Fortify the castle, ready the steeds, polish the armour, sharpen the swords – the Knights are in the battle of their lives as they fight sudden death from here on in.
Knights v Sea Eagles
EnergyAustralia Stadium
2nd Aug, 2010, Monday 7 pm
Knights v Sea Eagles
EnergyAustralia Stadium
2nd Aug, 2010, Monday 7 pm
While five wins from the final six games would get the Newcastle side to the magic number of 28 competition points, the tightness of the competition and their poor differential means they really need to hit 30 to be certain of a spot in the post-season – and that means six from six, starting here at their castle, in front of what they hope will be a sell-out of their loyal subjects.
It stands to reason this game would be against Manly – a bitter rival; the rich Sydneysiders versus the working class, coal-mining Novocastrians. It shapes as a cracking end to the week of football, just like last round. Newcastle fans have always been passionate and vocal but if ever the side needed your voice and your support it is now. They enter the contest on the back of a golden-point loss to North Queensland, a stabbing blow to the guts, but with their heart still ticking they won’t die wondering.
Currently in 12th, a win this week could lift them to 11th while a loss could drop them to 13th… and into the moat to drown. Ben Rogers and James McManus have succumbed to injury, forcing the team into a reshuffle. Jarrod Mullen moves from half to five-eighth, Kurt Gidley moves up from fullback to halfback and Shannon McDonnell comes into the side at the back. Adam MacDougall returns to the centres which allows Cooper Vuna to shift to the wing spot left vacant by McManus.
Dan Tolar also returns at prop, pushing Antonio Kaufusi to the bench, while youngster Con Mika has earned a starting spot in the second row, pushing Cameron Ciraldo to the bench. Wes Naiqama is also on the reserves list, which currently comprises six.
Manly were impressive against the Wests Tigers last week, getting the job done and moving up to fifth on the ladder. If the three teams above them lose before Monday, they could potentially jump as high as second with a win; but more importantly a loss could drop them back to eighth. They are well aware they need at least two more wins in the run home to be in the mix for finals and they want them sooner rather than later so they can put an assault on a top-four berth and a home final.
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