2020 NRL – Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Saturday 12th September, 2020 – 10:35 (UK)
Where is Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
What is the expected weather for Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights? 18c, clear skies
What channel is Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
Where can I get tickets for Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, J. Morris, Manu, B. Morris, Keary, Flanagan, Taukeiaho, Friend, Collins, Cordner, Tupouniua, Liu – Interchanges: N. Butcher, Crichton, Williams, Aubusson – Reserves: Faamausili, Lussick
Unavailable: Billy Smith (Injured), Victor Radley (Injured), Sam Verrills (Injured), Lachlam Lam (Injured), Matt Ikuvalu (Injured), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Injured)
- Sydney Roosters produced a solid display in their key clash with Canberra Raiders last week as they moved a step closer to securing their spot in the top four which would give them a crucial advantage in the finals.
- In a closely-fought contest, the Tricolours did what was required as they kept the Raiders at arm’s length in their 6-18 success and will look to build on that as they attempt to make it seven wins from their last eight.
- The Roosters will be without enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after he was withdrawn 24 hours before kick-off so Lindsay Collins is promoted to the run-on side with Mitch Aubusson coming onto the bench while head coach Trent Robinson will be eager to get more minutes into Sonny Bill Williams after his cameo last week.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Starting 13: Hoy, Lee, Tuala, Shibasaki, To’a, Lino, Pearce, Klemmer, Mann, J. Saifiti, Fitzgibbon, Guerra, Ese’ese – Interchanges: D. Saifiti, King, Mata’utia, Randall – Reserves: Saulo, Moga
Unavailable: Jayden Brailey (Injured), Tim Glasby (Injured), Andrew McCullough (Injured), Connor Watson (Injured), Bradman Best (Injured), Blake Green (Injured), Kalyn Ponga (Rested), Hymel Hunt (Rested), Mitch Barnett (Rested), Phoenix Crossland (Injured)
- Newcastle Knights earned a big win over 12-man Cronulla Sharks to seal their spot in the finals and following that success, they have made their intentions clear with two key men rested.
- Kalyn Ponga and Mitch Barnett will sit this clash out as well as Hymel Hunt as the Knights look to keep them fresh for the finals but they will still be keen to stay in the mix for a spot higher than their current placing of seventh.
- The Knights played well last week but their task was made a lot easier when Chad Townsend was giving his marching orders in the second half with Newcastle earning a 38-10 win and while the likes of Ponga are out, Edrick Lee, Daniel Saifiti and Sione Mata’utia all return from injuries.
THE PREDICTION
Sydney Roosters showed some good signs in their win over Canberra Raiders last week as they defending premiers go in search of a three-peat. They will look to take another step towards securing their spot in the top four as they take on a Newcastle Knights side that will also compete in the finals after they earned their place thanks to last week’s win over Cronulla Sharks. However, the Knights have rested a couple of key men for this and with Kalyn Ponga’s class missing at fullback, the Roosters should be able to earn a comfortable win as they build towards the finals with the Tricolours able to win by at least 18 points on home soil.
