ROUND 5: Knights v Dragons @ Hunter Stadium
- Thread starter Junior11
- Start date
member 2299
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Do you guys think Jack De Bellin is happy that Tahu doesn't play for us anymore
He may well be, but he does need to look over his shoulder for Tazz or Beau!
Defender1
Matthew Johns
Am I the only one nervous about this game? It's the first time this year we've really been expected to win easy. The Dragons are coming off a couple of wins and are a bit of a bogey side for us.
I just hope the boys are up for it, and show the same intensity they've played with in the first 4 rounds.
I just hope the boys are up for it, and show the same intensity they've played with in the first 4 rounds.
slotmachine
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
They struggle to score one try a game. We'll run in two tries in the first fifteen minutes and will have already won.
I am nervous, but I am always nervous. The negative in me thinks the more we win the closer we are to a loss. I also hope they don't become overwhelmed by the occasion and try too hard.
I have more faith this year and trust Rick, but, as he often says, there are no easy games anymore. Anything can happen.
Did anyone watch NRL 360 last night? Ben Ikin has us 9-0 .
My only real concern is that the type of intensity we're playing with at the moment is draining. I don't think the boys are getting ahead of themselves or complement at all but I am expecting they'll be flat one week sooner or later (hopefully it's much later). That's not a big issue at all - providing we back it up with a good performance the following week.
Hopefully they dont become complacent because this game is loseable, lucky for us they have alex to play for, been hoping they don't just expect things to happen with the inclusion of t.sims and continue to work hard, your right though we did look flat at the end of last game it does take a lot to be up every game
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
The boys were quick to become complacent last week when we thought we had the Panthers beat. You could just see they didn't care if they made errors or gave penalties for a 10-15 minute period until Panthers started scoring tries and we had to snap back into action quick smart. Hopefully they've learnt from that and don't think we have the Dragons beat before kick off. I'm sure they'll be up for it as much as any big game though.
Jekk
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Do you guys think Jack De Bellin is happy that Tahu doesn't play for us anymore
I giggled as soon as I saw his name. I still feel sorry for him
We were pretty firm favourites the Titans game, that was the one I was sure we'd bomb because of that reason.
How funny are they? One minute the Knights are nothing and next minute we are 9-0
...... but can you imagine it?? I can. Its like an oasis.blacksnake
Jacob Saifiti
I think we have too many points in us for the dragons
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Speaking of NRL 360, did anyone see Benji talking haha. He told Tariq, Scott and Jez to come at him and he'll make them look like fools for running out of the line and he wasn't joking when he said it. He also said their backrowers will be hunting our halves lol Mullen himself would sit any of their forwards on their a**
Joel
Touche...
This has made me x100 more keen for this game.
- - - Updated - - -
I'm anticipating the media's reaction if we lose 2 in a row hahaHow funny are they? One minute the Knights are nothing and next minute we are 9-0
Jekk
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Oh how I would love to see Mullo fire up like we all know he can and do just that.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Knights v Dragons preview
Wed 01 Apr, 2015, 3:00pm
By Jack Brady, National Correspondent, NRL.com
The ladder-leading, undefeated Knights face off against the St George Illawarra Dragons this weekend at Newcastle's Hunter Stadium for an honour both clubs are sure to fight hammer-and-tongs for.
You see, the Knights and Dragons will play for the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup on Easter Saturday to recognise McKinnon's contributions to both clubs.
The Cup will go up for grabs on the first occasion these two clubs meet each season from now on, and will only add to the existing rivalry between these teams as the Dragons look to avenge their 40-10 loss to the Knights in Round 26 last year.
In team news, Tariq Sims will make his long-awaited Newcastle debut, with his five-game suspension finally coming to an end, in place of Joseph Tapine. James McManus also returns with Sione Mata'utia dropping back to 18th man.
The Dragons remain unchanged from last weekend's win over the Sea Eagles. Knights winger Akuila Uate is one try away from racking up 100 four-pointers in the NRL.
