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Craig HillRound 4 Preview - Knights VS Storm
April 7th 2007 00:33
Newcastle Knights VS Melbourne Storm @ Energy Australia Stadium, 5.30pm, 7/04/07
With only a five day turn around, the Newcastle Knights face a huge test in mental toughness when they meet the rampant Melbourne Storm tonight.
The Knights welcome back Test captain Danny Buderus from suspension for this crucial home match, and his return takes on even more significance now that Andrew Johns has pulled out injured.
The loss of Johns is a big blow for the home team reeling from their heavy defeat last Monday, with Milton Thaiday likely to return to the top grade so that Kurt Gidley can shift into the halves.
Impressive rookie hooker Terence Seu Seu has been pushed to the bench to make way for Buderus's return, and it will be interesting to see how the Knights attacking line will pan out with Buderus likely to take on more play making responsibilty along with Gidley and Mullen.
Melbourne on the other hand have no such worries, with their premiership credentials enforced with their clinical disposal of the New Zealand Warriors last Sunday ay Olympic Park. The jury is still out on the impact og whiz kid Greg Inglis in his new five-eight position, with veteran Matt Geyer seemingly shifting into the number six position at times last Sunday.
If Newcastle turn over as much posession as they did last Monday against the Raider, than it could well be long night for the vocal Novacastrian home crowd. If the Storm pack are able to hold the Knights forward pack, than expect the class of the Melbourne backline to shine through.
I am going for a Storm away victory in this one, based on Newcastle's short turn around, and the lacklusture Knights performance last Monday night.
Newcastle Knights – (expected lineup)
Milton Thaiday, James Mc Manus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam Mac Dougall, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus (c), Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Clint Newton, Daniel Abraham.
Bench – Terence Seu Seu, Matthew White, Daniel Tolar, Cory Paterson, Kirk Reynoldson
Melbourne Storm – Billy Slater, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Michael Crocker, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson
Bench - Sam Tagataese, Jeff Lima, James Aubusson, Ryan Shortland, Ben Cross, Steve Turner
Referee – Steve Clark
With only a five day turn around, the Newcastle Knights face a huge test in mental toughness when they meet the rampant Melbourne Storm tonight.
The Knights welcome back Test captain Danny Buderus from suspension for this crucial home match, and his return takes on even more significance now that Andrew Johns has pulled out injured.
The loss of Johns is a big blow for the home team reeling from their heavy defeat last Monday, with Milton Thaiday likely to return to the top grade so that Kurt Gidley can shift into the halves.
Impressive rookie hooker Terence Seu Seu has been pushed to the bench to make way for Buderus's return, and it will be interesting to see how the Knights attacking line will pan out with Buderus likely to take on more play making responsibilty along with Gidley and Mullen.
Melbourne on the other hand have no such worries, with their premiership credentials enforced with their clinical disposal of the New Zealand Warriors last Sunday ay Olympic Park. The jury is still out on the impact og whiz kid Greg Inglis in his new five-eight position, with veteran Matt Geyer seemingly shifting into the number six position at times last Sunday.
If Newcastle turn over as much posession as they did last Monday against the Raider, than it could well be long night for the vocal Novacastrian home crowd. If the Storm pack are able to hold the Knights forward pack, than expect the class of the Melbourne backline to shine through.
I am going for a Storm away victory in this one, based on Newcastle's short turn around, and the lacklusture Knights performance last Monday night.
Newcastle Knights – (expected lineup)
Milton Thaiday, James Mc Manus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam Mac Dougall, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus (c), Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Clint Newton, Daniel Abraham.
Bench – Terence Seu Seu, Matthew White, Daniel Tolar, Cory Paterson, Kirk Reynoldson
Melbourne Storm – Billy Slater, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Michael Crocker, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson
Bench - Sam Tagataese, Jeff Lima, James Aubusson, Ryan Shortland, Ben Cross, Steve Turner
Referee – Steve Clark
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