Match Discussion: Round 8 vs North Qld @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

[Yosh]

His return game is against his former club and Origin selection is just around the corner. He has a ton to prove and the platform is set because we have been playing super well without him. He doesn't need to carry the team anymore, he just needs to be the icing on the cake and be our "Cleary".

 

[Knight Tales]

O'Brien must at minimum be considering making KP the utility off the bench. Imagine him against a tiring middle. Minimises his risk of impact injury as well. Can ease himself into the game without being targeted openly in the line. Teams usually move the ball later in a half as the big boys are less able to take the bulk of the yardage due to fatigue. Perfect time for him to strike. His mere presence with that much energy would create havoc IMO.

 

[ryan.a87]

What are the odds he’ll be named at 21 or something, just to throw cowboys off the scent of whether he is playing or not

 

[Yosh]

Maybe get him to sit on the bench for 20 minutes to let the sting out of the game first. Bring him on at 6, Gamble to 13?

 

[Jono078]

Double edged sword. Might be wasted energy on the bench and create more nerves and doubt.

I’ve thought about it and I think getting him out there in the run on side will be best to get over any mental hurdle asap.

 

[Knight Tales]

Double edged sword. Might be wasted energy on the bench and create more nerves and doubt.

I’ve thought about it and I think getting him out there in the run on side will be best to get over any mental hurdle asap.

Likely scenario. But we are in a perfect spot to see if we are missing a golden opportunity. It would also signal to the side that O'Brien rewards form regardless of who gets injured. That is how you get a side to play for you. Particularly when the man who replaced him has shown he is a form player. We risk taking Gamble's momentum away and more to the point he has shown he is a starting NRL half. His rise is similar to what Burton did when Luai was injured/absent at Penrith. That is essentially how Burton became a first grader. Not quite as talented as MB but hopefully you see my point.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

I'm wondering if we should give Gamble a go at 9.
He has good vision, aggression, a running game...
Ponga often slots in at dummy half coming out of our end. Mann and others could slot in and give Gamble some play in the line.

 

[PhilGould]

1. Lachie Miller
2. Dom Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Kalyn Ponga (C)
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell (C)
12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
13. Kurt Mann

14. Tyson Gamble
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Mat Croker
17. Jack Hetherington

18. Simi Sasagi
19. Hymel Hunt
20. Jack Johns
21. Dylan Lucas
22. Adam Clune

Cowboys v Knights Round 8 NRL Team List

nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, has named his 22-man squad for our battle against the Townsville Cowboys at Qld Country Bank Stadium.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

 

[Jono078]

Besides Brailey, this is our strongest lineup this year?

I don’t like Mann starting. He’s the perfect 14 and relief for Crossland. Gamble seems to be more natural with his passes and link play, and is a genuine kick threat to take pressure off Ponga and Hastings.

I’m so excited for this game. Has real potential for us to announce ourselves as a legit team this year.

 

[mozza91]

Like the look of the 17. First time this year we’ve had a strong bench.

 

[Zoidberg]

Didn’t realise, this will be Ponga’s 100th NRL game.

 

[Allstar Knights]

I liked Croker starting but can see the appeal putting him on the bench. Looks a pretty damn strong bench with J Saifiti back.

Mann starting doesn't make a lot of sense after last week. I liked him coming off the bench and thinking run first against tired middles. His speed and leg drive through the middle is more of an asset than him trying to be another link man.

 

[Jono078]

Croker is best off the bench. He can use his foot work a bit better against a tired pack. He still has the ability to get folded against strong fresh forwards.

I’d like to see Hetherington add some impact this week. At least double of last weeks output.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Wouldn’t be that surprised if we end up with Mann on the bench and Gamble starting at lock.

 

[Nuke]

Wouldn’t be that surprised if we end up with Mann on the bench and Gamble starting at lock.

I hope you're right. That'd be my preference.

 

[Yosh]

Love how the debates about who should start and who should be bench is based on who is better than who is worse as it has been in the past. Feels weird having a solid bench and we still have Elliot to come back!

 

[Zoidberg]

Just think. If Brailey wasn’t injured Crossland might not have been in the 17 at all.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Love how the debates about who should start and who should be bench is based on who is better than who is worse as it has been in the past. Feels weird having a solid bench and we still have Elliot to come back!

I'd love for us to get to a point where we don't think of the bench as second tier replacements but as tactical players primed to come on when we need their input.
I reckon we are close.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Just think. If Brailey wasn’t injured Crossland might not have been in the 17 at all.

3 weeks ago no one would have been surprised.

 

[perverse]

Gamble should be 13. That is all.