Defend the Kingdom: NRL Round 16 preview

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Wed 14 Jun 2023, 11:54 AM

The nib Newcastle Knights return home to take on arch rivals, the Sydney Roosters, in a highly-anticipated Saturday afternoon battle.

After a heartbreaking, final minute loss to the Broncos last round, the Knights will have the fire in the belly to pick up another big two points.

They face their old foe in the Roosters, who boast a strong record at McDonald Jones Stadium, setting up a massive encounter.

nib NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Date: Saturday, June 17th

Kick-off: 3:00pm

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

The match will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.

Croker on effort up north and consistency

GAME DAY INFORMATION

Game Day Itinerary: See here

Gates/Fan Zone open: 12:15pm

NSW Cup: 12:40pm

NRL kick-off: 3pm

Merchandise: Show your colours

Membership: 3 Game Membership

Tickets: Purchase here

50-50 Charity Partner: Breast Cancer Network Australia

Match Day Sponsor: Red Energy

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Since: 1988

Knights: 21

Roosters: 36

Draws: 2

TEAMS

Round 16 - Round 16 - Saturday 17 Jun

Full Time

Knights

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Joseph Manu
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Corey Allan
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Billy Smith
Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari Tuala

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Fetalaiga Pauga
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson Gamble

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sandon Smith

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Jake Turpin
Prop for Knights is number 15 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Nat Butcher
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Egan Butcher
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu Whyte

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Kurt Mann

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington

Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Nathan Brown
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat Croker

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
Interchange for Knights is number 20 Brodie Jones

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Angus Crichton

Reserves

Replacement for Knights is number 19 Simi Sasagi

Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Zach Dockar-Clay

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:00 PM

TEAM NEWS

TUESDAY: Knights NRL Head Coach Adam O'Brien named his side to take on the Roosters.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon returns from a calf injury to replace NSW Blues back-rower Tyson Frizell in the starting team.

Enari Tuala replaces winger Greg Marzhew who was not considered for selection after failing to meet team standards.

For the Roosters, Joey Manu goes to fullback in the absence of skipper James Tedesco on Origin duty, Luke Keary shifts to five-eighth and youngster Sandon Smith is the new halfback.

With Lindsay Collins in Maroons camp, Nat Butcher moves to prop, Sitili Tupouniua to second row and Naufahu Whyte is the new lock.

Centre Billy Smith is back on deck after he was a late withdrawal from the Panthers game so Drew Hutchison goes back to the bench. Terrell May is the new face on the bench with Matt Lodge omitted.