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[TD="align: right"]Newcastle KNIGHTS POSITION: 15th FORM: L L L L W[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]V[/TD]
[TD]Brisbane BRONCOS POSITION: 1st FORM: W W W W L[/TD]
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FRIDAY 26TH JUNE, 2015
KICK OFF: 7:35 PM
LIVE ON CHANNEL 9 (QLD)
DELAYED CHANNEL 9 (NSW) Referees: Jared Maxwell and Matt Noyen
Sideline Referees: Ricky MacFarlane and Clayton Sharp
Video Referees: Bernard Sutton and Luke Phillips TICKET PURCHASE & GAME DAY INFORMATION HERE LOWER GRADE KNIGHTS GAMES HOLDEN CUP: Knights v Broncos - Friday 26th June @ 5:20 PM NSW CUP: Knights v Wentworthville - Sunday 28th June @ 3:00 PM 1. Jake MAMO
2. James MCMANUS
3. Sione MATA'UTIA
4. Dane GAGAI
5. Akuila UATE
6. Carlos TUIMAVAVE
7. Kurt GIDLEY (c)
8. Pat VAIVAI
9. Tyler RANDELL
10. Korbin SIMS
11. Beau SCOTT
12. Tariq SIMS
13. Robbie ROCHOW
14. Danny LEVI
15. Sam MATAORA
16. Joseph TAPINE
17. Clint NEWTON Broncos Line Up:
1. Darius Boyd 2. Jordan Kahu 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
HEAD TO HEAD - BRISBANE (SUNCORP STADIUM AND QEII STADIUM)
Played - 18
Knights - 4 Broncos - 14
NRL RECORD (1998-PRESENT)
Played - 31
Knights - 11 Broncos - 19
Drawn - 1
HEAD TO HEAD - THE COACHES
Games - 4
Rick Stone - 1
Wayne Bennett - 3
FACTS AND FIGURES
* The Knights have lost their last 3 games against the Broncos
* The Knights have lost 7 out of their last 9 games against the Broncos (1 draw)
* The Knights have lost 14 out of their last 20 games against the Broncos (1 draw)
* The Knights have beaten the Broncos just 5 times in the last decade
* The Knights have only beaten the Broncos once since 2011
* That win came in Round 25, 2013 (26-18) * The Knights have lost 5 out of their last 7 games against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium * The Knights have only won 4 games against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium since our inception in 1988 * The Knights have not beaten the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium since Round 25, 2013 (26-18)
* In 2014 these teams met twice with the Broncos winning both games (32-6 and 48-6)
* We also met in Round 11 earlier this year with the Broncos winning 31-18
* That's a combined scoreline of 111-30 in 3 games * In the last 10 years the Broncos have racked up some big wins over the Knights
* These include wins of 48-6, 32-6, 50-24, 26-6, 24-2, 71-6 and 50-6
* That 71-6 defeat in Round 11, 2007 is the biggest defeat in our club's history
* The Knights have played 5 away games this year winning 2 and losing 3
* The Broncos have played 6 home games this year winning 5 and losing 1
* The Broncos only loss at home this year came in Round 1 vs Souths
* Since then the Broncos have won 5 games straight at home
* The Broncos have won their past 4 games straight
* The Broncos have won 6 out of their last 7 games
* The Broncos have won 11 out of their last 13 games
* The Knights have lost their last 4 games straight
* The Knights have lost 9 out of their last 10 games
* The Knights haven't won an away game since Round 3 vs Titans
* The Knights have overall winning percentage of 30.68% against the Broncos
* That is our worst winning percentage against all clubs
* The Knights have a winning percentage of 22.22% against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium and QEII Stadium
* The only teams we have a worse record against away from home is the Storm (18.75%) and Manly (18.18%)
* The Broncos have scored more points against the Knights than any other team past or present
* The average amount of points scored in games between these 2 teams is 39.86 points per game (High Scoring) * The average Margin of victory in games between these 2 teams is 17.45 points per game (One Sided)
2015 SEASON STATS
Tue 23rd June, 02:23PM
The Newcastle Knights have been unlucky when it comes to injuries this season, but some good news appears likely for Round 16.
