Newcastle's big men can set a platform, then Roberts has the ability to steer the Knights to victory.

Kurt Gidley vs Robbie Farah

This match-up will be crucial to the final outcome.

Gidley is starting to find his feet at hooker, while Farah is a proven star for the Tigers and NSW in the No.9 jumper.

Stone has no doubts the Knights must shutdown Farah from dummy half.

"Robbie is probably the linchpin to them," Stone says.

"If you can control him, his little subtle moves around the ruck and how he engineers a bit of momentum out of out of the play the ball, that's really important.

"You can't give away your inside shoulder from marker and he also has that little left-foot kick there that he can bring out as well."

Where it will be won:

Newcastle have had the wood over the Wests Tigers in recent years but that will count for little at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.

On the back of a potent blend of youth and experience, the Tigers have been one of the competition's real surprise packets so far this season.

Led by the experience of Farah and Anasta and well supported by the young guns like Tedesco and Brooks, the men in black and orange can be a difficult team to beat.

The Knights haven't claimed a win since Round 6 against the Raiders but they are competing in every match.

If the side red and blue can improve a few basics and limit their errors, then they possess the team to win this one on home turf.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/05/nrl_round_13_preview.html

 

[rhugh89]

Knights v Wests Tigers preview

By Jack Brady, Staff Writer
NRL.com
1:30pm Wed 04th June, 2014

It's on for young and old at Hunter Stadium this weekend. Literally.

With the old heads of Newcastle looking to bounce back from their unquestionably horrible first half of the year and the young grasshoppers that make up the Tigers squad growing in stature every week, quite the game is brewing on Sunday afternoon.

While the argument could be made that the Tigers have to respect their elders, the young blood flowing through Mick Potter's camp at the moment as they cling onto the fringes of the top eight will ensure another testing time for Newcastle.

With the Knights failing to win all but one game this season at home and Tigers coach Potter making the sensational claim that he is expecting a "Grand Final-like atmosphere" in Newcastle this weekend, the game's stakes have been raised even higher.

Especially considering a win in this game will play a massive part in the context of either of these club's seasons.

With the Knights celebrating Voice for Mining Day and wearing hi-vis jerseys for the occasion, they will welcome back Akuila Uate in place of Josh Mantellato while Beau Scott will also return in place of the injured Adam Cuthbertson.

Jeremy Smith will move to lock while Korbin Sims drops back to the bench.

Willie Mason and David Fa'alogo also do the switcheroo between the starting team and the interchange.

Darius Boyd will celebrate his 200th first-grade appearance.

The Tigers have an ace up their sleeve themselves with James Tedesco returning from injury, replacing Kurtis Rowe at fullback. Liam Fulton replaces Sitaleki Akauola in the starting back row.

Captain Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods return from Origin with Joel Luani and Keith Lulia dropping out and Martin Taupau returning to the bench.

Curtis Sironen is 18th man.

Watch Out Knights:

Mick Potter hasn't let young James Tedesco's decision to defect to the Raiders in 2015 hinder his team's selections this week, with the 21-year-old poised to return from a knee injury for his first start in the NRL since Round 5.

Tedesco's combination with halfback Luke Brooks proved lethal earlier in the year.

Tedesco will pose a threat to the Knights, with the fullback producing four tries, three line breaks, five line break assists, six try assists and 27 tackle breaks in only five games this season.

The Knights' struggles are due to their inability to score and subsequently defend points.

Their completions, though, don't match those of a team coming 15th: last weekend the Knights only failed to complete five sets (27/32) in their 38-18 loss to the Warriors.

Watch Out Tigers:

While several plaudits were thrown the way of Luke Brooks after the Tigers' last start 16-14 loss to the Broncos, they failed to read into his defensive game, with the boom youngster missing five tackles.

While he's making all the right moves in attack, the 19-year-old has missed 57 tackles, the second most in the competition.

With names like Boyd, Gidley, Mason, Uate, Scott and Smith all named to play (all international-calibre players), there is no excuse why the Knights cannot bounce back and put the Tigers, and any side at that, to the sword.

