The nib Newcastle Knights will return home looking to turn the tide and notch a vital two points against the Melbourne Storm this Sunday.
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to the huge fixture while kids under the age of 16 will be allowed to redeem a free ticket with any paying adult.
The Knights suffered a 37-point loss to the Eels last start while the Storm tallied 70 points against the Warriors in Round 7.
Looking to end a run of five straight defeats, the Knights will be hungry to topple the in-form Storm.
This is your Ultimate Guide to the Newcastle Knights Round 8 clash with the Melbourne Storm.
nib NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v MELBOURNE STORM
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2022
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
AOB on Storm match and bouncing back
GAME DAY INFORMATION
Gates/ Fan Zone open: 11:15am
NSW Cup: 11:30am
Tickets: Purchase here
50/50 Charity Raffle: Ronald McDonald House
Match Day Sponsor: McDonald's
Kids under the age of 16 will be able to redeem a free ticket with any paying adult while kids will also be allowed on the field post match.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since: 1998
Played: 44
Knights: 15
Storm: 29
TEAMS
Match: Knights v Storm
Round 8 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Edrick LeeWinger for Storm is number 2 Nick Meaney
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Simi SasagiCentre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari TualaWinger for Storm is number 5 Xavier Coates
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Adam CluneHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 David KlemmerProp for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Chris RandallHooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Daniel SaifitiProp for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Brodie Jones2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
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Lock for Knights is number 17 Sauaso SueLock for Storm is number 13 Josh King
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandInterchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob SaifitiInterchange for Storm is number 15 Tyran Wishart
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Leo ThompsonInterchange for Storm is number 16 Trent Loiero
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Interchange for Knights is number 19 Jack JohnsInterchange for Storm is number 17 Tepai Moeroa
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 21 Pasami SauloReplacement for Storm is number 18 Chris Lewis
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
TEAM NEWS
TEAM LIST TUESDAY: nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, named his side to take on the Storm.
Dane Gagai comes out of the team after suffering a broken cheekbone in the loss to Parramatta.
Simi Sasagi has been named to make his first NRL start in the centres, on the back of celebrating his 21st birthday last Sunday.
Recovery Report: Gagai, Young, Fitzgibbon and Momoisea
Hymel Hunt also suffered a fractured cheekbone in the NSW Cup game ruling him out of selection for this fixture, while Sauaso Sue has been named to return after playing in the Cup match last week.
The rest of the team is unchanged from the Round 7 Eels clash.
For the Storm, there are no changes to the run-on side but a minor tweak on the bench with Chris Lewis moving back to 18th man and Tyran Wishart listed back in the No.15 jersey.
Reimis Smith has been included in the backline despite failing a HIA against the Warriors.
FORM GUIDE
After two wins to start the season, the Knights have endured five straight defeats.
The red and blue went down 39-2 to Parramatta last start back at home and will look to show an improved and spirited performance back in front of the Hunter faithful.
Melbourne have jumped out of the blocks in 2022 with six wins from a possible seven.
The Storm ran in 70 points last start against the Warriors to achieve their highest team score in the NRL in their history.
The Knights will look to end a barren streak against the Storm having gone without a victory against the Victorian-based club since 2014.
KEY MATCH-UP
Bradman Best v Justin Olam: Two absolute beasts on the field will collide at MJS this Sunday.
Bradman has notched 15 tackle breaks, two tries and two try-assists this campaign and was at his rampaging best in games against the Roosters and Dragons.
On the other side, Olam has been a consistent figure in the Storm line-up and will need to be shutdown to limit his threat.
The PNG born centre has provided four tries, five line-breaks and averaged 125 metres this season.
