Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors
Date: Saturday, June 11
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Kick off: 10.40am
Teams:
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
1. Nick Meaney, 2. Dean Kouka-Smith, 3. Heath Gibbs, 4. Kainoa Gudgeon, 5. Brayden Musgrove, 6. Jake McNamara, 7. Hayden Herbert, 8. Tyrone Amey, 9. Nick Newman, 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 11. Zac Hosking, 12. Sam Stone, 13. Braden Robson. Interchange: 14. Ryan Glanville, 15. Tom Starling, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Eddy Tuilotolava, 18. Jayden Butterfield, 20. Mitch Casson.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
1. Kane Telea, 2. Lewis Soosemea, 3. Junior Pauga, 4. Marata Niukore, 5. Matt Faitotoa, 6. Erin Clark, 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Sheldon Pitama (c), 10. Kenese Kenese, 11. Ofahiki Ogden, 12. Joseph Price, 13. Chris Sio. Interchange: 14 Tyler Mohi, 15. Joseph Vuna, 16. Keanu Dawson, 17. Cyrus Timo-Latu, 18. Alfred Smalley.
Match analysis:
The NYC Newcastle Knights look to bounce back from last weekend's loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in Townville and search for a higher quality performance at Hunter Stadium this Saturday when they come up against the New Zealand Warriors.
“They had quite a few first grade capable players in their team and we took up our youngest team of the year and unfortunately were taught a lesson,” NYC coach Todd Lowrie said about the 66-16 loss.
“I think it showed, to the younger guys especially, where they need to get to.
“It can be a good thing I guess.”
The Knights have welcomed a number of players from the Club’s under 18s side into the fold who have handled the increased intensity admirably.
“They still have a long way to come but they are all getting some games," he said.
“They are doing a good job for us and as long as they keep improving bit by bit each week, we will be in good shape.”
At Round 14, the Knights sit inside the top eight with the Warriors at equal 10th.
“They have a pretty young team and have been winning some more games,” he said.
“They are big, strong and fast and are going to take some stopping.
“They will be a big challenge for us and are in a similar boat to what we’re in at the moment.
“It should be a fair game.”
While the Knights have built good principles during the first half of the season, the side aims to work hard on its defensive game his weekend.
“Our defence has been a bit of a goal for us,” he said.
“We’ve been pretty good but on the weekend we let ourselves down there.
“It’s been one of our key areas this week and particularly against the Warriors.”
Where it will be won:
Defence.
“We need to defend at lot better and bring more energy in defence," Lowrie said.
“We will work together a lot more on defence and think if we can sort that out, we will be okay."
It's a three game fixture at Hunter Stadium on Saturday as the Knights take on the New Zealand Warriors. Buy you match tickets HERE.