While players such as Chris Houston, Jack Stockwell, Dave Fa’alogo and Adam Clydsdale are ruled out for the match against the Brisbane Broncos, as well as the suspension of Kade Snowden, head coach Rick Stone says the team could be welcoming back several others.
First up is Jarrod Mullen, who has been on the sidelines since Round 8 with a toe injury.
“He’s been gradually stepping up his work in the last couple of weeks,” Stone said at a press conference on Tuesday morning.
“He’s had some down days and some up days, and he’s changed a few things around his footwear and his orthotics.
“But we’ve been working to get some sort of conclusion there and it looks like he’s running around pain-free, which is good.”
Stone was quick to make clear that Mullen isn’t out of the woods just yet though.
If the five-eighth trains on Thursday with no complications he will be cleared to get on the plane to Brisbane.
Second on the list of players possibly returning is halves partner Tyrone Roberts, who suffered an ankle injury against the Warriors in Round 12.
“That ankle was getting real close at the end of last week, but it wasn’t quite there in the end,” Stone explained.
“He’s back this week running a bit more freely and the couple of days off have probably helped him.”
Having both Mullen and Roberts back would be a massive boost for the Knights before they face the tough challenge of trying to secure two points at Suncorp Stadium.
As would the inclusion of veteran lock Jeremy Smith, who has now been out for over a month with a sternum injury.
The New Zealander has trained for the last two weeks, but he still remains in some doubt.
“We are a chance of getting Jeremy back this week, so there’s a couple of plusses after losing some boys that are important to us,” Stone admitted.
As things stand, red and blue fans can tentatively look forward to some hopeful returns this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The Round 16 team news is published at 5pm on newcastleknights.com.au, stay tuned for updates.
Tue 23rd June, 02:03PM
With a number of fellow forwards set to miss Friday night's clash against the Brisbane Broncos, 23-year-old Korbin Sims is ready to step up.
The Newcastle Knights are without Kade Snowden due to suspension as well as other forwards Jack Stockwell, David Fa'alogo and
Chris Houston due to injury.
Jeremy Smith is also still recovering from a sternum injury and remains in doubt for a return.
"I am ready for that challenge, I am still try to work on my game and get a good balance in my game," Sims told the media on Tuesday morning.
"With Snowy unfortunately having to take the week off, and a couple of injuries I have to step up and lead the middle."
The young forward, who was in camp with the Queensland Maroons for Origin II, believes he is ready for the added responsibility.
"It is something that I want to do; I wouldn't be starting if I wasn't up to the challenge," he added.
"I am going to try and lead the boys around. If we can get a good go forward and let our backs finish off, then that is perfect."
The Gerringong junior has a good try scoring record against this week's opponent, scoring all three of his tries against the Brisbane Broncos.
"It is not a bad record and if I can get another one, that would be great!" he said.
Sims knows it won't be an easy task taking on the ladder leaders on their home turf this Friday night.
"Brisbane are a top side, they are in good form and we have our work cut out for us," he admitted.
The team will travel to Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.
By Matt Harris, NRL.com
The Broncos will be looking to prove that their herculean defensive effort against the Storm was no fluke when they tackle a desperate Knights side in Round 16 of the Telstra Premiership.
Brisbane delivered a defensive performance for the ages in last Sunday's 14-12 win in Melbourne, repelling the Storm on countless occasions after being forced to make 11 line drop-outs and 118 tackles more than their opposition.
They were also on the wrong end of a 7-4 penalty count and had 10 fewer sets than the Storm but still managed to hold on for their first win in Melbourne since 2010.
Senior Broncos Corey Parker and Justin Hodges have challenged their teammates to display similar defensive resolve against the 15th-placed Knights on Friday night.
After winning their first four games of the season, the Knights have only won once since Round 4.
They weren't too bad during their 30-28 loss against the Sharks in Round 15, completing at 89-percent and only missing 20 tackles.
However, their goal-line defence is an issue and could be exposed if likes of Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd can click in attack for Brisbane.
These sides have already met this season in Round 11, when the 'Baby Broncos' recorded a 31-18 victory in Newcastle despite being without their Origin stars.
In team news, Wayne Bennett's rotation policy during the Origin period has been successful for Brisbane so far and this week it's Sam Thaiday turn to earn a rest after 65 minutes and 31 tackles against the Storm.