Watch out Knights:
Defence wins games is how the saying goes and it never rung truer than in the Dragons' win over the Sea Eagles last weekend.
However if it weren't for one Josh Dugan the Red V would be staring down the barrel of a 1-4 start to the year.
Against Manly, Dugan was responsible for setting up the Red V's one and only try while his 222 metres and seven tackles breaks from the back weren't too shabby either.
Watch out Dragons:
If Newcastle's bullying of Penrith's halves last round was any indication then maybe this segment should be renamed "Watch out Benji and Widdop because Beau Scott is coming for you".
With Scott showcasing his thunderous impact in pressuring opposition playmakers, the Red V halves will need to be fleet-footed around the Knights enforcer or otherwise risk their health.
Key Match-Up: Proving points – Jack Stockwell v Paul McGregor
Newcastle recruit and former Dragons prop Jack Stockwell has a point to prove against his former club.
Happily let go by relatively new Red V coach Paul McGregor, Stockwell would've arrived in the Hunter with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
At just 23, Stockwell has remarkably played 41 NRL games already and considering he is averaging 82.1 metres and 27.8 tackles off the bench this year, McGregor may start to regret his off-season decision.
The History: Played 29, Knights 10, Dragons 19
Newcastle's 40-10 victory in Round 26 last year was their first over the Red V since 2011. In fact the Knights have only won five of their past 18 meetings against St George Illawarra.
You have to go way back to Round 25, 2003 to track down the last time Newcastle won consecutive matches against this week's opponents.
What are the Odds:
Back-to-back wins have Sportsbet customers interested in the Dragons at their juicy price.
There's almost as much money on St George Illawarra as there is on the Knights. Latest odds at Sportsbet.com.au
Match Officials:
Referee – Gavin Badger
Assistant Referee – Chris Sutton
Sideline Officials – Rick MacFarlane and David Ryan
Video Referees – Steve Clark and Luke Patten
Televised:
Fox Sports – Live (7:30pm)
The Way We See It:
Newcastle at home, having won their past seven games there, is quickly becoming an improbable task for opposing teams.
At this rate they are well on their way to making Hunter Stadium a fortress once again.
Considering the Dragons have kicked off their season in such an inconsistent manner, they'll find it hard to topple the re-energised Knights.
Newcastle by 14 points.
http://www.nrl.com/knights-v-dragons-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/84960/default.aspx
Wed 01 Apr, 2015, 3:00pm
By Jack Brady, National Correspondent, NRL.com
The ladder-leading, undefeated Knights face off against the St George Illawarra Dragons this weekend at Newcastle's Hunter Stadium for an honour both clubs are sure to fight hammer-and-tongs for.
You see, the Knights and Dragons will play for the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup on Easter Saturday to recognise McKinnon's contributions to both clubs.
The Cup will go up for grabs on the first occasion these two clubs meet each season from now on, and will only add to the existing rivalry between these teams as the Dragons look to avenge their 40-10 loss to the Knights in Round 26 last year.
In team news, Tariq Sims will make his long-awaited Newcastle debut, with his five-game suspension finally coming to an end, in place of Joseph Tapine. James McManus also returns with Sione Mata'utia dropping back to 18th man.
The Dragons remain unchanged from last weekend's win over the Sea Eagles. Knights winger Akuila Uate is one try away from racking up 100 four-pointers in the NRL.
Watch out Knights:
Defence wins games is how the saying goes and it never rung truer than in the Dragons' win over the Sea Eagles last weekend.
However if it weren't for one Josh Dugan the Red V would be staring down the barrel of a 1-4 start to the year.
Against Manly, Dugan was responsible for setting up the Red V's one and only try while his 222 metres and seven tackles breaks from the back weren't too shabby either.
Watch out Dragons:
If Newcastle's bullying of Penrith's halves last round was any indication then maybe this segment should be renamed "Watch out Benji and Widdop because Beau Scott is coming for you".
