These two sides approach this game from very different perspectives.
For the Knights, they leave for New Zealand this weekend coming off their best effort of the season thus far – a 44-8 victory over the Bulldogs at Hunter Stadium.
The Knights played with enthusiasm and a purpose that was lacking in Round 9 when they were on the receiving end of hiding from the Canberra Raiders (44-14).
They’ll need to ensure they play with the same vigour given that their record against the Warriors is a poor one that consists of only two wins in the past ten encounters.
However, they’ll never get a better chance to improve this record than this week as the Warriors, who have only won two games this season, were embarrassed last week 62-6 by Penrith.
After a tough win over the Titans in Round 8 and a competitive effort against Canterbury where they led well into the second half before losing 24-16, the Warriors offered no resistance last week against the Panthers.
That defeat – as it did to Newcastle after their loss to the Raiders – should serve as an inspiration for this week’s clash and the return to Mt. Smart Stadium, where they have a 2-1 record, will provide much needed support.
Newcastle are 1-2 when playing away and 0-1 when playing away as favourites and whilst they should win here despite this record, think NZ will be out to prove that last week was an exception to the rule.
Odds Comparison by NRL odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| New Zealand Warriors | 2.20 | 2.30 | 2.32 | 2.30 | 2.20 | 2.22 |
|
Newcastle Knights
|
1.70 | 1.65 | 1.63 | 1.65 | 1.70 | 1.70 |
Teams:
New Zealand Warriors:
Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Dane Nielsen, Ben Henry, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Russell Packer, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Elijah Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave, Glen Fisiiahi, Ngani Laumape, Pita Godinet
Newcastle Knights:
Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Kurt Gidley (c), Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, David Fa’alogo. Interchange: Travis Waddell, Neville Costigan, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims, Kevin Naiqama
