2021 NRL – Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Thursday 5th August, 2021 – 10:50 (UK)
Where is Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Where can I get tickets for Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos 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 Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos? 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
THE TEAM NEWS
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Starting 13: Ponga, Tuala, Mann, Best, Hunt, Clifford, Pearce, J. Saifiti, Randall, D. Saifiti, Frizell, Barnett, Watson – Interchanges: Sue, Klemmer, King, Jones – Reserves: Crossland, Fitzgibbon
Unavailable: Edrick Lee (Injured), Pasami Saulo (Injured), Jayden Brailey (Rested)
- Newcastle Knights clinched a crucial victory in their quest to make the top eight thanks to a solid showing against Canberra Raiders last week and that success means that they start Round 21 level on points with the teams currently in seventh and eighth.
- Having struggled to score points in the absence of Mitchell Pearce, the Knights put those woes behind them with 34 in that one and with the halfback set to return here, he could be integral to leading Newcastle to another victory.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Starting 13: Niu, Oates, Arthars, Farnworth, Isaako, Gamble, Croft, Palasia, Levi, Haas, Glenn, Riki, Hetherington – Interchanges: Willison, Kennedy, Bullemor, Kelly – Reserves: Robati, Mead
Unavailable: Ben Te’o (Injured), Patrick Carrigan (Injured), John Asiata (Injured), Karmichael Hunt (Injured), Brendan Piakura (Injured), Thomas Flegler (Suspended), Jake Turpin (Injured), Kotoni Staggs (Injured)
- Brisbane Broncos took a big step to avoiding the wooden spoon thanks to a relatively straightforward victory in their Queensland derby clash with North Queensland Cowboys last week.
- That was just a fifth win of the season for the Broncos but they will be desperate to add to that as they attempt to end the campaign on a high but they have suffered a big blow with Kotoni Staggs ruled out for the year with a knee injury.
THE PREDICTION
Newcastle Knights are on the cusp of breaking into the top eight
having beaten Canberra Raiders last week. They will look to build on
that and with halfback Mitchell Pearce back on deck, they will be
confident of doing so against Brisbane Broncos. Home advantage is
suddenly a factor for the Broncos with this game switched from the
Sunshine Coast Stadium so they will hope that makes a difference for
them, especially as they come into this on the back of a win over North
Queensland Cowboys last week. However, the Knights will be desperate for
the win as they bid to end the night inside the top eight and having
won the last three meetings between the two, Newcastle should be able to
come out on top here.
