NRL Round 10 Preview and Prediction - Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders @ McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders @ McDonald Jones Stadium
Preview - Both the Raiders and Knights will be desperate for victories for different reasons when they clash at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle this afternoon. The home side are on a 7-game losing stretch with their last victory coming way back in Round 2 against the Titans. Whilst the Knights have been more than competitive at times this season, they were disappointing in their last start losing 40-8 to the Titans on the Gold Coast. The Raiders came into the season as one of the competition favourites, however are currently sitting outside the Top 8 with just 4 wins from their opening 9 games. The Raiders have struggled to win the close games this season and were defeated 18-12 in their last start by the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
History - The Raiders have been all over the Knights of late, winning 5 from the past 7 with 1 draw. Amazingly both games between the two sides last year went to Golden Point. They also have a good record in Newcastle having won 3 of their past 4 encounters at McDonald Jones Stadium. Overall, the Raiders have won 25 games compared to the Knights 18.
Newcastle Knights' Scouting Report - Luke Yates has been one of the emerging young players to play some good football for the Knights this season and he is named in the 13 jersey. Dane Gagai has shifted to fullback where he will be looking to get more of his hands on the football.
Canberra Raiders' Scouting Report - With Josh Papalii serving a one-game discipline suspension, Ricky Stuart has called upon the experienced Sia Soliola to start in his place. Dunimas Lui joins the interchange bench and will be looking to add some punch from the bench.
Verdict - Raiders by 20+
I think the Knights have hit a brick wall and the Raiders are due to fire in attack. After a couple of really disappointing losses, this is about the time the Raiders start making a run and I think they get a good match up here to do so. There were some bad signs for the Knights last week when they conceded 38 points against the Titans, and the Raiders are the sort of side that can rack up points quickly against a leaky defence. The Raiders, I think, don't enjoy night football and the day conditions will allow them to throw the ball around here and I think they can rack up a big win to get their season back on track.