Their team on paper is simply too good for them not to string together a few wins as the season progresses.

Plays To Watch:

Some would consider it a brain snap, and it probably was, but if Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen pulled off his cross-field chip to James McManus last weekend against the Warriors then we would be talking about the play in a positive light.

While it ended up costing them points, Mullen's cross kick 15 metres out from his own try line could have been massive if he had pulled it off.

Hopefully the outcome won't discourage him from having a go again this weekend.

While Luke Brooks' individual effort will be on the Tigers' highlights reel for the rest of the season, his little turning grubber for Tigers back-rower Bodene Thompson will prove all the more important in the grand scheme as a play to watch in future games.

With the game on the line in the second half, the clinical kick from the Tigers No. 7 was one for his team to build on in the weeks to come.

Where It Will Be Won:

Both the Tigers and the Knights have struggled to put points on the board in their past three appearances, managing to post just 42 points apiece, a mere 14 points on average.

While the Tigers were able to sneak away with a 22-20 win against the Sharks in Round 10 they, very much like the Knights, have struggled to make the most of their opportunities in recent times.

The History:

Played 18; Knights 9, Tigers 9

It's been equal pegging since these two teams started going toe-to-toe in 2000.

While the Knights have had the wood over their opponents in their past two games, including Round 1 last year when the home side finished 42-10 victors, the Tigers have won four of their past six meetings.

Match Officials:

Referee – Ashley Klein;
Assistant Referee – Dave Munro;
Sideline Officials – Steve Carrall & Anthony Elliot;
Video Referees – Steve Chiddy & Luke Phillips

Televised:

Fox Sports 1 – Live, 2pm

The Way We See It:

This one will go down to the wire.

The two clubs' struggles to cross the white stripe have been well documented and they need to break the cycle if they are to gain some momentum.

The Knights have been in horrible form and despite them being at home the Tigers might just do enough to secure another hotly contested two competition points.

Tigers by two points.


http://www.nrl.com/knights-v-wests-tigers-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/79079/default.aspx

 

[rhugh89]

Intimidation factor aids Knights' Clydsdale

By Jack Brady, Staff Writer
NRL.com
3:45pm Thu 05th June, 2014

There's aren't too many things considered more daunting than stepping into the world of the NRL and playing first-grade football for your first real crack at the big time.

Mix in the added pressure of playing under one of the most influential and successful coaches rugby league has ever had to offer in Wayne Bennett and you can understand why 21-year-old tyro Adam Clydsdale is slightly intimidated when he throws on his customary No. 14 jumper for the Newcastle Knights.

"[Wayne's] pretty scary," Clydsdale admits to NRL.com.

"He's the best coach in the world ever though, everyone knows that.

"I've learnt a lot over these past couple of years that I've played under him so it's been good and I've listened to everything he's said.

"I'm really enjoying it. I'm starting to get a lot more confidence.

"Like when I get on, I might not play many minutes, so I make the most of it when I can and take my opportunities from there."

After a knee injury hampered him just before the commencement of the season Clydsdale has played nine games for the Knights in 2014, rotating with his captain Kurt Gidley from dummy-half.

With the young hooker waving off interest from the Sea Eagles and signing a three-year deal with the Knights last year there is an eventual hope that he can emulate Knights part-time assistant coach and club legend Danny Buderus.

"I had a pretty good pre-season and I finally got my crack and I haven't looked back from there.

"I keep trying to improve each week and trying to do the right things by the team," Clydsdale said.

"Danny always works with us boys. I suppose it is a bit of a dream come true.

"I grew up watching Danny Buderus play and I never thought I'd get the opportunity to work him."

With a chance to take on Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah this weekend, the Scone Thoroughbred junior denies that a showdown with the New South Wales Origin hooker beckons.

"I don't know about that," Clydsdale laughs.

"I just have to worry about my performance and keep trying to place consistent and hold my spot I suppose.

"It's another tough weekend and we have the miners' day this weekend so hopefully we can get a big win for them because they are a big part of our community.

"We'll stick together as a team and hopefully we can get the win this weekend."

With last week's loss to the Warriors extending the Knights' losing streak to five matches, Clydsdale said a lack of execution had been letting the team down.

