The Newcastle Knights has made a number of forced changes for Friday night’s match against the Sydney Roosters at Hunter Stadium.
Chanel Mata’utia and Sione Mata’utia will both make their NRL debut, player number 252 and 253 respectively.
Chanel replaces Akuila on the wing, while Sione replaces Darius Boyd at fullback. Jake Mamo is also a late inclusion, replacing James McManus on the wing, with a toe injury still hampering the NSW winger.
Tyrone Roberts will partner stand-in captain Jarrod Mullen in the halves, with Kurt Gidley ruled out due to a groin injury.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
20. Sione Mata’utia, 19. Jake Mamo, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Joey Leilua, 21. Chanel Mata’utia, 6. Jarrod Mullen (c), 7. Tyrone Roberts, 8. Kade Snowden, 14. Travis Waddell, 10. Willie Mason, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Robbie Rochow, 13. Jeremy Smith. Bench: 9. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Korbin Sims, 17. Adam Cuthbertson, 18. David Fa’alogo.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
1. Anthony Minichiello (c), 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 3. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Aidan Guerra, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. James Maloney, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Sam Moa, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 14. Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Bench: 2. Nene MacDonald, 15. Issac Liu, 16. Dylan Napa, 17. Remi Casty.
The Round 20 kick off at Hunter Stadium is 7.40pm. The match is live on Channel 9 in NSW, or you can follow @NRLKnights on Twitter for match updates.
