Sunday two NRL Round 13 match is between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers with the opening kick to commence at 14:05 local time. The game is to be played at Hunter Stadium  which see’s away team Wests Tigers hold favouritism in the market. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers.

Where and when : 14:05 | Sunday 08/06/2014 @ Hunter Stadium

Odds Comparison:

Newcastle Knights	1.95	1.91	1.94	1.91	1.95	1.92
Wests Tigers	1.88	1.91	1.90	1.91	1.88	1.92

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Preview : 

KNIGHTS
Newcastle would dearly love to win this one and for at least one week out of what’s been a horrid season, celebrate rather than commiserate.

They slumped to their fifth straight loss last week against the Warriors in New Zealand, 38 – 18.

Despite scoring first through Tyrone Roberts in the sixth minute, the Knights trailed 22 – 12 at the break and only managed to get inside of the Warrior’s red-zone for a total of twenty-five minutes.

It was a disappointing effort after the Knights had pushed Manly all the way in round 10, losing on the hooter 15 – 14.

Bye’s and away games have meant the Knights haven’t played at home since round 9. Hopefully the return to Hunter Stadium will see them lift and if able to duplicate the Manly performance, are some hope of winning their third game of the year.

Beau Scott and Akuila Uate are two big inclusions for the Knights who boast one of the strongest line-ups they’ve produced this year.

TIGERS
The Tigers had their chances against Brisbane in round 12 but failed to capitalize on them, losing 16 – 14 at Campbelltown Stadium. It was the Tigers third loss from their last four matches.

They are three from six on the road this year and although very much struggling for form, travelling to Newcastle to take on the Knights is never an easy task.

The Tigers will be buoyed by the return of Origin players Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods whilst James Tedesco will be back at Fullback providing some much needed spark in the Tigers attack that has only scored more than 14 points once from their past four matches.

Outside of Winger Pat Richards, Farrah and Tedesco are the highest try-scorers this season for the Tigers with four a piece.

The line up is a strong one for the Tigers and one reminiscent of the roster that was five of their first seven matches.

A week’s break after the Brisbane defeat and full squad will leave the Tigers with no excuses here.

HEAD TO HEAD
Newcastle broke a string of outs against the Tigers by winning the only scheduled clashes between the sides in 2013 and 2012 by comfortable margins of 18 and 32 points.

Both of those matches were played at Hunter Stadium and produced total match points of 58 and 52 points.

Neither side have produced significant points of late though and with two big forward packs battling out in the middle, the UNDERS might be the way to go.

Teams:

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Kurt Gidley (c), Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Adam Clydsdale, Korbin Sims, Chris Houston, David Fa’alogo

Tigers: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Sauaso Sue, Martin Taupau, Blake Austin, Ava Seumanufagai, Curtis Sironen

News : 

Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer praised James Tedesco for putting his heart before his wallet and turning his back on a lucrative deal to join Canberra next year.

Earlier this month, the exciting young fullback put pen to paper on an agreement believed to be in the region of $650,000 a year after knocking back an inferior offer from the cash-strapped Tigers.

But Mayer said the 21-year-old, who enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign with Italy at the end of last year, realised on Wednesday afternoon that he couldn’t leave the club he’s been part of since he was 12.

“He’s followed his heart and turned down marquee player money to stay with us,” Mayer told AAP.

“It is fantastic news for us. Canberra did absolutely everything by the book.

“But when his manager asked me if our original offer was still on the table, we told it was and we’re delighted to have him here as part of our long-term future.”

A Campbelltown junior, Tedesco is one of several outstanding youngsters who have come through together at the NRL joint-venture.

“I think he looked around and saw Luke Brooks and Curtis Sironen and realised that he just wanted to play with his mates,” Mayer said.

“We haven’t offered him any more money than we already had, but we made a point of not bagging him when he signed for Canberra, hoping he may still stay.

“He’s shown it’s not about the money. It’s about being happy and I salute him for that.”

Tedesco apologised to the Raiders for his change of heart and admitted he wasn’t 100 per cent committed to a move to the nation’s capital and took advantage of the June 30 deadline when contracts have to be officially lodged to the NRL.

“They (Canberra) have been great throughout the whole process,” Tedesco said.

“That said, I never felt totally comfortable with my decision and, after thinking it through, I realised it would be too hard to leave my best mates.

“I understand that the Raiders and their fans will be disappointed and I apologise to all of them for making this decision and I only hope they will understand.”

The news will be a bitter blow to Raiders coach Ricky Stuart who has missed out on four major targets to rebuild his side.

Melbourne’s Kevin Proctor shook hands on a deal with Stuart last week only to decide to stay at the Storm and, on Tuesday, Penrith’s Josh Mansour turned his back on a big offer to stay at the Panthers.

Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis is also believed to be leaning towards a move to Cronulla ahead of the Raiders.

Ironically, the former Parramatta coach was on the other side of a similar situation 12 months ago when Josh Papalii angered him by reneging on a move to the Eels to stay with Canberra.

Raiders officials did not return calls.