Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tips, Odds and Teams – NRL 2018 Round 9

Friday’s NRL 2018 Round 9 match is between Newcastle Knights and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The opening kick is set to commence at 18:00 local time with the game to be played at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. The home team Newcastle Knights are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Newcastle Knights and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

When: 18:00 | Friday 04/05/2018

Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Preview:

As you would have seen from last week’s predictions, I thought the absence of Mitchell Pearce would prove too much for the Knights and also said Kalyn Ponga would need to take his game to another level.

I must admit this kid is close becoming my favourite player to watch.

His rise this year has been quite remarkable and his performance last week had a big influence on the Knights winning.

With 11 tackle breaks, 1 try assist and 130 plus meters, he was outstanding.

Greg Inglis has had all eyes on him this year and I think it’s fair to say his form is starting to come back to somewhere where we know it.

Having played with GI, I know with Origin around the corner he’ll be looking for a big game this week and will be looking to pepper the right edge of the Knights.

KEY BATTLE: Slade Griffin v Damien Cook

Both are very different players but all so important to them winning.

Griffin is the tough tireless worker that will do his job and guide his team around while Cook is the fast and nippy no.9 that will be at you anytime if there’s an opportunity.

The Verdict

I know the Knights were solid last week and again will be up for the challenge but I like the defence structure of the Rabbitohs.
So much so, they’re the best in the NRL.

Off the back of that and the Knights allowing teams too many opportunities, with the players Souths have, they’ll get the job done.

Newcastle has a 1-5 (16.7 percent) line record as an underdog against the Rabbitohs since 2013.

Unibet Odds:

Newcastle at $2.38

South Sydney at $1.58

Odds:

OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!

Tip: Newcastle Knights at $2.45

Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Robert Jennings at $12.00

More Info:

Teams:

Newcastle Knights:

1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Ken Sio, 3 Sione Mata’utia, 4 Nathan Ross, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 Connor Watson, 7 Jack Cogger, 8 Herman Ese’ese, 9 Slade Griffin, 10 Daniel Saifiti, 11 Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12 Aidan Guerra (c), 13 Mitchell Barnett Interchange: 14 Jamie Buhrer (c), 15 Chris Heighington, 16 Luke Yates, 17 Jacob Saifiti Reserves: 18 Cory Dennis, 19 Jacob Lillyman, 20 Danny Levi, 21 Josh King.

South Sydney Rabbitohs:

1 Alex Johnston, 2 Campbell Graham, 3 Greg Inglis (c), 4 Dane Gagai, 5 Robert Jennings, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Thomas Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 10 George Burgess, 11 John Sutton, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Cameron Murray Interchange: 14 Adam Doueihi, 15 Mark Nicholls, 16 Jason Clark, 17 Tevita Tatola Reserves: 18 Robbie Farah, 19 Hymel Hunt, 20 Braidon Burns, 21 Kyle Turner.

NRL News:

The message from Newcastle is simple for Jack Cogger ahead of Friday night’s NRL clash with Manly – don’t try to be Mitchell Pearce.

Knights co-captain Jamie Buhrer has backed the 20-year-old Cogger to step up in the absence of injured marquee halfback Pearce against the Sea Eagles at Lottoland.

But Buhrer insists Cogger won’t be under any pressure to do his best impersonation of their big-money recruit.

All eyes will be on Cogger after his shift from pivot to No.7, replacing NSW halfback Pearce who suffered a four-month pectoral injury in last round’s win over the Wests Tigers.

Connor Watson returns from a shoulder injury and will partner Cogger in the halves.

“We have complete faith in him. That’s the reason why he is there,” Buhrer said of Cogger.

“But we are not expecting Jack to suddenly be Mitchell Pearce.

“It’s not up to one individual to replace Mitchell. It’s up to all of us collectively to pitch in.

“(Our message to him is) just take his opportunity; back himself; make the No.7 jersey his own.”

Cogger gets his chance after having his pre-season request for an early release to Canterbury knocked back by Knights coach Nathan Brown.

“I am confident those blokes (Cogger, Watson) will fill in for Mitchell,” Buhrer said.

“No doubt, it will be a tough task. It is not going to be on Jack or anyone to replace Mitchell – it is a matter of us all helping shoulder the load.”

Co-captain Pearce’s injury also created a vacancy in the leadership group, with back-rower Aidan Guerra promoted to share the reins with Buhrer.

“Aidan has been a leader since the moment he got to the club (from Sydney Roosters in off-season),” Buhrer said.

“With Mitchell’s injury, it was a no-brainer going to Aidan. He had already assumed that role; he is very vocal on and off the field.

“I have no doubt he will handle the responsibility.”

Buhrer expected Pearce to be back sooner rather than later after successful surgery.

“I have spoken to Mitch. He is in as high spirits as you can expect. He’s very eager to get back as soon as possible,” he said.

“He’s spoken to different people with similar injuries and they have come back in different time frames.

“Knowing Mitch and how competitive he is, he will be looking to come back in as short a time as possible.”

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