With Scott showcasing his thunderous impact in pressuring opposition playmakers, the Red V halves will need to be fleet-footed around the Knights enforcer or otherwise risk their health.
Key Match-Up: Proving points – Jack Stockwell v Paul McGregor
Newcastle recruit and former Dragons prop Jack Stockwell has a point to prove against his former club.
Happily let go by relatively new Red V coach Paul McGregor, Stockwell would've arrived in the Hunter with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
At just 23, Stockwell has remarkably played 41 NRL games already and considering he is averaging 82.1 metres and 27.8 tackles off the bench this year, McGregor may start to regret his off-season decision.
The History: Played 29, Knights 10, Dragons 19
Newcastle's 40-10 victory in Round 26 last year was their first over the Red V since 2011. In fact the Knights have only won five of their past 18 meetings against St George Illawarra.
You have to go way back to Round 25, 2003 to track down the last time Newcastle won consecutive matches against this week's opponents.
What are the Odds:
Back-to-back wins have Sportsbet customers interested in the Dragons at their juicy price.
There's almost as much money on St George Illawarra as there is on the Knights. Latest odds at Sportsbet.com.au
Match Officials:
Referee – Gavin Badger
Assistant Referee – Chris Sutton
Sideline Officials – Rick MacFarlane and David Ryan
Video Referees – Steve Clark and Luke Patten
Televised:
Fox Sports – Live (7:30pm)
The Way We See It:
Newcastle at home, having won their past seven games there, is quickly becoming an improbable task for opposing teams.
At this rate they are well on their way to making Hunter Stadium a fortress once again.
Considering the Dragons have kicked off their season in such an inconsistent manner, they'll find it hard to topple the re-energised Knights.
Newcastle by 14 points.
http://www.nrl.com/knights-v-dragons-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/84960/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Defence has Knights on top
Wed 1st April, 01:52PM
Prop Kade Snowden has emerged as one of the Newcastle Knights’ biggest assets with the team keeping no secret about the fact robust defence has been its major strength and focus week-in-week-out since the season started.
Through attention-grabbing attacking efforts and relentless defensive strength, the 28-year-old has already earned Players’ Player in two rounds of the side’s four match unbeaten run.
“I’m just doing my job and haven’t really thought about it. It’s just the way I should be playing,” Snowden humbly told the media on Wednesday when asked about his form.
“Having no injuries, it has just given me a bit more confidence.
“I just need to keep doing my job and I should keep playing the way I am."
As Snowden powers into his fourth season at the Knights, he attests a shift in the Club’s atmosphere has been the catalyst to the team’s form.
“It’s always enjoyable when you’re winning,” he admitted.
“It’s been a different start to previous years.
“All the hard work is paying off for us.
“I think we are all a bit more relaxed and are enjoying it more and having a bit more fun.
“We have been doing a lot of work on defence and I think that’s what’s winning us the game.”
He readily admits he doesn’t think anyone anticipated the Knights to start the season with such a bang, but has no doubt an emphasis on unwavering defence has been the key.
"We believed that we could do it... it’s just all about our defence,” he said.
“We have to complete more sets and if our defence keeps going the way it is, we should come close to winning.
“It’s probably one of the things that we’ve worked on the most this season and it’s really paying off.
“We’ve really bought into it and it’s winning us the games.
“We’ve been really bad with our fifth tackle penalties so our defence is really winning us the game.
"We just need to keep using it to our advantage."
The Knights host the St George Illawarra Dragons for the Alex McKinnon Cup this Saturday at Hunter Stadium.
Game day information
Saturday April 4 – Round 5 Alex McKinnon Cup
Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons
Gates open: 5pm
NYC: 5.15pm
NRL: 7.30pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets: HERE
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/defence_has_knights_.html
Wed 1st April, 01:52PM
Prop Kade Snowden has emerged as one of the Newcastle Knights’ biggest assets with the team keeping no secret about the fact robust defence has been its major strength and focus week-in-week-out since the season started.
