2019 NRL – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Saturday 11th May, 06:00
Where is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Suncorp Stadium
What channel is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights?
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500010
Newcastle Knights – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500003
THE TEAM NEWS
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Head Coach: Dean Pay
Starting 13: Meaney, Okunbor, Holland, Hopoate, R. Smith, Cogger, Foran, Tolman, Marshall-King, Napa, Jackson, Elliott, Martin – Interchanges: Brown, Fualalo, Sue, C. Smith – Reserves: Montoya, Ogden
Unavailable: Brandon Wakeham, Corey Harawira-Naera
- Canterbury couldn't build on their win over North Queensland as they went down in a close contest against Manly last week but the manner of that loss has prompted Dean Pay to make several changes.
- Dylan Napa made a welcome return for the Bulldogs last week and Kieran Foran could be back here having almost made the Sea Eagles game with him currently slated to line up alongside Jack Cogger in the halves.
- That means Lachlan Lewis has been dropped along with Ofahiki Ogden whilst Corey Harawira-Naera is out due to personal reasons but they might not be the only changes come kick-off.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Nathan Brown
Starting 13: Ponga, Lee, Hunt, Mata’utia, Kenny-Dowall, Watson, Pearce, Klemmer, Levi, D. Saifiti, Fitzgibbon, Barnett, Glasby – Interchanges: Mann, Ese’ese, Gavet, King – Reserves: Saulo, Ramien
Unavailable: Slade Griffin, Jacob Saifiti, Aidan Guerra
- Newcastle made it back-to-back wins as they were comfortable winners over New Zealand Warriors thanks to a strong final 30 minutes and can now make it three in a row as they face Canterbury.
- Kalyn Ponga will be free to play for the Knights after he avoided a ban following a tripping charge against the Warriors and that means that Newcastle should be able to field an unchanged side if they wish.
- The only potential change could come in the form of Jesse Ramien after he was named amongst the reserves and should he prove his fitness after missing out last week, he may receive a late call-up to the side.
THE PREDICTION
Canterbury look like they are going to be inconsistent all year but the return of key men could aid that battle. Kieran Foran should feature back in the halves this week against a Newcastle side looking for a third straight victory which they are capable of achieving here. They were very impressive against New Zealand Warriors last week and will be confident of backing that display up with another strong showing with the Bulldogs set to fail again despite the changes to their side.
