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

[League Unlimited News]

NRL 2023 - Finals Week 1
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal, New Lambton (TICKETS)
Sunday 10 September 2023

NRL kickoff 4:05pm
Broadcast live on Nine Network, 9Now, Fox League and Kayo Sports

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)

1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Jack Wighton 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Nick Cotric 6. Matt Frawley 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Ata Mariota 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Hohepa Puru 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Trey Mooney 18. Jarrod Croker 19. Albert Hopoate 20. Danny Levi 21. Ethan Strange 22. Xavier Savage

Out: Sebastian Kris (wing)
In: James Schiller (wing)

Referee: Ashley KLEIN
Sideline Officials: Liam KENNEDY, Jon STONE
Video Referee: Chris BUTLER​

 

[Woody90]

My only concern is that we might become complacent where Raiders will come in with a bit of a siege mentality.

Everyone will say how lucky we are to get them week 1, but we had to win 9 in a row to get to this position so f**k them. Go Knights!

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Our biggest game in years.

Knights by 30+

 

[Apey]

Adam Elliot on Sunday Night with Matty said Ponga isn't a certainty but hopefully he's just bullshitting.

If Ponga is fit and firing we should win this 13+.

 

[EdLondon]

Tickets go on sale 10am tomorrow. Does anyone know what the maximum amount of tickets you can get per member? Or is it only one ticket per member?

 

[Zoidberg]

I’m trying to not get too excited this early in the week, but it is difficult.

 

[Burns]

Anyone got the ticket prices?

 

[slotmachine]

Does anyone know what the maximum amount of tickets you can get per member?

Looks like 8

 

[Apey]

Anyone got the ticket prices?

Max $65. Got my seats.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Joey reckoned Miller should be on the bench. Lol

 

[Burwood]

Miller could be a good option depending on some of our injuries. I’d have him over Brown if Mann isn’t right to go.

 

[slotmachine]

Joey reckoned Miller should be on the bench. Lol

Joey is absolutely useless these days. As a commentator and coach.

 

[Yosh]

Joey reckoned Miller should be on the bench. Lol

I think it's just incase Ponga goes down during the game. I personally prefer Mann or Brown. If Ponga does go down move Gagai back there and put Mann or Brown in centres.

 

[Frederick]

Joey reckoned Miller should be on the bench. Lol

 

[Apey]

Yeah Joey was also saying he will come back to the NRL after his ESL stint. Lol. He's not 1st grade standard.

 

[PhilGould]

Wouldn't even pick Miller if Ponga is out. Too much of a liability for a finals game.

 

[Jono078]

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?

 

[Woody90]

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 can’t believe I’m saying this but I feel like our system is working so well at the moment you could literally pick either of them and they could get the job done.

I think I’d pick Hastings simply because I feel he deserves to play finals after being in the side for most of the year, and Clune still scares me a bit defensively, but seriously I’d be happy if either one of them were picked.

 

[slotmachine]

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.

I'd only be playing Jacko if he is close to 100% because, as you say, Clune is doing a great job.

KP gets picked at 70% just because the thought of Miller going full Paul Carige on Sunday terrifies me.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

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'd have Clune on the bench.