Through attention-grabbing attacking efforts and relentless defensive strength, the 28-year-old has already earned Players’ Player in two rounds of the side’s four match unbeaten run.
“I’m just doing my job and haven’t really thought about it. It’s just the way I should be playing,” Snowden humbly told the media on Wednesday when asked about his form.
“Having no injuries, it has just given me a bit more confidence.
“I just need to keep doing my job and I should keep playing the way I am."
As Snowden powers into his fourth season at the Knights, he attests a shift in the Club’s atmosphere has been the catalyst to the team’s form.
“It’s always enjoyable when you’re winning,” he admitted.
“It’s been a different start to previous years.
“All the hard work is paying off for us.
“I think we are all a bit more relaxed and are enjoying it more and having a bit more fun.
“We have been doing a lot of work on defence and I think that’s what’s winning us the game.”
He readily admits he doesn’t think anyone anticipated the Knights to start the season with such a bang, but has no doubt an emphasis on unwavering defence has been the key.
"We believed that we could do it... it’s just all about our defence,” he said.
“We have to complete more sets and if our defence keeps going the way it is, we should come close to winning.
“It’s probably one of the things that we’ve worked on the most this season and it’s really paying off.
“We’ve really bought into it and it’s winning us the games.
“We’ve been really bad with our fifth tackle penalties so our defence is really winning us the game.
"We just need to keep using it to our advantage."
The Knights host the St George Illawarra Dragons for the Alex McKinnon Cup this Saturday at Hunter Stadium.
Game day information
Saturday April 4 – Round 5 Alex McKinnon Cup
Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons
Gates open: 5pm
NYC: 5.15pm
NRL: 7.30pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets: HERE
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/defence_has_knights_.html
MattyM
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Lol @ Benji. What a sh*t talker. He'll have a couple of bruises and bumps after the game no doubt. At least we never said we'd go after anyone.
Can't wait for the game!
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Randell happy with NRL mix
Wed 1st April, 03:40PM
Newcastle Knights' utility Tyler Randell says he’s content with his role assisting the team off the bench, even if it means missing out on game time due to the squad’s depth.
“It was always a goal of mine to be in the mix and playing some games at the start of the year,” he said on Wednesday.
Since making his debut in Round 25 last year, the 22-year-old Aberdeen Tigers junior has played two games of NRL but named in an extended squad each week.
“We have a good starting pack here and they are all pretty cemented positions, so all I can do is play well and get a game here and there and stay in the mix and help the boys out,” he said.
“I’m confident I can get a game and come off the bench and play a few different positions whether it be at hooker or in the halves, and hopefully get a start there.
Randell travelled with the team to its Round 2 and 3 matches in Queensland despite not taking the field, but was happy for the experience.
“I got to go and stay with the group, so I wasn’t too frustrated. I knew my time would come and I’d just keep staying the mix,” he said.
Maintaining an up-beat attitude throughout the uncertainty has allowed him to stay prepared and mentally ready for when he gets the call up.
“It is a hard position to be in, but I’d rather be in the mix than not at all,” he said.
“So all I can do is be patient and positive and not get down if I’m not making the team and just keep my head up and keep training well."
Despite limited game time he feels he’s contributed to the team’s early success.
“It’s four from four, you can’t beat that,” Randell said.
“It’s a really good feeling. Everyone is coming to training happy and everyone is gelling and getting along and enjoying everyone’s company.
“Taking that onto the footy field, it just seems to come off and we’re sort of on a roll."
After playing in last weekend’ NRL win against the Penrith Panthers, Randell said added energy came from victories in previous games in the Club’s lower grades.
“Penrith have really strong teams in all three grades, when we got there to watch 20s and the reserve grade and their winning, you go into your game knowing that hey too have won, so it’s really positive for the day,” he concluded.
Randell is named on an extended bench for Saturday's match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/randell_happy_with_n.html
Wed 1st April, 03:40PM
Newcastle Knights' utility Tyler Randell says he’s content with his role assisting the team off the bench, even if it means missing out on game time due to the squad’s depth.