"We did complete well, and [the Warriors last weekend] completed well too but we'll just keep competing every week and hopefully things can start turning around for us," Clydsdale said.

"[Wayne] didn't say too much after the Warriors game.

"He more said at the end of the day we need to stick together and eventually it'll work for us because we're doing the right thing, it's just execution.

"We are still all positive and things will change.

"Everything will start working for us and we'll start putting a few wins together."


http://www.nrl.com/intimidation-factor-aids-knights-clydsdale/tabid/10874/newsid/79107/default.aspx

 

[rhugh89]

NRL Late Mail round 13

• TOM SANGSTER
• NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA NETWORK
• JUNE 05, 2014 5:27PM

Sunday, Jun 8, Knights v Tigers, Hunter Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm

Beau Scott (neck), Jarrod Mullen (shoulder) and Akuila Uate (knee) are all expected to take the field, with the Knights to be unchanged.

Star fullback James Tedesco (ankle) has been cleared to return for the Tigers, who also welcome back Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (Origin), Liam Fulton (back) and Curtis Sironen (foot).

They are expected to be 1-17.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...from-neck-injury/story-fni3fs14-1226944774659

 

[mnwindypark]

Yeah, yeah, we'll see!

Round what??And NOW he's ready to fire??!!......... Please

 

[rhugh89]

Round 13 game day update

Thu 5th June, 09:44AM

Voice for Mining Family Day

Voice for Mining Family Day is tipped to be one of the biggest home events for the Knights in 2014 with the team set to take the field in a special high-vis replica miners jersey in support of the region’s miners and to celebrate all that mining brings to the Hunter region and state.

Last year’s Voice for Mining Day saw more than 25,000 people make their way to Hunter Stadium.

This year is expected to be just as massive with around 5,000 miners and their families along with suppliers and supporters of the industry are expected to pack the stadium and help Newcastle Knights fans make this one of the biggest Hunter Stadium crowds in 2014.

BUY YOUR TICKET TO KNIGHTS V TIGERS ONLINE HERE.

The mining industry will be on show with machinery and equipment on display at the entrance of Hunter Stadium and major sponsor NSW Mining hosting a range of activities on game day.

Knights fans are getting behind the concept too with many already buying their own high-vis miners jersey to wear to the game.

World Class Knights team announced

The NSW Mining World Class Knights team will be revealed at half time of the Knights v Wests Tigers.

Hundreds of Knights fans and supporters have selected their greatest ever World Class Knights with a lucky entrant to win an amazing money-can't-buy Newcastle Knights experience.

The winner will travel to Sydney with the NRL squad, stay in the team hotel, join them in the build up and watch the game from the coach’s box.

Game Day Information - Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers

Sunday June 8, Round 13

Gates Open: 11.30am

NYC Kick off: 11.45am

NRL Kick off: 2pm

NSW Cup play against the West Tigers on Saturday at 5pm, June 7 at Lyle Peacock Field in Toronto.
Membership update

Membership packs for all Members who signed up before midnight on Thursday, May 29, should now have arrived via post, or have been collected by the Member.

Members who've joined after Thursday, May 29, will need to collect a temporary ticket for access to the game against the Wests Tigers on Sunday June 8.

Temporary tickets will be available from the Membership box office in the Western Grandstand. Membership cards and packs will then be mailed out and will arrive before the Round 15 home game against the Cowboys on Monday, June 23.

Pick up Member inclusions before game day to avoid queues

Membership inclusions are available for collection now from the Hunter Sports Superstore and Members are encouraged to pick them up prior to game day to avoid queues at the Superstore.

Parking at Hunter Stadium

Members and supporters have the option of unreserved parking at District Park ($7) and The Harness Club ($10).

