NRL Round 3 Preview - Roosters v Knights @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - The last clash of Round 3 is perhaps the most anticipated as Newcastle look to maintain their unbeaten start to 2018 against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. Mitchell Pearce returns home to take on the Club which effectively dumped him for Cooper Cronk over the off-season. The Knights have made a great start to 2018, with two tight victories, last week rallying from an 8-point deficit to defeat the Raiders 30-28 in Canberra. The Roosters hit back from their shock Round 1 loss to the Tigers with a convincing 30-12 victory over the Bulldogs, as some of their attacking talent put on a far better display. 
 
History - The Roosters have completely dominated the Knights of late winning 10 of the past 12 games between the Clubs. In 2017 the Roosters won both games fairly convincingly, winning 24-6 in Newcastle before winning 28-4 at Allianz later in the season.
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have lost Daniel Tupou to injury, with new recruit Reece Robinson coming on to the wing to make his debut for the Club. Mitch Aubusson is expected to play, despite copping a nasty head gash in last Friday's big win over the Bulldogs.
 
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report – Knights’ coach Nathan Brown has stuck solid with his side, chasing a third straight win to open the season. Mitch Barnett will have to pass concussion protocols, whilst Jamie Buhrer is expected to back up, having trained for the first time on Wednesday.
 
Verdict - Roosters 1-12 in a high scoring game
 
The Roosters have traditionally smashed the Knights in head-to- head clashes over the past few years, however I see this being a fair bit closer. I do have concerns for the Knights defensively against such a potent outfit, however they do have some points in them and I expect this to be a high scoring game. I think Mitchell Pearce will have a huge game against his old Club and set up a couple of tries, however I see the Roosters outscoring the Knights and winning by a try or so, with both sides scoring over 20 points.