“It was always a goal of mine to be in the mix and playing some games at the start of the year,” he said on Wednesday.
Since making his debut in Round 25 last year, the 22-year-old Aberdeen Tigers junior has played two games of NRL but named in an extended squad each week.
“We have a good starting pack here and they are all pretty cemented positions, so all I can do is play well and get a game here and there and stay in the mix and help the boys out,” he said.
“I’m confident I can get a game and come off the bench and play a few different positions whether it be at hooker or in the halves, and hopefully get a start there.
Randell travelled with the team to its Round 2 and 3 matches in Queensland despite not taking the field, but was happy for the experience.
“I got to go and stay with the group, so I wasn’t too frustrated. I knew my time would come and I’d just keep staying the mix,” he said.
Maintaining an up-beat attitude throughout the uncertainty has allowed him to stay prepared and mentally ready for when he gets the call up.
“It is a hard position to be in, but I’d rather be in the mix than not at all,” he said.
“So all I can do is be patient and positive and not get down if I’m not making the team and just keep my head up and keep training well."
Despite limited game time he feels he’s contributed to the team’s early success.
“It’s four from four, you can’t beat that,” Randell said.
“It’s a really good feeling. Everyone is coming to training happy and everyone is gelling and getting along and enjoying everyone’s company.
“Taking that onto the footy field, it just seems to come off and we’re sort of on a roll."
After playing in last weekend’ NRL win against the Penrith Panthers, Randell said added energy came from victories in previous games in the Club’s lower grades.
“Penrith have really strong teams in all three grades, when we got there to watch 20s and the reserve grade and their winning, you go into your game knowing that hey too have won, so it’s really positive for the day,” he concluded.
Randell is named on an extended bench for Saturday's match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/randell_happy_with_n.html
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Assistant's Analysis: Round 5
Wed 1st April, 07:34PM
After four satisfying wins to start the season, assistant coach Craig Sandercock has sat down with head coach Rick Stone to speak about their expectations coming into the Knights' Easter Saturday match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“Everyone knows that Tariq Sims is back this week,” Sandercock said.
“I suppose he’s really pumped up for the game?”
Stone replied, “He’s been a great addition to our squad in the summer."
“He’s trained really hard and has brought a lot of enthusiasm and work ethic to our squad.
“He has obviously been chomping at the bit for a few weeks now to play and he gets his go on Saturday night.
“Let’s just make sure he’s nice and settled in the first ten minutes, that’s important for him."
The Knights hope to replicate last weekend’s early lead at Hunter Stadium to relieve some pressure.
“It was a good win against the Panthers and I thought we played really well in patches and definitely in the first 20 minutes. What areas do we need to improve Stoney to get the chocolates against St George,” Sanderock asked.
Stone said, “We got a bit tired at the end.
“Our one-on-one tackles were far too many and our offloads really started to hurt us.
“We didn’t defend well enough and we didn’t finish off our sets the way we needed to at times.
“The work ethic is great and the boys are scrambling really hard for each other.
“Our goal line defence has been the backbone of our four wins to start with.
“When you’re doing that well, it holds you in good stead."
The Dragons go into Saturday's match following a big win over Manly last Saturday.
"Playing the Dragons this week and on paper they have a very good side,” Sandercock said.
“Trent Merrin is an Origin player and (Benji) Marshall and (Jason) Nightingale are New Zealand Internationals, so it won’t be easy there.
“How do you think we need to keep an eye on?"
Stone said, "They have a lot of good dangers starting with Dugan.
“I think there two edge back rowers, (Joel) Thompson and (Tyson) Frizell are really decent players and genuine line breakers and can make a bit of a difference.
“(Gareth) Widdop and Benji in the halves are two terrific players and little hooker Mitch Rein is dangerous out of dummy half and challenges through the middle.
“Merrin has his footwork and his offloads as well, so there’s a lot of dangerous players in the team.
“They have found a little bit of form in the last couple of weeks and will come to town with some confidence.”
