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.

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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.

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.

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