Match Discussion: Finals Week 1 vs Canberra @ McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

[HarVeeGee]

As far as I’m aware Jackson was close to 100% for the Dragons game and they just went with an abundance of caution there. I reckon he’ll be right.

 

[SamSepi0l]

I wanted to ask the question.

Is anyone maybe thinking Clune is the better option right now? He's not put a foot wrong and has absolutely contributed to plenty of tries in the last few games.

There's no telling how Hastings will go with a few weeks off and confidence in his ankle.

It's a really tough spot. All signs say Hastings is the man if he's fit, but I also think maybe, just maybe Clune is the better option right now?

I don't think it's a tough spot. If Hastings is fit he's an auto selection. He's a key reason why we're playing a home semi.

 

[Old dog]

Not worried if Hastings or Clune play 7 though prefer Hastings if fit.
Ponga even if not fit is much better than Miller if not fit would be looking at Gags to 1 and play Tuala.

 

[Bring it home Knights]

Given Hastings had an ankle injury, I wonder how his fitness levels are. If he's been unable to run at training enough, Clune may be the better option.

 

[Woody90]

Not worried if Hastings or Clune play 7 though prefer Hastings if fit.
Ponga even if not fit is much better than Miller if not fit would be looking at Gags to 1 and play Tuala.

Yeah agreed. Normally I’d be against moving the side around to cover 1 injury but Miller still scares me and Tuala went well on the weekend.

I hope KPs ok though. Gags won’t let us down at the back but Ponga’s speed on the backline plays will he missed.

 

[macavity]

Miller is a dead set handbrake in our style of play. He is a 7s player.

 

[League Unlimited News]

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott

14. Kurt Mann 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker

18. Adam Clune 19. Lachlan Miller 20. Dylan Lucas 21. Enari Tuala 22. Brodie Jones

Out: Lachlan Miller (fullback), Enari Tuala (centre), Adam Clune (halfback), Fa'amanu Brown (hooker), Dylan Lucas (second row), Brodie Jones (second row), Riley Jones (bench), Oryn Keeley (bench)

In: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Dane Gagai (centre), Jackson Hastings (halfback), Phoenix Crossland (hooker), Leo Thompson (front row), Tyson Frizell (second row), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (second row), Kurt Mann (bench)
Changes: Jack Hetherington (front row to bench)

NRL TEAMS - 2023 Finals Week 1 » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Gotta admit, I'm sad to see Lucas have to drop out..

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Best team we can put forward atm. Lucas must be knocking on the door.
Hopefully he gets #18.

 

[PhilGould]

We'll be lucky if that 17 is the one that runs out.

Jones over Brown on the extended bench is the only surprising one. There's an argument to be made that Lucas makes more sense on the bench than Croker with how they currently use him but I doubt they make that change now.

 

[Burwood]

How many teams play 3 props off the bench? Good game plan to hammer Canberra through the middle with their injuries/suspensions in the forwards.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Strongest line up we can field. 9 wins on the trot. Opposition down on troops and form. Home ground advantage

Raiders by 10

 

[SamSepi0l]

If KP plays he's going to have a field day with Frawley and the inexperience edge down the right. Walsh laid the blueprint. Could be a another big day for Dom!

 

[Woody90]

Anyone else pretty worried about this game? The more I hear people say that Raiders have no chance the more I’m worried about an upset.

 

[Rod]

As bad as this Canberra team is anything can happen in an elimination game. I won't be happy until the game is over or we're up by 30.

The key is that the players themselves are up for it and aren't complacent. Given the way they've had to scrap their way to their current position I'd be shocked if they took this game lightly in any way.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Anyone else pretty worried about this game? The more I hear people say that Raiders have no chance the more I’m worried about an upset.

Nope, not at all.

We'll win by 20+

 

[Yosh]

We've won 9 in a row. 10 will be easy.

 

[Nuke]

I say this nearly every week of late, but I, and I presume 'we', have supported the Knights during these past 20yrs, so for me I never 'expect' a win. I am forever hopeful every game, but to expect a win is like loading a gun, removing the safety, and pointing it directly at your foot.

Newcastle should beat Canberra and beat them by 20+ points, and I hope they do. But I don't expect them to.

 

[slotmachine]

Miller out of the cut down squad so KP must be playing

 

[Zoidberg]

GAME DAY BISHES!