Ultimate Guide: Manly make changes to final 17
The nib Newcastle Knights take on their arch-rivals the Manly Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Manly Sea Eagles have confirmed changes to their side for today's clash with Tevita Funa and Jack Gosiewski both coming from the extended bench into the starting line-up.
Coming off their biggest win of the season defeating the Tigers 44-4 last week, Origin representative prop Daniel Saifiti will make his return after missing the past month with a knee injury.
Knights will line-up 1-17.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v MANLY SEA EAGLES
Date: Sunday, August 16
Kick-off: 2.00pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
FOLLOW THE ACTION
If you can't catch the game on TV or radio, the Knights will be blogging the game at newcastleknights.com.au.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Played: 53
Knights: 20
Sea Eagles: 33
TEAMS
The Sea Eagles have suffered a blow, with winger Jorge Taufua and Marty Taupau ruled out of Sunday's game.
Tevita Funa will take his place on the wing, with Morgan Boyle starting in the front row in place of Taupau.
Meanwhile, the Knights have pulled Mason Lino and Chris Randall out of the squad for Sunday afternoon.
Both sides will be finalised one hour prior to kick off.
KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Starford To'a, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Blake Green, 7. Mitchell Pearce (c), 8. David Klemmer, 9. Kurt Mann, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Aidan Guerra, 13. Mitch Barnett. Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Herman Ese'ese, 17. Josh King
SEA EAGLES
1. Brendan Elliot, 19. Tevita Funa, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Moses Suli, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Danny Levi, 21. Jack Gosiewski, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Haumole Olakau’atu.
ANOTHER CHAPTER IN THE RIVALRY
Getting the points in a spirited encounter at Lottoland earlier this season, the Knights and the Sea Eagles will resume hostilities once again on Sunday afternoon.
Defending their line courageously to emerge with a 14-12 victory six weeks ago, the Knights will be approaching the match as a danger game having lost three of their past five clashes against the Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium.
With both teams vying for a place in the finals, the difference between winning and losing could see the Knights end the round as high as fifth or as low as eighth.
BATTLE OF THE SIXES
Making a starring debut for the Knights with a try-assist last week, new signing Blake Green will be looking to back up with a strong showing against one of his former clubs.
Spending a season with the Sea Eagles back in 2017, the 33-year-old journeyman has developed into one of the most consistent performers in the league since returning from a successful stint in the English Super League five years ago.
Set to mark up against Scone junior Cade Cust in a key personal duel on Sunday afternoon, Green will be determined to get the better of his younger rival as the Knights chase back-to-back wins for the second time this season.
YOUNGSTERS STEPPING UP
Gaining a taste of the top grade with one match in 2019, Newcastle young gun Phoenix Crossland showed signs of a bright future during last week’s big win over the Tigers.
Becoming the first player born in the 2000s to debut for the Knights, 20-year-old playmaker Crossland defended stoutly as an impact hooker, while gaining the rewards of strong support play with his maiden try.
KNIGHTS STAT ATTACK
Back rower Aidan Guerra will make his 50th appearance for the Knights.
The Knights have the second best completion rate in the league (81%).
SEA EAGLES STAT ATTACK
Jorge Taufua has scored 11 tries in ten matches against the Knights.
The Sea Eagles haven’t recorded consecutive wins in Newcastle during the NRL era.
CHARITY RAFFLE
The 50-50 Charity Raffle is a not-for-profit fundraising product operated by the 50-50 Foundation.
50 percent of the prize pool raised at each fundraising raffle goes to one lucky ticket holder who is drawn at random during the event. The remaining 50 percent goes directly towards charitable purposes.
Our charity partner for the match is - Ronald McDonald House