After a quality training session on Wednesday and coming off the back of wins in all three grades, Sandercock expects positive results when the Knights return to Hunter Stadium.
"Is there anything we need to do differently to prepare for playing in the beautiful sunshine like we did last Saturday compared to 7.30 at night?,” Sandercock asked Stone.
Stone replied, “We’ll look at the weather I suppose; there are going to be some showers around the Hunter.
“We might get a touch of wet weather and maybe that will change our style of play slightly.
“But overall we’ll be going into a similar sort of plan and will manage the game and play nice and direct and with some purpose like we did last game.
“We are looking forward to Hunter Stadium hopefully growing in support and every time we put in a good performance on the board, I’d like to think some of the fans could bring some of their friends back and help us with our crowd numbers.”
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/assistant_s_analysis.html
Wed 1st April, 07:34PM
After four satisfying wins to start the season, assistant coach Craig Sandercock has sat down with head coach Rick Stone to speak about their expectations coming into the Knights' Easter Saturday match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“Everyone knows that Tariq Sims is back this week,” Sandercock said.
“I suppose he’s really pumped up for the game?”
Stone replied, “He’s been a great addition to our squad in the summer."
“He’s trained really hard and has brought a lot of enthusiasm and work ethic to our squad.
“He has obviously been chomping at the bit for a few weeks now to play and he gets his go on Saturday night.
“Let’s just make sure he’s nice and settled in the first ten minutes, that’s important for him."
The Knights hope to replicate last weekend’s early lead at Hunter Stadium to relieve some pressure.
“It was a good win against the Panthers and I thought we played really well in patches and definitely in the first 20 minutes. What areas do we need to improve Stoney to get the chocolates against St George,” Sanderock asked.
Stone said, “We got a bit tired at the end.
“Our one-on-one tackles were far too many and our offloads really started to hurt us.
“We didn’t defend well enough and we didn’t finish off our sets the way we needed to at times.
“The work ethic is great and the boys are scrambling really hard for each other.
“Our goal line defence has been the backbone of our four wins to start with.
“When you’re doing that well, it holds you in good stead."
The Dragons go into Saturday's match following a big win over Manly last Saturday.
"Playing the Dragons this week and on paper they have a very good side,” Sandercock said.
“Trent Merrin is an Origin player and (Benji) Marshall and (Jason) Nightingale are New Zealand Internationals, so it won’t be easy there.
“How do you think we need to keep an eye on?"
Stone said, "They have a lot of good dangers starting with Dugan.
“I think there two edge back rowers, (Joel) Thompson and (Tyson) Frizell are really decent players and genuine line breakers and can make a bit of a difference.
“(Gareth) Widdop and Benji in the halves are two terrific players and little hooker Mitch Rein is dangerous out of dummy half and challenges through the middle.
“Merrin has his footwork and his offloads as well, so there’s a lot of dangerous players in the team.
“They have found a little bit of form in the last couple of weeks and will come to town with some confidence.”
After a quality training session on Wednesday and coming off the back of wins in all three grades, Sandercock expects positive results when the Knights return to Hunter Stadium.
"Is there anything we need to do differently to prepare for playing in the beautiful sunshine like we did last Saturday compared to 7.30 at night?,” Sandercock asked Stone.
Stone replied, “We’ll look at the weather I suppose; there are going to be some showers around the Hunter.
“We might get a touch of wet weather and maybe that will change our style of play slightly.
“But overall we’ll be going into a similar sort of plan and will manage the game and play nice and direct and with some purpose like we did last game.
“We are looking forward to Hunter Stadium hopefully growing in support and every time we put in a good performance on the board, I’d like to think some of the fans could bring some of their friends back and help us with our crowd numbers.”
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/04/01/assistant_s_analysis.html
member 2299
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
IMHO Sandercock is our 'secret weapon'! And Rick over 20,000 last week was a fair improvement. A lot of fans were 'never coming back' after the crap of the last couple of years!
Joel
Touche...
It'll only get better if we keep winning!