His place is taken by Parker who sat out the clash in Melbourne. Hodges also sat out that match and returns to the centres to replace the injured Daniel Vidot (hamstring) with Jordan Kahu shifting to the wing.
The Knights are missing forwards Kade Snowden (suspension) and Chris Houston (finger), with their places taken by Paterika Vaivai and Robbie Rochow.
Clint Newton and Sam Mataora come onto the bench for the injury-hit side.
Regulars Jarrod Mullen (foot), Jeremy Smith (sternum), David Fa'alogo (hamstring), Tyrone Roberts (ankle) and Adam Clydsdale (shoulder) are all still missing. Watch out Broncos:
'Jumping' Jake Mamo was unknown to most people outside the Hunter region prior to last Sunday's clash against the Sharks when he announced himself to the rugby league world with a spectacular piece of athleticism to set up a try for Carlos Tuimavave.
The 21-year-old's Superman-like effort to bat back the Steeden from over the dead-ball line into the grateful hands of Tuimavave will make any NRL highlights reel over the coming seasons.
Last weekend's match was Mamo's first NRL appearance for the season after playing for the Knights on seven occasions during his debut year in 2014.
The Gosford-born speedster made 177 metres and scored a try to complement his freakish try assist during the Sharks' clash and will play fullback again against the Broncos.
Watch out Knights:
He may be Brisbane's second-highest capped player behind Darrren Lockyer, but Broncos veteran Corey Parker hasn't been able to get a look in at club level for almost a month.
The combination of Origin, byes and Bennett's rotation policy mean that the 310-game forward hasn't played for the Broncos since their victory over Canberra in Round 12 on May 30.
Parker will be eager to put in a big performance for his beloved Broncos before heading back into camp again with the Maroons ahead of Origin III.
The 33-year-old's numbers have been down so far when compared to his 2014 efforts, but with 128 metres, 35 tackles and two offloads per match this season he remains a key performer for Brisbane.
Key Match-Up: Jack Reed v Dane Gagai
Season-ending shoulder surgery to Billy Slater means all Dane Gagai needs to do to earn a Maroons call-up for Origin III is avoid injury himself during Friday's match.
Former Bronco Gagai has been Queensland's 19th man so far this series and is considered the front runner to replace Greg Inglis at left centre, who will switch to fullback to cover for Slater.
However, if Bribie Island junior Jack Reed hadn't declared his allegiance to England during his rookie year in 2011 this Suncorp Stadium showdown may have provided an Origin audition.
Commonly referred to as a defensive-orientated centre, Reed has been in sparkling attacking form for Brisbane over the last two months, scoring six tries and making eight line breaks from his past seven games, while averaging 104 metres and 16 tackles per match.
Gagai has six tries and nine line breaks from 14 games this season and trumps Reed by averaging an extra 43 running metres, although five of those games have been played at fullback.
The History: Played 44; Broncos 30, Knights 13, Draw 1
The Broncos have dominated Newcastle since their inception in 1988; winning their first 10 matches for a total of 30 wins.
Brisbane have won six out of the past eight meetings against the Novocastrians dating back to 2011 and achieved the double over their opposition last season, winning by an aggregate score of 80-12.
Did You Know:
Originally from Gerringong on the south coast of New South Wales, Sims brothers Tariq and Korbin had their first taste of professional rugby league when signed by the Broncos in 2008 as a package deal with elder brother Ashton.
Neither brother played an NRL match at Brisbane although Ashton represented the club 56 times before heading to the Cowboys and is now playing for the Warrington Wolves in Super League.
Tariq, who was the Blues' 18th man in Origin II, played for Brisbane's NYC team from 2008 to 2010, while young brother Korbin, who has been wooed by the Maroons, joined him in the side during his final year at Red Hill.
What Are The Odds:
Broncos $1.16 v Knights $5.25.
Sportsbet customers are slightly shy of Brisbane's short price in head-to-head betting but all of the money is on Brisbane at the line (-14.5) as well as the 13+ winning margin.
Channel Nine – 7.30pm Qld (Live); 9.30pm NSW (delayed).
The Way We See It:
The Broncos have every right to feel slightly jaded after their mammoth defensive effort against the Storm, although a reduced training schedule this week should allow the ladder leaders ample time to recover ahead of this clash against the struggling Knights.
