NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v GOLD COAST TITANS
Round 19, 2015 Holden Cup
Date: Saturday July 18, 3.15pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Last time they met:
In torrential conditions at Cbus Super Stadium in Round 3, the NYC Newcastle Knights fought back from a 10-0 half-time deficit to defeat the Gold Coast Titans 19-18.
Teams:
KNIGHTS
1. Bryce Donovan, 2. Fuaimamao Uta, 3. Josh Birch, 4. Braden Robson, 5. Ken Tofilau, 6. Brock Lamb, 7. Jack Kelly, 8. Josh King, 9. Jake McNamara, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Bradie Smith, 12. Ben Stone, 13. Luke Yates. Bench: 14. Jayden Butterfield, 15. Tyrone Amey, 16. Roman Fepuleai, 17. Sam Apthorpe, 18. Sam Stone.
TITANS
1. Shaun Hudson (capt), 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Rory Humphreys, 4. Josh Berkers, 5. Greg Lelesiuao, 6. Daniel Schwass, 7. Brayden Torpy, 8. Oshae Tuiasua, 9. Delayne Ashby, 10. Max Elliott, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Hayden Schwass, 13. Parahi Wilson (c) Interchange: 14. Shane Gillham, 15. Daymeric Pelo,16. Rhys Duke, 17. Chris Law.
Match Analysis:
After a win slipping by the NYC Knights last week, the team is eager to turn it around at home in their Round 19 match against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.
Newcastle Knights' Strength and Conditioning coach Mick Reid said the U20s Knights' aim is to maintain a strong effort in the second half of Saturday’s game, an area that’s proved troublesome in previous rounds.
“We just are going to go into the same mindset that we have the last couple of games that is, we need to be in the arm wrestle right up to the 80th minute and not take our foot off the pedal,” he said.
“We have had a few lapses in concentration after half time when we’ve come out.
“We have given cheap, easy penalties away and that has given our opposition a leg up.
So the Knights' main focus on Saturday will be in defending sets and shutting the game down.
This week Jack Kelly moves into the line-up to partner Brock Lamb in the halves.
Kelly is a local boy who has been playing with Lakes United in the Newcastle competition and has taken on a utility role for the Knights with appearances at hooker and five-eighth.
“He knows our plays and what we want to get out of him and where we need to be,” he said.
“He’s back playing at his favorite position at number seven so hopefully he’ll bring some quality stuff.”
Meanwhile Luke Yates has been named but will be pushing for fitness after sustaining a minor ankle injury last round.
Looking over the Titans’ line-up, Reid says three players are returning to the side after injury and promotion to reserve grade which he expects will provide the opposition added confidence.
“They are coming off two wins and are a little bit like ourselves, in they are quite even across the board,” he said.
Despite a loss to the Raiders last week, the Knights have not wavered from their ultimate season goal.
“We have a plan in place and are striving to get back into the eight,” he said.
“We are waiting to get some players back which is good for us, but at the moment we are doing one game at a time and not looking too far ahead.”
Where it will be won:
The backline.
Looking at the forwards, they will take care of each other so I think it’s going to be won somewhere in the backs,” Reid said,
Reid looks forward to players like Josh Birch and Braden Robson shining out on the edges.
“I think that’s where it will be won or lost because they have some speed out there and a good combination in their halves.
“Hopefully our halves and centres will gel together.”
Saturday July 18 – Round 19 Heritage Round
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans
Gates open: 12.45pm
QLD v NSW Police State of Origin: 1pm
NYC: 3.15pm
NRL: 5.30pm
