Knights v Cowboys preview
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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Can it get much worse for the Knights? Probably considering they are now just a win ahead of Penrith and could conceivably finish this season with their second wooden spoon in just three seasons.
How sad it was to see a team seemingly so void of passion and desire play in the Newcastle strip in front of their loyal home fans against the Panthers last weekend.
Despite what is happening off the field with coach, player and board dramas, the 17 men who wear the Knights badge onto EnergyAustralia Stadium need to remind themselves of the privilege they have.
No region supports their team like the Newcastle people and every one of them would just about die to be part of the squad in some capacity.
A crowd of 14,351 braved terrible conditions to be part of last weeks game between the two worst teams in the league.
It brought the Knights season tally to 178,299 at an average of 16,209. That is clearly the best average by any NSW-based team with the worst attendance at a Newcastle game still a respectable 11,349.
Forget about how badly you feel youve been treated as players that can be dealt with away from the field.
On the field is where you show your true spirit.
A win is not necessary for the fans to be proud of their team, but effort is, and effort has been severely lacking in recent times.
This Friday night represents Old Boys Week in Newcastle the last home game of the year when all the past players who have bled for the cause come along to see the current stars.
Surely that is motivation enough for the Knights to give the Cowboys a run for their money?
Hooker Danny Buderus is hopeful of a return from a knee injury something the side desperately needs.
He will be joined in the front row by departing Knights Josh Perry (going to Manly next year) and Adam Woolnough (off the Penrith) in changes from last weeks side, which forces Michael Young, Jesse Royal and Zeb Taia to the bench.
For the Cowboys, they have kept the same side who disposed of the Dragons in Townsville last weekend, only adding Ben Farrar as an 18th man.
Graham Murrays men will be wary of an ambush and will not be complacent, as a victory will all but assure them a home final in fact if the Bulldogs lose to Melbourne (playing in the same time slot) then a win will guarantee Dairy Farmers Stadium hosts a final in week one of the playoffs.
Watch out Knights: The Cowboys have some of the best attacking weapons in the comp in Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen but its their uncanny ability to find spot defenders that could really hurt the Knights.
Young, small halfback Luke Walsh could be in for another nightmare defensively, having missed 11 tackles last week. I
f he doesnt have Thurston and Bowen dancing around him or putting the outside backs past him, hell no doubt also have to contend with the likes of a rampaging Carl Webb at stages as well.
Watch out Cowboys: Nothing in the Knights recent outings would trouble anyone but it is Old Boys Week and Danny Buderus is on schedule to return.
If anyone can lift this side out of its current predicament its the NSW captain.
If the Knights faithful remain true to form and turn out for the last home game of the year
well, stranger things have happened.
The Knights turned around a 71-6 loss earlier in the year to record a next-start win whos to say they cant perform another miracle?
Where it will be won: Defence. Both teams have pretty shoddy defence the Knights are the NRLs worst, conceding just under 30 points a game, while the third-placed Cowboys arent far off them, conceding almost 26 points a game.
Plenty of points will be on offer in this match and if the Knights dont muscle up in some capacity then Thurston and Bowen will have a field day.
Bowen already has a whopping 20 tries to his name this season and if the Knights are as inept as they were against the Panthers that tally could skyrocket.
Dont expect a low-scoring affair unless the heavens open and its a wet track.
The History: Played 17; Knights 11, Cowboys 6. The Knights have a 7-2 record against the Cowboys at EnergyAustralia Stadium although they have lost their past four matches at home this season.
Conclusion: While this match might not appear to have significant entertainment value it does represent an important chapter in both sides seasons.
The Cowboys need to prove they can win away from home and they need to improve their defence if they are to be contenders over the next few weeks while the Knights need to prove they are not as weak of mind as they appear to be.
Football is about playing for your mate beside you having pride in your performance and never giving up no matter the circumstances.
The Hunter region thrives on a never say die attitude. Theyve rebuilt from earthquakes and floods over the years with their spirit the driving force.
This team represents that spirit to so many. Its time they delivered a performance to be proud of.
A win or loss is of no consequence they need a performance where they can look in the mirror post-match and know they gave it their all.
Match officials: Referee Jared Maxwell; Sideline Officials Steve Lyons & Paul Holland; Video ref Phil Cooley.
Televised: Channel Nine Live Queensland 7.30pm / Delayed NSW 9.30pm; Foxsports 3 Delayed 1am
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