If Brisbane can produce the same commitment in defence they displayed in Melbourne and have their attack click into gear, Newcastle could be in for a long night.
Round 16, 2015 NRL Premiership
Date: Friday June 26, 7.35pm
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Referee: Jared Maxwell
Last time they met:
The Broncos came from behind to beat the Knights 31-18 at Hunter Stadium in Round 11 this year.
Head-to-Head:
The Knights have found it tough against the Broncos, having only won 13 of their 44 games against the league leaders.
Teams:
NEWCASTLE
1. Jake Mamo, 2. James McManus, 3. Sione Mata'utia, 4. Dane Gagai, 5. Akuila Uate, 6. Carlos Tuimavave, 7. Kurt Gidley (c), 8. Pat Vaivai, 9. Tyler Randell, 10. Korbin Sims, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Robbie Rochow. Bench: 14. Danny Levi, 15. Sam Mataora, 16. Joseph Tapine, 17. Clint Newton.
BRISBANE
1. Darius Boyd, 2. Jordan Kahu, 3. Jack Reed, 4. Justin Hodges (c), 5. Lachlan Maranta, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Corey Parker. Bench: 14. Jarrod Wallace, 15. Mitchell Dodds, 16. Corey Oates, 17. Matt Parcell.
Match Analysis:
Challenges don’t come much bigger than taking on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, especially when half of your forward pack is missing either through injury or suspension.
Games aren’t won by focusing on the negatives though, and assistant coach Craig Sandercock is keen to focus on things that the Knights can control.
“We’ve got a few out with injuries and Kade Snowden copping a suspension, but while it’s disappointing it also provides opportunities,” Sandercock says.
Young prop Pat Vaivai will be starting only his second game for the Club while 19-year-oldDanny Levi will again be on the bench.
These are the sort of chances that these players work for week in and week out in the lower grades.
When they do get the call-up there is a desperation and hunger to their game that can make up for any lack of NRL experience.
“Opportunity is what some of these boys have been given,” Sandercock admits.
“Jake Mamo took his last week and we’re hoping these boys take theirs this week.”
If the fresh faces can play anything like Mamo did against the Sharks last weekend, the Knights will be in a strong position.
“It’s well documented that those seven minutes in the second half were very disappointing and it ended up costing us the game,” Sandercock says.
In those seven minutes the Knights shipped three tries, while in the other 73 they only conceded two.
“In the NRL you have to concentrate for the full 80 minutes and concentrate on every tackle and every play of the game,” Sandercock says.
“That’s something that we’re working hard to rectify.”
Defence is something the Broncos excel at, as was emphatically demonstrated in their win over the Melbourne Storm on Sunday night.
Much of it occurred when they were pinned back on their own line, and Sandercock argues that if the Storm were a little bit luckier in even one of their plays then the end result could have been very different.
“If you look carefully at the video, Melbourne came so close to scoring on so many occasions,” he explains.
“But credit to Brisbane, there was some good desperate defence.
“It’s a very big challenge for us now, obviously their performance against Melbourne was outstanding and their defence first class.”
The Knights were boosted by the return of Robbie Rochow last week, who will be better for getting one game under his belt.
“He was impressive, there’s no doubt about that,” Sandercock agrees.
“It was his first game last week and we thought he was really good.
“He did everything right out there, he’s a good talker and a very enthusiastic part of the team so that’s a real bonus for us.”
Where it will be won: In defence
The Knights have rarely struggled to score tries this season – it’s when they start conceding points that problems arise.
“Obviously our defence is very important, so if we get our house in order and get an even share of the ball, then hopefully we’ll come away with the win,” Sandercock says.
Last Word:
“He’s been gradually stepping up his work in the last couple of weeks,” Rick Stone said of Jarrod Mullen on Tuesday.
“We’ve been working to get some sort of conclusion there and it looks like he’s running around pain-free, which is good.”
It would take some serious **** for us to win this game. We'd have to be the best we've been all year both offensively and defensively, and then get some luck.
It's possible and I'll be hoping desperately that it happens, but I know that they'll beat us comfortably just by being professionals, doing the small things right and with an unyielding effort from minute 1-80
They ARE much worse I fear. Standing behind goalposts watching sharkies taking kicks at goals they were lost sheep with absolutely no game plan and no motivation.
ray:...just like the classic match from 2004 that fox just showed...
