2021 NRL – Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers taking place? Sunday 28th March, 2021 – 06:05 (UK)
Where is Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers taking place? McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Where can I get tickets for Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers 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 Wests Tigers? 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: Hoy, To’a, Tuala, Shibasaki, Hunt, Mann, Pearce, Klemmer, Brailey, D. Saifiti, Frizell, Barnett, Watson – Interchanges: Sue, J. Saifiti, King, Jones – Reserves: Saulo, Young
Unavailable: Edrick Lee (Injured), Kalyn Ponga (Injured), Blake Green (Injured), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Injured), Jirah Momoisea (Injured), Bradman Best (Injured), Phoenix Crossland (Suspended)
- Newcastle Knights had to dig deep to come from behind but they managed to snatch a late try to make it two wins from two to begin their campaign with a 16-20 success against New Zealand Warriors.
- The Knights saw less of the ball in a game where both teams were happy to grind but they looked after the ball well with a 92% completion rate and asked questions at the right time with Bradman Best the match-winner, although he has been ruled out through injury here in what is a big blow.
WESTS TIGERS
Starting 13: Laurie, Nofoaluma, Talau, Roberts, Kepaoa, Doueihi, Brooks, Musgrove, Liddle, Tamou, Garner, L. Leilua, Twal – Interchanges: Ofahengaue, Mikaele, Utoikamanu, Mbye – Reserves: Chee-Kam, Packer
Unavailable: Billy Walters (Injured), Shawn Blore (Injured)
- After an underwhelming performance to start the season against Canberra Raiders in Round 1, Wests Tigers put in an even poorer effort as they were blown away by Sydney Roosters last week with Michael Maguire having a huge job on his hands to fix his side’s issues.
- Wests shipped seven tries in the 6-40 loss with their edge defence leaving a lot to be desired while the middles also struggled to make a mark with the Roosters running for 1,859 metres, 549m more than the Tigers managed.
THE PREDICTION
These two teams have started the season in very different form two rounds in and for Wests Tigers, things could be about to get worse for them. They have been very poor on both sides of the ball but their defensive efforts will be of particular concern for head coach Michael Maguire. They also look light on points with Luke Brooks failing to fire so far and his spot in the side is under serious threat if he does not perform here. Newcastle Knights on the other hand have won both of their games but in very different ways and their powerful front row should be able to lay the platform for the backs to cause some problems against this porous defence with the hosts able to retain their 100% record in this clash.
