Match Discussion: Round 1 vs Warriors @ Sky Stadium, Wellington

[League Unlimited News]

NRL 2023 - Round 1
Warriors v Newcastle Knights
Sky Stadium, Wellington, Wellington (TICKETS)
Friday 3 March 2023

Gates 6:30pm / NRL starts 8:00pm NZ time, broadcast live at 6pm AEDT on Fox League/Kayo

To be announced

To be announced

Referee: To be advised
Sideline Officials: To be advised
Video Referee: To be advised

WARRIORS: v Newcastle at Pukekohe, Sat - NSW Cup 2pm NZDT

NEWCASTLE: v Warriors at Pukekohe, Sat - NSW Cup 2pm NZDT (Flegg - BYE)​

 

[Jono078]

Really have no idea what to expect here.

I'll just go with it being a high scoring game.

Knights 32-26.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Our early draw is pretty soft tbh

Can see us flying high early then crashing badly and spiralling towards the spoon ala 2015

Knights 24 - Warriors 20

 

[mozza91]

In spite of our continued shitness we have a really good Round 1 record. Haven’t lost in Round 1 since 2017.

I think we’ll get up in a scrappy game. Expecting big things from Best and I think he’ll be the difference.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

In spite of our continued shitness we have a really good Round 1 record. Haven’t lost in Round 1 since 2017.

I think we’ll get up in a scrappy game. Expecting big things from Best and I think he’ll be the difference.

Same re Best. He was impressive in the trial.
Instead of trying to run over the opposition he seems to be using more of a step.

 

[macavity]

Same re Best. He was impressive in the trial.
Instead of trying to run over the opposition he seems to be using more of a step.

Actually seemed to realise angle+speed works better than trying to trample people.

 

[Yosh]

Will Elliot and Hetherington be playing? I think we will really need them against the Warriors pack.

 

[ryan.a87]

Will Elliot and Hetherington be playing? I think we will really need them against the Warriors pack.

I thought I read somewhere they are going to start both from the bench to ease them back from surgery

 

[mozza91]

Elliot was on the news tonight and said he’s all good to go for Round 1.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Elliot was on the news tonight and said he’s all good to go for Round 1.

Awesome news! Can't wait to see him in the red and blue.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Elliot was on the news tonight and said he’s all good to go for Round 1.

Watch O’Brien start Mann.

 

[mozza91]

Awesome news! Can't wait to see him in the red and blue.

Yeah he seems very passionate. Will definitely be a fan favourite.

They were also talking about what footy head Hastings is. Watching the Warriors trial and talking through every offensive and defensive play. Hopefully it rubs off on Ponga.

 

[Yosh]

Gagai apparently to miss round 1 at least. We going to see Mapa? Hopefully AOB doesn't go the Mann to centre route...

 

[Jono078]

Gagai apparently to miss round 1 at least. We going to see Mapa? Hopefully AOB doesn't go the Mann to centre route...

Where’s this come from?

I wonder whether Hymel Hunt is considered.

 

[Nuke]

I genuinely don't know how this will pan out.
On one hand, Knights are good Round 1'ers. Generally in the mix for March Premiers every year. So a good Round 1 can be somewhat expected.
But, conversely, Knights always struggle against opposition perceived to be one of the 'weaker' teams.

I've low expectations, but am hopeful for a 10 point victory. I'd like a much bigger one, but I won't get ahead of myself..!

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Actually seemed to realise angle+speed works better than trying to trample people.

Maybe as a teen he was bigger than everyone else so he could just barge over them.
I reckon opposition had him worked out for ages.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Where’s this come from?

I wonder whether Hymel Hunt is considered.

Calf injury I think.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Where’s this come from?

I wonder whether Hymel Hunt is considered.

Toohey said this morning that either Lucas or Mapapalangi is most likely to replace Gagai.. Not sure why Hunt wouldn't be first choice

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Excited to have the footy back! Hoping we get off to a good start.
Bring on Friday!

 

[Jono078]

Does anyone have background on Lucas?

I haven’t seen much of him but I always confused him for that winger we played a couple of years back. Lucas has always seemed solid in trials?