Match Preview: Round 3 v Knights
The Knights and Storm were both involved in epic finishes in Round 2 but the emotions could not have been more different for the two clubs.
Newcastle went to the wire and beyond in Townsville but came away empty handed after a Chad Townsend field goal sunk them in golden point.
Two hours later the Storm produced the great escape to run down the Warriors courtesy of Xavier Coates' miracle try at AAMI Park.
The Knights are back on home soil and need to quickly put that disappointment behind them as they chase a much-needed victory to kick start their season.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Knights v Storm
In stark contrast the Storm are riding high at 2-0 and arrive in the Hunter boasting a 30-16 record in head to head clashes with the Knights since joining the competition in 1998.
The fitness of star five-eighth Cameron Munster (groin) remains something of a mystery but Jonah Pezet has done a solid job filling in for the past two weeks and will be ready to step up again.
Pezet now has to shoulder even more of the playmaking load with Jahrome Hughes banned for one game for contrary conduct after making contact with referee Chris Butler during the win over the Warriors.
Match: Knights v Storm
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
13th Position
away Team
Storm
7th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: No changes one-hour before kick off with Jackson Hastings cut on Saturday after being overlooked for the No.7 jersey in favour of Jack Cogger on Tuesday. Co-captain Jayden Brailey has recovered from a hamstring injury and will come off the bench in his first game of the season, while Enari Tuala returns from a quad injury on the wing to fill the void left by Greg Marzhew (wrist). Adam O'Brien made two changes to the bench in the 24-hour update with Jack Hetherington and Jed Cartwright both dropping out in favour of Mat Croker and Dylan Lucas.
Storm: No late changes on game day with new signing Shawn Blore set for his first run in Melbourne colours after coming into the run-on side for Joe Chan, who has a hand infection, on Saturday. With Jahrome Hughes suspended, Tyran Wishart moves from the bench to halfback and Kane Bradley joins the interchange. Prop Christian Welch has entered the NRL's 11-day concussion protocol after failing a HIA against the Warriors.
Match: Knights v Storm
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari TualaWinger for Storm is number 5 Xavier Coates
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Jonah Pezet
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack CoggerHalfback for Storm is number 7 Tyran Wishart
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Storm is number 8 Tui Kamikamica
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Storm is number 22 Shawn Blore
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden BraileyInterchange for Storm is number 14 Kane Bradley
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiInterchange for Storm is number 15 Tepai Moeroa
-
Interchange for Knights is number 20 Mat CrokerInterchange for Storm is number 16 Chris Lewis
-
Interchange for Knights is number 21 Dylan LucasInterchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonald
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Brodie JonesReplacement for Storm is number 18 Grant Anderson
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won eight of their past 10 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Storm have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Knights.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 13 tries in his past 13 NRL games.
- Knights centre Bradman Best has scored three tries in four games against the Storm.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
