NRL News ....
Newcastle Knights attempt to snap a seven-match losing streak against the Manly Sea Eagles when the two sides clash on Friday night in NRL Round 1 action at McDonald Jones Stadium.
After copping the wooden spoon for the last three consecutive seasons, there’s finally a cause for optimism in the Hunter, with the Knights staging a massive recruitment process over the last 12 months as they try and make a push up the table.
It’s going to take time for all these new signings to strike up combinations, and it will be tough for the Knights to challenge for a finals spot, but I think they are certainly capable of putting themselves in a position to fight for a top eight position by season’s end.
Of course the biggest signing of them all is NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce, who left the Roosters on the back of Cooper Cronk arriving in Bondi. Pearce is the playmaker Knights fans have been screaming out for, and if he settles in quickly, the Knights could be in for a great start to the campaign.
No fewer than eight other players will be making their Knights debuts as coach Nathan Brown targets a much-improved season in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles have endured plenty of off-field distractions over the summer, namely the club’s ongoing salary cap investigation and Blake Green’s departure to the Warriors.
I’m of the opinion that Manly over-achieved last season, and I’m a little concerned about their depth in regards to making the top eight for the second straight year.
Lachlan Croker is the man named to step up and partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, while new signing Joel Thompson also starts in the forwards.
Manly have a fantastic record against Newcastle in recent times, but this is a new-look Knights side that is due some success. It promises to be a close game, but home ground advantage could be the difference. I’m backing Newcastle home in a tight one.
Stats
- Manly have won their last seven meetings
- Five of those wins have come by 16 points or more
- Newcastle are 9-3 over Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium (NRL era)