NEWCASTLE KNIGHT v NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Round 23, 2014 NYC Premiership
Date: Sunday, August 17
Kick-off: 11.45 am
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Last time they met:
The two teams met earlier this season in Round 12 and the Warriors came away convincing winners with a 34-22 victory at Mt Smart Stadium in New Zealand.
Teams:
NEWCASTLE
1. Sione Mata'utia, 2. Jake Mamo, 3. Braden Robson, 4. Chance Peni, 5. Josh Birch, 6. Brock Lamb, 7. Jack Cogger, 8. Joseph Tapine, 9. Danny Levi (c), 10. Luke Yates, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Harry Pondekas, 13. Joe Boyce. Interchange: 14. James De Saxe, 15. Pride Petterson-Robati, 16. Tuiala Togitasi, 17. James Taylor, 18. Bradie Smith.
WARRIORS
1. Brad Abbey, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. Nathaniel Roache, 4. Marata Niukore, 5. Metia Lisati, 6. Ma’afoaeata Hingano, 7. Semisi Tyrell, 8. Iulio Afoa,9. Kurt Robinson, 10. Kouma Samson, 11. Toafofoa Sipley, 12. Michael Ki, 13. James Bell. Interchange: 14. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, 15. Jazz Tevaga, 16. Ofahiki Ogden.
Head-to-head:
The Knights has once again proven why they are at the top of the ladder of this NYC competition beating Melbourne 38-0 last weekend.
With a great win over a quality side last weekend, Manager Craig Smith is looking to see his team continue on their great run form against a well-balanced Warriors squad.
“Our match against Melbourne was one of our most comprehensive wins this year,” said Smith.
“We had 17 really good players and it was a really good team effort, we also got through without any injuries.
“Our two young halves played very well, Jack Cogger on debut and Brock Lamb, his second game in the NYC.
“Our big boys also did really well driving us through the middle.
“Some of the things we looked at prior to the game was fast play the balls, numbers in the tackle and hard running.
“We managed to get high marks in all those areas which allowed us to score some points.”
Where it will be won:
Heading into this week’s game against the Warriors, the Under 20s need to be as good, if not better then what they’ve produced so far to get the two-points.
“The Warriors are a big side and if we can limit them of opportunities of playing football against us, it will go a long way,” Smith added.
Last word:
The Under 20s are happy with the return of NRL fullback Sione Mata’utia for Sunday’s clash against the Warriors.
“Sione will be a big bonus for us heading into a tough game against the Warriors,” Smith praised.
“Hopefully he can bring his experience from NRL to get a win with us this week.”
