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Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 05/07/08 | 0
AUDIO - About to tip? Catch the Big Marn's picks
AUDIO - Andrew Moore's Round 17 preview
Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons
Saturday 5th July, 7.30pm
EnergyAustralia Stadium
Referee: Sean Hampstead
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 19; Dragons 12, Knights 7.
FORM GUIDE
Knights: WWLLLWBWLLBLWWLL
Dragons: LWLLLLWBLWWWWBWW
The in-form Dragons have taken wins from eight of their last 10 visits to Newcastle and will be brimming with confidence going into this clash.
Hooker Matt Hilder is out injured for the Knights but they should have skipper Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley and Ben Cross all back from Wednesday’s State of Origin decider.
Even if they back up from the game unscathed the trio will be bearing the scars of a series defeat – particularly Buderus, who has now bowed out of the Origin arena.
Matt Cooper is the lone Dragon backing up from Origin, and they welcome back new recruit Wendell Sailor, after the dual international spent a stint on the sidelines after fracturing his cheekbone in his much-awaited NRL return. Mark Gasnier and Ben Creagh are out injured.
While Newcastle are coming off back-to-back defeats, St George Illawarra have won six straight.
That run has included victories over under-strength Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast sides all hurt by Origin, but it is still sure to give the men in red and white plenty of confidence this weekend.
Former Dragons Wes Naiqama, Danny Wicks and Chris Houston will all line up for the Knights against the club that let them go at the end of last season – all three are sure to be particularly fired up for this game.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Will Wendell pull off a successful comeback on the second attempt?
KEY MATCH UPS
Chris Bailey v Jamie Soward
Soward was one of the best players on the field in the Dragons’ win last week and he continues to star in a play-making five-eighth role, supplying sharp ball-playing skills and a great attacking kicking game at second receiver outside halfback Ben Hornby.
His kicks to Newcastle’s wide men will be a major threat.
Bailey wasn’t at his best against the Sea Eagles last week but he’s also been a strong performer in 2008, regularly bagging tries either from off the bench or in the No.6 jersey outside Jarrod Mullen.
With Gidley and Buderus back in action and Mullen in top form, Bailey could fly under the radar for the Dragons – which is when the Manly-bound half is at his most dangerous.
Cory Paterson v Chase Stanley
St George Illawarra utility Stanley had a great game in last week’s win over the Titans, but has been shifted from the centres to the second row with the (likely) return of Matt Cooper.
He comes up against another talented, ball-playing back-rower in Newcastle’s Paterson this week.
Paterson had a breakout season in 2007 but has a struggled a little this season, and has only recently secured a regular spot in the Knights’ starting side.
With a strong running game, great hands for a big man and a kicking ability that saw him briefly scouted by the NFL, the youngster has bags of ability and could be a handful for the Dragons’ wide defenders.
COACHES CORNER
They may have won six on the trot but Nathan Brown will need to ensure his Dragons don’t bring any complacency to EnergyAustralia Stadium.
The Knights may be out of form, but they are at home and have claimed some big scalps in 2008. Plus they are likely to have three Origin stars back, although it will take a lift for the trio to be up for the game mentally after Wednesday’s loss to Queensland.
Brian Smith will be desperate for his stars to come through Origin free from injury – Cross is a leader of the pack up front and Buderus and Gidley are capable of slicing up the Dragons through the middle.
Gidley was one of the Blues’ best on Wednesday, but after laying on Matt Cooper’s try in that game he’ll be out to ensure the Dragon suffers his second defeat in a week on Saturday night.
PUNTERS GUIDE
Head to head: Knights $2.00; Dragons $1.80
St George Illawarra deserve their status as favourites here after a terrific winning run but the Knights are more than capable of coming away with a win here.
It could depend on how Buderus and Gidley respond to Wednesday’s loss – dejected after finishing the series on the losing side, or fired up and ready to make amends.
A Dragons win by 1-12 seems the most likely result, but it’s not a bad game to chase if you need to pick an upset this weekend.
CASUALTY WARD
Knights: Matt Hilder – hand (Rnd 19).
Dragons: Mark Gasnier – back (indefinite), Ben Creagh – knee (Rnd 18)
BAD BOYS
Knights: -
Dragons: -
TEAM LISTS
Knights: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, Wes Naiqama, Adam MacDougall, Cooper Vuna, Chris Bailey, Jarrod Mullen, Steve Simpson, Danny Buderus (capt), Jesse Royal, Chris Houston, Cory Paterson, Zeb Taia. Interchange: Scott Dureau, Ben Cross, Richard Fa'aoso, Danny Wicks.
Dragons: Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Josh Morris, Matt Cooper, Wendell Sailor, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Justin Poore, Dean Young, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Chase Stanley, Lagi Setu. Interchange: Kirk Reynoldson, Dan Hunt, Jarrod Saffy, Rangi Chase, Michael Lett, Matt Prior, Stuart Webb (three to be omitted).
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