NRL Round 14 Preview - Knights v Roosters @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters @ McDonald Jones Stadium 
 
Preview - The Knights and Roosters collide for the second time this season, with the Knights looking to even their ledger of wins and losses on Saturday night in Newcastle. Newcastle were dominant last week, belting a listless Eels side 30-4 at ANZ Stadium to stop a 4-game losing streak. The Roosters clung on for a 16-14 victory over the Tigers, despite missing 4 key players through Origin duty, to get to 8-5 on the season and into 4th spot on the ladder. 
 
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report - Nathan Brown has made just the one change from the side that thumped Parramatta, with Herman Ese'ese returning at prop and Jacob Lillyman dropping to the Reserves. Jack Cogger impressed last week, having by far his best game in his young career to date. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have named James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell,  Boyd Cordner and  Dylan Napa, despite playing in Origin on Wednesday night. Blake Ferguson shifts from fullback to wing, with debutant Matt Ikuvalu out of the side.  Mitch Aubusson and Victor Radley both drop back to the bench.
 
Verdict - Roosters by 6-14

I just think the Roosters will have too many weapons for the Knights. I expect this game to be closer than anticipated, with the Roosters having players on the quick back up from Origin. However, I don’t trust the Knights’ defence to hold, like it did against the Eels, against a side that will throw far more at them. The Roosters defended really stoutly against the Tigers and, if they can keep Kayln Ponga quiet, they should win this game fairly comfortably.