Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights
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Wests Tigers v Knights preview
Tigers and Knights both looking for a perfect early record in 2020
Both the Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights started their seasons with a win in round one and they'll be looking to emulate what they were able to produce last week. The Tigers produced a fast finishing second half to defeat the Dragons, whilst the Knights never looked uncomfortable in their game, doing it easy against the Warriors.
Tigers coach Michael Maguire has named an unchanged starting line-up for this match. The only change in the seventeen comes through the bench, with Michael Chee-Kam dropping out for Paul Momirovski. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named a completely unchanged seventeen from the team that defeated the Warriors last week. However, Sione Mata'utia is a chance to return from a knee injury and has been named in the reserves.
Despite this match being played at Leichardt Oval, it may prove to not be a Tigers fortress this weekend. With no fans being admitted into stadiums due to the threat of the coronavirus, the "eighth wonder of the world" will be empty in seats, as well as a usually packed Wayne Pearce Hill.
In terms of play, the Tigers will need to start this game better than what they did last week after they conceded an early penalty try. Perhaps another concern is the amount of chances last week's opponents the Dragons were able to create against the Tigers defence, despite the chances being squandered. Positively though, the Tigers finished the game strongly and due to some Benji Marshall brilliance were able to control possession with an abundance of repeat sets and smart play. If the Tigers can control possession in a similar way and fatigue Newcastle, then they should win.
The Knights never got uncomfortable last week against a dismal and ill-disciplined Warriors outfit who really didn't test them. Newcastle can't afford the mindset to expect the same this weekend. Despite the Tigers not being a noted attacking side, they did well to starve their opponents of possession last week and if they do that again it will be hard for Newcastle to cope. The Knights defence however, did look very impressive as they were able to hold a team scoreless for the first time since round four of 2014. If they can hold their defensive line in a similar fashion, the Tigers way struggle to crack them open and the Knights will give themselves a very good chance to win.
Last meeting: Round 23 2019 - Wests Tigers 46 Knights 4
The Tigers were clinical in this encounter at Campbelltown Stadium and took advantage of some lacklustre Newcastle defence. Defence is what the Knights have been working on all off-season though and will be unlikely to leak that many points come Sunday afternoon.
Who to watch: After an incredible showing last week, it will be interesting to see if Benji Marshall can back up that performance. The 35-year-old was best on ground in the Tigers' round one clash, with two try assists, three forced drop outs and one try to his name. Marshall controlled the game last week in the absence of halves partner Luke Brooks and he will be looking to do the same against the Knights in round two.
It is commonly said that when Mitchell Pearce is playing well, the Knights are playing well. Much like Marshall, Pearce will be looking to take complete control of this game and give the Tigers little opportunity. Pearce can certainly be the difference between winning and losing at times and Knights fans will be hoping he can lead the team to a win in round two.
The favourite: Odds are relatively even for this match. The Knights are slight favourites to take the win.
My tip: The Knights won't gift as much possession to the Tigers as the Dragons did. The Tigers aren't noted for their attacking play and with what we saw of the Knights' defence last week, it will be hard for them to score points. Knights by 12.
1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Robert Jennings 6. Benji Marshall 7. Josh Reynolds 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Billy Walters 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Thomas Mikaele 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Chris Lawrence 18. Michael Chee-Kam
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Herman Ese'ese 14. Connor Watson 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Aidan Guerra
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Rickey McFarlane, Liam Kennedy; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Ben Galea;