Harness Club:

· No reserved parking
· $10 per vehicle
· Entry via Jackson Street

District Park:

· No reserved parking
· $7 per vehicle
· Open subject to weather conditions
· Entry is off Lambton Rd, into Bavin St and Perth Rd (near Newcastle Suzuki)


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/06/05/round_13_game_day_update.html

 

[Hamish171]

Going to be first ever Newcastle Knights home game This is a big thing for me as I have been growing up 10 hours away from Newy and only ever been to 2 away matches at skilled park. My family drive up tomorrow to stay at Port Macquarie and then my mum and I leave for Newcastle on the Sunday! Will absolutely be keen to go to the stadium for the first time in my life and I hope the Knights have a flogging as I have never seen Newcastle lose when I go see them live. Will be cheering for Newcastle till death and this will be a big event for me as a fifteen year old kid on the North Coast Of NSW. Can't wait for Sunday and go the Knights!!

 

[rhugh89]

Wayne Bennett looking to Darius Boyd to deliver as Knights aim to tame Wests Tigers

• BARRY TOOHEY
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 06, 2014 12:00AM

Wayne Bennett will be looking to fullback Darius Boyd to inspire the Knights. Source: News Limited


HE has been a father figure and the most important influence in Darius Boyd’s stellar career in the NRL.

But while Wayne Bennett would never expect anything in return for his role in his fullback’s development, the under fire Newcastle Knights star won’t get a more timely opportunity to say thanks than Sunday’s vital clash against the Wests Tigers at Hunter Stadium.

Boyd will celebrate his 200th NRL game against the Tigers but it’s his potential influence on helping turn the Knights disastrous season around that will have Bennett hoping it’s a milestone game worth remembering for his fullback.

The coach would never publicly say as much but he desperately needs his star player to stand up. He needs Boyd to find his best form because he knows just how big a lift that will give the rest of his squad.

Bennett is in unchartered territory with his side languishing at the bottom of the premiership ladder with only Cronulla behind them on points’ difference.

He’s lost five games by more than 20 points already this season.

That’s never happened in his entire career. If the Knights season hasn’t slipped away already a loss to the Tigers will all but sign their death warrant.

Bennett knows Boyd is the player who can spark a revival and so do his teammates. Asked about the fullback’s influence on the team, backrower Korbin Sims described it as “massive” and is tipping him lead the way against the Tigers.

“He doesn’t give much away but he’s one of those players that when he’s on, he’s on,” Sims said.

“He was like that at training. He had a really good training session.

"I’m sure he’ll rise up for his 200th first grade game. It’s a massive achievement. Darbs (Boyd) has been around for a long time.

"He’s won premierships — he’s a great player on the field and a great person off it.”

Sims said Boyd never seems affected by his critics.

“All the media stuff he cops, all the flak — it’s probably just water off a duck's back to him,” he said.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ame-wests-tigers/story-fni3gf5j-1226944946863

 

[Jekk]

You'll have to excuse me if I find it hard to get excited for Boyd's big game.

 

[member 2299]

Would Sims know when anyone is 'on' considering the little time he spends on the paddock in first grade?

 

[rhugh89]

Late Mail: Round 13

By Staff Writers
NRL.com
7:14am Fri 06th June, 2014


Knights:

No changes expected, with Jarrod Mullen, Beau Scott and Akuila Uate all set to shake off injury concerns.

Tigers:

The Tigers are at near full strength, with big names James Tedesco, Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Liam Fulton and Curtis Sironen all available.


http://www.nrl.com/late-mail-round-13/tabid/10874/newsid/79127/default.aspx

 

[EASBay17]

Going to be first ever Newcastle Knights home game This is a big thing for me as I have been growing up 10 hours away from Newy and only ever been to 2 away matches at skilled park. My family drive up tomorrow to stay at Port Macquarie and then my mum and I leave for Newcastle on the Sunday! Will absolutely be keen to go to the stadium for the first time in my life and I hope the Knights have a flogging as I have never seen Newcastle lose when I go see them live. Will be cheering for Newcastle till death and this will be a big event for me as a fifteen year old kid on the North Coast Of NSW. Can't wait for Sunday and go the Knights!!

hope you enjoy the experience mate, pretty wet down here at the moment might be worth packing the wet weather gear.
hopefully a big crowd turns out being the long weekend. im sure you will have a great time regardless nothing better then watching the boys run around at home.
man the wait between home games kills me, hurry up sunday!!!!