2019 NRL – Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs taking place? Friday 12th July, 10:55
Where is Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs taking place? McDonald Jones Stadium
What channel is Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs?
Newcastle Knights – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500003
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500010
THE TEAM NEWS
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Nathan Brown
Starting 13: Watson, Hunt, Mann, Ramien, Kenny-Dowall, Lino, Pearce, Gavet, Levi, King, Buhrer, Mata’utia, Ese’ese – Interchanges: J. Saifiti, Saulo, Crossland, Guerra – Reserves: Moga, Klemmer, D. Saifiti, Glasby, Jones, Randall
Unavailable: Slade Griffin, Mitch Barnett, Kalyn Ponga, Edrick Lee, Lachlan Fitzgibbon
- Newcastle suffered defeat at the hands of New Zealand Warriors as their under-strength side was just edged out last week and that loss may cause a rethink into how they approach this fixture.
- The Knights had indicated that they would not risk Mitchell Pearce just 48 hours after Origin and were likely to go with Mason Lino again here but Pearce has been named in their side at halfback with Lino named at five-eighth.
- David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti and Tim Glasby have all been named in an extended squad and look set to be late inclusions in the side following their appearances in Origin but Lachlan Fitzgibbon is out with an elbow injury.
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Head Coach: Dean Pay
Starting 13: Watene-Zelezniak, Meaney, Montoya, Hopoate, R. Smith, Wakeham, Cogger, Tolman, Lichaa, Napa, Jackson, Harawira-Naera, C. Smith – Interchanges: Elliott, Toomaga, Ogden, Sue – Reserves: Marshall-King, Brown, Holland, Fualalo
Unavailable: Jayden Okunbor, Kieran Foran
- Canterbury will hope the bye week does not stop their momentum after picking up a hard-fought win over Cronulla in their last outing as they drew level on points with Gold Coast at the foot of the ladder.
- The Bulldogs had been sweating on the fitness of key man Kieran Foran after suffering a hamstring injury but it has ruled him out of this game with Brandon Wakeham coming into the starting side after making his debut off the bench against Cronulla.
- Renouf Toomaga will be given a chance to make his mark in what will be his first NRL appearance in 2019 after taking Wakeham’s spot with the rest of the side otherwise unchanged.
THE PREDICTION
Newcastle had stated they were unlikely to play Mitchell Pearce so soon after Origin but he now looks set to be included after he was named in the initial side. It would also be a surprise if forwards David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti and Tim Glasby fail to back up after they were named in an extended squad following their Origin appearances. Their inclusions would be a big boost for the Knights who will face a buoyant and rested Bulldogs outfit but Newcastle can edge this on home soil to keep the pressure on the sides above them.
