Knights v Raiders
EnergyAustralia Stadium
Saturday 7.30pm
NOT much is expected of these two teams in 2008; however that might just be the incentive the Knights and Raiders need to succeed this season.
Canberra are the perennial underdogs of the competition, while Newcastle has it all in front of them after finishing second last on the ladder last year.
A winning start to the season is paramount for both teams, as the home team Newcastle tries to rebuild EnergyAustralia Stadium as a fortress, and Canberra attempt to turn around a recent trend of not being able to win away from the nation’s capital.
The Raiders field one of the youngest sides in the NRL and after they got their taste of the big time last season, they might just be ready to show their full potential this season.
Newcastle on the other hand have recruited heavily, with Melbourne premiership prop Ben Cross the key signing to strengthen the Knights’ pack.
Watch out Knights: Raiders’ fullback William Zillman is set to hit the ground running after a remarkable recovery from off-season knee surgery.
Zillman has already shown glimpses of his attacking ability, and Canberra officials are tipping that the 21-year-old will emerge as a genuine star of the game in the Centenary year.
His incisive raids will be paramount to the Raiders’ cause – last season he ranked third for metres gained on kick returns, carving out 1.2 kilometres at 11.5 metres a time.
Watch out Raiders: With a full off-season under his belt, captain Danny Buderus has been outstanding in Newcastle’s trial matches.
Buderus looks fresh and determined to re-assert his position as the game’s premier hooker.
With talk of this being his last season in the NRL, and with Cam Smith in his representative sights in a World Cup year, Buderus will be looking to go out with a bang.
Where it will be won: This match might just come down to the halfback duel between two of the brightest prospects in the game.
Todd Carney and Jarrod Mullen have both been identified as the NSW Origin team’s future in the halves and they will be desperate to prove themselves right from the get go.
Carney will have to show maturity to put current contract negotiations to the back of his mind, while Mullen will have to find his feet again after he missed the majority of last season with injury.
The Raiders will rely on their pace out wide, with Zillman, Monaghan, Graham, Purtell and Best offering plenty with the ball.
Newcastle are looking to get more out of their forwards this year and although Cross is missing through injury, new boys Danny Wicks, Chris Houston and the relatively unknown Daniel Tolar get a chance to show their worth.
The History: Played 28; Knights 11; Raiders 4; drawn 1. From 13 matches played between the teams at Energy Australia Stadium, the Knights hold the advantage with nine victories to the Raiders’ four. Their recent history is even, after a win each last season and four wins apiece from their past eight matches.
Conclusion: Last year Newcastle and Canberra had the embarrassment of being the two worst defensive teams in the competition – the Knights conceded 708 points and the Raiders 652.
Both teams have the ability to score points so it will be defence that holds the key to this match.
Newcastle will be hoping to receive a boost from their home crowd, with their loyal base of supporters sure to turn out in force for the first game of the year.
Canberra however are the specialists at grinding out tough wins and they will make life difficult for Gidley, Buderus and co.
Match Officials: Referee – Tony De Las Heras; Sideline Officials – Peter Kirby & Steve Chiddy; Video Ref – Paul Simpkins.
Televised: Fox Sports 2 – Delayed 9.20pm (live for those with Digital - Viewer's Choice)
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