NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v WYONG ROOS
Round 19, NSW Cup
Date: Sunday July 19, 3pm
Venue: Newcastle No. 2 Sports ground
Teams:
KNIGHTS
1. Jake Mamo 2. Honeti Tuha 3 Pat Mata’utia 4. Chanel Mata’utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Carlos Tuimavave, 7. Jaelen Feeney, 8. Damian Sironen, 9. Dylan Phythian, 10. Tama Koopu, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Clint Newton, 13. Marvin Filipo. Interchange: 14. James Elias, 15. Kerrod Holland, 16. Brett Jarrett, 17. Ben Tupou, 20. Tuiala Togitasi.
ROOS
1. Omar Slaimankhel, 2. Kieren Gallagher, 3. Brendan Elliot, 4. Nathan Smith, 5. Chris Centrone, 6. Samisoni Langi, 7. Tyler Cornish, 8. Magnus Stromquist, 9. Mitch Williams ©, 10. Eloni Vunakece, 11. Leivaha Pulu, 12. Willie Manu, 13. Lagi Setu. Interchange: 14. Brock Molan, 15. Abraham Papalii, 16. Shaun Boss, 17. Suaia Matagi.
Match Analysis:
This Sunday will see an exciting local derby played out at Newcastle No. 2 Sports ground between the NSW Cup Newcastle Knights and the Wyong Roos.
Last time the teams met in Round 3 at Wyong’s home ground, the Roos got the upper hand, so the men in red and blue are no doubt hungry for redemption this time around.
“They got the better of us early in the comp and would have some real confidence after beating the Panthers twice,” Knights NSW Cup Matt Lantry said.
“They will be coming up here and playing with an aggressive style.
“They will try to roll through us in the middle and have some decent outside backs."
In particular, Wyong’s Abraham Papalii is a danger and is known for his size and versatility.
“They have some real experience there too with Willie Manu and Lagi Setu,” he said.
“Mitch Williams has also played a lot of NSW Cup and rep footy and is a class player.
“If they win the middle third, they win the game, simple as that."
Yet the Knights trail off a comprehensive win over the Manly Sea Eagles before the bye at home so are buoyed by that solid victory.
“It always helps when you’re fit and healthy and have your best players on the park,” he added.
“Hopefully we can build on that Manly win and set ourselves up for a little run home if we are good enough.
Jake Mamo is set to appear at fullback with Nathan Ross on the wing.
“We are lucky to have boy those boys in our side this week and will be good to get out there to see Jake with the footy in his hands after coming back from the NRL and Rossy to carry on his form.”
Where it will be won:
In the middle.
“We need to match them defensively and control the speed of the play the ball,” Lantry said.
“As soon as the ruck becomes too quick, Mitch Williams (hooker) will just jump out and put us under pressure.
“If we can control the speed of the ruck, we have some class in our side to control the rest.”
