NRL Round 7 Preview and Prediction - Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters @ McDonald Jones Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters will be looking to break a 2-game losing streak when they head down the highway to take on the Newcastle Knights to McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Friday night. The Roosters put in by far their worst performance of the season last week, as they were convincingly beaten 32-8 by the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. The Roosters’ performance was heavily criticised by Head Coach Trent Robinson as lacking intensity and desire, especially defensively where the Broncos made yards at will and scored a number of soft tries. The Knights were once again unlucky in going down 22-12 to the Bulldogs in Newcastle. Nathan Brown was left to lament a couple of 50-50 bunker calls that went against his side as they suffered a 4th heartbreaking defeat of the season.
 
History - The Knights have a dreadful recent record against the Roosters. They have lost 6 of their past 7 games including the 38-0 hiding they copped at Allianz Stadium last year. In their last 3 games against the Roosters, the Knights have failed to score a first half point. 
 
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report - Jamie Buhrer is once again named in the back row, despite starting at hooker last week in a late shuffle. The Knights attack looked really good in patches last week agains the Bulldogs however they just couldn't find that last pass on occasions. Dane Gagai had his best game of the season putting in an outstanding performance in the centres. Gagai needs to produce those performances more often for the Knights as one of their senior players. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - Trent Robinson has made his first big selection of the season deciding to drop centre Latrell Mitchell with Joseph Manu coming in. Robinson hooked Mitchell last week with 10 minutes to go after a particularly unhappy night for the young player with his hands and in defence. Sio Siau Taukeiaho is closing in on a return from long term injury and has been named on an extended bench. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 18-28

I think the Roosters might put a bit of a score on the Knights here. I am more basing this opinion on how mentally I think both sides will get up for this game. In the Knights case, it’s been two games where they have put in a huge amount of effort for no reward, so I think eventually mentally that takes it toll, while I have no doubt the Roosters are going to come out fired up after a really flat performance in Brisbane. Trent Robinson hooked young centre Latrell Mitchell and gave his side a rocket in the press after the game, so I am expecting them to have a far better attitude here. Last year, even when the Roosters were struggling, they managed to beat the Knights 38-0. They have a style that will trouble the Knights with plenty of good set plays and strike power out wide.