2021 NRL – Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders taking place? Sunday 1st August, 2021 – 04:50 (UK)
Where is Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders taking place? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Where can I get tickets for Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders 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 Canberra Raiders? 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, Crossland, Clifford, J. Saifiti, Brailey, D. Saifiti, Frizell, Barnett, Watson – Interchanges: Sue, Klemmer, King, Jones – Reserves: Momoisea, Hoy
Unavailable: Edrick Lee (Injured), Pasami Saulo (Injured), Mitchell Pearce (Injured)
- Newcastle Knights failed to build on a solid start in their clash with Sydney Roosters last week as they were left scoreless after scoring the first eight points in the contest to suffer their second loss in a row.
- The Knights struggled with ball in hand once again and having scored just 12 points in their last two matches without Mitchell Pearce in their side, his absence could prove to be critical once again.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Starting 13: Rapana, Smith-Shields, Croker, Kris, Valemei, Wighton, S. Williams, Papalii, Hodgson, Guler, Harawira-Naera, Whitehead, Young – Interchanges: Starling, Timoko, Soliola, Tapine – Reserves: Frawley, Lui
Unavailable: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Injured), Corey Horsburgh (Injured), Curtis Scott (Suspended), Bailey Simonsson (Injured), Xavier Savage (Injured), Ryan Sutton (Injured)
- Canberra Raiders produced another gutsy display as they were able to overcome Parramatta Eels in a low-scoring affair to make it three straight wins and significantly boost their hopes of making the top eight.
- The Raiders appear to have found some defensive resolve having conceded too many soft tries during the season and that could be key once again in what shapes as another pivotal contest where they will be aided by the return of Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead.
THE PREDICTION
Newcastle Knights have to find a way to get the win in this contest
as they aim to stay in touch of the top eight. The same can also be said
of Canberra Raiders but they come into this having won their last three
matches. They were extremely impressive in limiting Parramatta Eels in a
shock victory last time out and with confidence high after their recent
performances, they should prove to be too good for the lacklustre
Knights who should find points hard to come by.
