Chloe Schibeci previews Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Newcastle Knights
The Newcastle Knights are currently on a two-game winning streak. Last weekend, they won in a close game against the Manly Sea Eagles. They found themselves behind in the opening ten minutes, before scoring four consecutive tries. The Sea Eagles hit back with another two before Enari Tuala scored the Knights’ try that secured the victory.
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are struggling this season, last week losing their seventh straight game. Their last win, funnily enough, was back in June against the Knights where they won by 12 points. Last weekend, they narrowly missed out on a win after a one-point loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who scored seven points in the final four minutes.
SQUAD NEWS
Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Starford To’a, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Blake Green, 7. Mitchell Pearce (c), 8. David Klemmer, 9. Kurt Mann, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Aidan Guerra, 13. Mitchell Barnett, 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Josh King, 17. Pasami Saulo, 18. Brodie Jones, 19. Tex Hoy, 20. Chris Randall, 21. Jirah Momoisea
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Connelly Lemuelu, 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 6. Ben Hampton, 7. Michael Morgan (c), 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean 11. Mitchell Dunn, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo, 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. John Asiata, 16. Emry Pere, 17. Francis Molo, 18. Shane Wright, 19. Jake Clifford, 20. Corey Jensen, 22. Justin O’Neill
KEY STAT
The on-field history between these two clubs is even; the Knights have won 19 from 37 to the Cowboys 18. The last time they met was in June and was the Cowboys’ last win. Their meeting before was in August of 2019 where the Knights won 42-6. The Knights are currently on a roll while the Cowboys are significantly struggling to manage a win, despite how close they were last week. Could North Queensland finally get the win they’ve been looking for, or will the Knights claim their third consecutive win?
BATTLE TO WATCH
Mitchell Pearce versus Michael Morgan. Both are captains and play halfback for their respective teams.
Mitchell Pearce has played in all 14 games so far this season, while Michael Morgan has only managed four appearances due to injury keeping him out. Both players have only scored two tries for their respective clubs, however, have been otherwise impactful, tallying up a few try assists. Both are invaluable players for their teams.
Michael Morgan is freshly returned from an injury that has kept him out for the majority of the 2020 season so far. Despite being a talented player, his lack of appearances so far this season could potentially put him on the back foot compared to Pearce, who has been available for the Knights each week so far this season.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Sunday, August 23
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 4:05 pm.
