Wests Tigers v Knights preview

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The Tigers battle the Knights on Saturday in what shapes as an awful hangover following the previous night's blockbuster Grand Final rematch. 

It can't really be sugar-coated, neither of these sides will be contesting for the Top 8 this year, and both will most likely be attempting to avoid the dreaded Wooden Spoon. Both possess great young talent, but this young talent has perhaps had to have been blooded just a bit too early for their own good. For the home side, their 32 point loss to the Bulldogs was particularly disappointing, when taking into account what seemed to be a strong victory over the Bunnies the round prior. The Tigers capitulated against Canterbury conceding 9 line breaks to just 1, and also being restricted to just one offload in comparison to the Bulldogs 13. Luckily for them, they return to one of their spiritual home grounds this round and will hope that will spark them against an equally disappointing Knights side, whose only win of the year came against this Tigers team up the top of the F3. If the Tigers are to prevail look for a big game from young but improving halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses.

For the Knights, if we're saying the Tigers capitulated, I don't even know how to describe their effort. 62-0 really says a lot. Unfortunately for Knights fans, I'll rattle off the numbers: 14 line breaks to 0, 11 tries to 0, 47 missed tackles to 14. For Newcastle, last week's loss was a combination of many factors. Firstly, a decimated halves pairing resulted in rookie halves Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger (with a combined 1 NRL game between them) steering the side around. Both performed admirably but it was really Newcastle's defence which was their downfall, with Cronulla finding tries incredibly easily through the middle. Newcastle's forwards will need to step up this week. On a positive note, their completion rate of 85% proves they did at least something right, and I reckon, if they get enough possession, the Knights have the points in them. But, in saying this, Newcastle have scored the least points in the competition with a meagre 102 points. I won't even quote their differential. Ouch.

Last meeting: Round 6 2016 - Knights 18 Wests Tigers 16

Newcastle's only victory so far in what's already proving a painfully long season. 

Who to watch: For both sides, their respective halfbacks need to step up. Hodkinson has a respectable 4 try assists to his name, whilst Brooks has an impressive 8. Both have struggled for form in 2016, but both have shown some signs of improvement. Brooks was instrumental in their win over the Rabbitohs, but, like Trent Hodkinson, needs to grab complete control of their attack in order to gain the win this week. Hodkinson especially, with young Brock Lamb not as experienced in the Big Time will need to steer his side around, giving Lamb the chance to shine with creativity.

The favourite: The Tigers lost by 32 last round, but are heavy favourites here - go figure. The opposition must be poor then! Well, the Knights have lost their past two games by a total of 100-0...

My tip: The Tigers will look to bounce back, but a loss like that Newcastle experienced is sure to spark something. Or at least I think so. An upset may be looming. Knights by 2.

5. Jordan Rankin 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 18. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tim Grant 15. Matt Ballin 16. JJ Felise 17. Kyle Lovett

1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 20. Jake Mamo 5. Akuila Uate 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 16. Jack Stockwell 9. Danny Levi 15. Korbin Sims 11. Tariq Sims 18. Pauli Pauli 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 10. Daniel Saifiti 14. Tyler Randell 17. Mickey Paea 17. Josh King

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson