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Craig HillNRL Round 2 Preview - Dragons VS Knights
March 22nd 2007 13:21
St George-Illawarra Dragons VS Newcastle Knights @ Oki Jubilee Stadium
Friday 22nd March, 2007
Friday 22nd March, 2007
ANALYSIS
The determination and spirit that both these young sides displayed last weekend, holds them in good stead for this Friday nights battle. While such names as Johns, Buderus, Gasnier and Head will be missing from this clash, the exuberance of youth and the reward of two competition points will be enough incentive for these two coastal rugby league superpowers.
While this game promises to be a forward dominated arm wrestle, there is still some amazing young talent in both backlines to keep audiences entertained. The showdown between the two MacDougall brothers promises to be a highlight worth tuning in for, while the clash between the two rising halves, Richard Williams for the Dragons and Jarrod Mullen for the Knights will go along way in determining the eventual victor.
This game will be a tight affair as both teams are missing their chief playmakers. Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen combined well last week after Johns’ injury, but Mullen will be partnering Daniel Abraham in the halves this week. Knowing coach Brian Smith’s penchant for team changes, look for Gidley to play five eight on Friday night, with MacDougall dropping back to fullback. Look for rookie hooker Terence Seu Seu to create havoc around the middle of the ruck, especially in th eddying minutes of each half.
For the Dragons, Simon Woolford was at his scheming best last week against the Titans, and his wily combination with Hornby and Williams might just get the Dragons home in front of a massive Oki Jubilee crowd. Keep an eye on replacement prop Danny Wicks – he can be a human wrecking ball coming off the bench, and I am sure coach Nathan Brown has instructed his outside backs to follow his charges closely.
In a tight affair, I am going for the Dragons by 6-10 points, on the basis of the joint venture having a more stabilised half/hooker combination.
St George-Illawarra Dragons to Win
DANGER MEN
Dragons – Simon Woolford, Ben Hornby, Matt Cooper, Jason Ryles
Knights – Kurt Gidley, Jarrod Mullen, Steve Simpson, Adam MacDougall
INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS
St George-Illawarra Dragons -
Dean Young - knee - Round 7
Matt Head - knee - Round 5
Sam Isemonger - knee - Round 4
Mark Gasnier- ruptured pectoral - NRL Finals Series (possibly)
Brett Morris - broken finger - Round 5
Justin Poore – suspended – Round 3
Newcastle Knights -
Andrew Johns - concussion - Round 3
Paul Franze - jaw - unknown
David Seage – knee - Season
TEAMS
St George-Illawarra Team-Josh Morris, Luke MacDougall, Keith Lulia, Matt Cooper, Wes Naiqama, Richard Williams, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles, Ashton Sims, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh
Bench - Adam Peek, Danny Wicks, Corey Payne, Tony Caine
Newcastle Team- Kurt Gidley, James McManus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam MacDougall, Daniel Abraham, Jarrod Mullen, Josh Perry, Terence Seu Seu, Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson ©, Clint Newton, Kirk Reynoldson
Bench - Todd Polglase, Cory Paterson, Matthew White, Daniel Tolar
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