3 minute read
Newcastle Knights will be fighting to keep their slender top-eight hopes alive when they entertain Wests Tigers on Sunday.
The Knights sit two wins away from St George Illawarra Dragons in eighth spot and, with the games fast running out, nothing other than wins will do from now on.
A clash with the Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium, is definitely viewed as a 'must-win' game, and Adam O'Brien's men will need to put it all on the line.
Wests Tigers are rock bottom of the ladder and need a minor miracle to avoid picking up another wooden spoon.
They were handed a boost when the team directly above them, Parramatta, lost to Penrith Panthers on Friday night.
Now they need to beat the Knights to cut the gap on the Eels to just two points.
They have just four wins all season, so it is easier said than done, but coach Benji Marshall will be demanding a big effort from his side.
. What: Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers
. Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
. When: 16:05 (AEST), Sunday 11th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Newcastle Knights 1.31, Wests Tigers 3.50
Knights desperate to bounce back
The Knights gave Penrith a run for their money last week but ended up losing by eight points in a tight encounter.
They have now lost the last three games on the bounce and need to turn things around quickly if they are to make finals.
Cronulla Sharks are the only top side they face in the remaining weeks, so they do have a chance, if they can rediscover their best form.
Newcastle do have a good record against the Tigers, winning the last five meetings, but their recent form on home soil has not been great.
Indeed, they have won just two out of the last five home games and they will be out to improve on that record on Sunday, when they are 2.00 to win by 13+ points.
Kalyn Ponga likes playing against the Tigers, having scored six tries in the last seven meetings with them.
The gun fullback is 8.00 to score the first try, or 1.83 to score at anytime.
Tigers simply playing for pride
Wests have had a tough season under the leadership of new coach Benji Marshall, but they will be keen to finish the season strongly.
Building momentum to take into next season is massive and Marshall will be hoping for some signs of improvement in the remaining five games.
One area that needs big improvement is defence. The Tigers have conceded at least 40 points in five of the last six games.
There is some good news as Aidan Sezer returns from suspension and will take his place at halfback.
Despite a season of struggle, Jahream Bula continues to be a shining light for the Tigers and the youngster is 2.45 to grab a try at anytime.
If the Tigers are to cause an upset they can be backed at 9.00 to win by 1-5 points.
