Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans
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Knights v Titans preview
A week and a bit of turmoil for the Newcastle Knights could be the door opener for the Gold Coast Titans to end their nine match losing streak as the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon.
The Knights have had big expectations on them this season, but have hardly matched them after going through a rebuilding process over recent years. Out of finals contention, they sit in 11th spot and despite a mathematical chance of making the finals, it is almost impossible to happen. Newcastle had a poor start to the season before they went on a winning streak mid-year - before everything fell again to pieces.
Last week's "effort" from the Knights saw them draw heavy criticism, with many fans and media criticising them for a poor display in the 46-4 defeat to Wests Tigers. This weekend's final home game of the season could be the perfect chance for Newcastle to put aside the criticism and prove there is unity in the club.
The Gold Coast Titans have again been absolutely terrible in 2019 and despite sacking coach Garth Brennan halfway through the season, haven't improved one bit and have continued on a losing streak that begun way back in Round 14. They had an improved performance last week against Melbourne and despite losing 24-8, were able to lead 8-0 against the Storm at AAMI Park before the hosts ran over the top of them.
Despite their last placing, the Gold Coast side have actually outscored the Cowboys and Bulldogs in attack this season, but have only managed to win outside of Queensland once this season, a victory over Manly at Brookvale under their belt. This weekend's clash in Newcastle or next week's home game against the Dragons will be the best opportunity that the Titans will get at the back-end of the season to end their losing streak.
Last meeting: Round 6 2019 - Titans 38 Knights 14
Who to watch: One of the players copping the most scrutiny, Mitchell Pearce has reportedly been at the centre of a rift between himself and departing coach Nathan Brown. Pearce's form since the winning NSW Origin series has been very poor, with the Knights veteran unable to fire his team to the finals like he was expected to, and will need to stand-up if the Knights want to make a point this weekend.
Titans utility Tyrone Peachey has taken up a spot in the halves on recent weeks and like the team, his form hasn't hit any high notes - which is what they were looking for when signing him last season from Penrith. Peachey needs to stand-up and take on a leading role in attack if the Gold Coast want to add a bright spark on a poor season.
The favourite: The Knights are massive favourites in this clash, and although they are in poor form, are back at home and expected to win. The Titans actually took victory in the clash between the two sides back at the beginning of the season.
My tip: The Knights will have a point to prove after a week and a bit of negative media especially at home in front of their passionate fan base for the final time this season. Despite this, I think that the Titans have a huge opportunity to take a victory at this stage and I think they can do it if they play like they did against Melbourne in the first half. Titans by 2.
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Bradman Best 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Mason Lino 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Connor Watson 10. Daniel Saifiti 17. Aidan Guerra 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tim Glasby 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Herman Ese'ese 16. Josh King
1. Michael Gordon 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Peachey 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sam Stone 13. Jai Arrow 14. Alexander Brimson 15. Jai Whitbread 16. Bryce Cartwright 21. Tanah Boyd
Referees: Chris Butler, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Liam Nicholls, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Beau Scott;