Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 10 clash between the Newcastle Knights and the Gold Coast Titans.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Newcastle Knights Vs Gold Coast Titans
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Date: Friday 9 May, 6:00pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Adam Elliott 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Paul Bryan
Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Arama Hau 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Tony Francis 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Allan Fitzgibbon 22. Sean Mullany
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Bunker: Ashley Klein
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The second game of Women in League Round kicks off at 6pm on Friday night, with the Knights hosting the Titans in Newcastle. The Knights are fresh off a convincing 30-4 win over the Rabbitohs, while the Titans are licking their wounds after being thumped 38-18 by the Bulldogs.
For the Knights, Adam O’Brien has named the same 17 that defeated the Rabbitohs at Magic Round last week.
A confidence-boosting win is just what the Knights needed. Prior to Magic Round, their attack had struggled to fire in their past five games. At the forefront of their resurgence was Fletcher Sharpe, who helped himself to a hat-trick of tries against a hapless Rabbitohs side. He’ll be looking to continue this form against the Titans, who are struggling defensively. It’s a great match-up for their whole left-side attack, so the likes of Dylan Lucas, Bradman Best, and Greg Marzhew will all be in-line for big performances as well. Despite nursing a rib injury, Kalyn Ponga was also back to his best last week. He has a great try-scoring record against the Titans, scoring eight tries in his last 10 games against them.
For the Titans, they receive a big boost with Jayden Campbell named to return at halfback a couple of weeks ahead of his estimated return date. He replaces Tom Weaver who is out with concussion. Jojo Fifita is named on the wing after missing Magic Round due to an infection. Tony Francis drops back to 18th Man.
The return of Campbell is a timely one for the Titans. He should add some creativity and flair back to their spine that has struggled with consistency. While Campbell has been gone, they’ve slipped into a five-game losing streak. The main problem for the Titans has been their defensive woes: they’ve conceded 192 points during this losing streak at an average of 38.4 points per game. On paper, this match-up looks a lot friendlier, with the Knights only having recently snapped a five-game losing streak of their own. However, they’ll need to dig deep to find some defensive resolve in Newcastle, a place they haven’t won at since 2016. They’re also coming off a five-day turnaround, which doesn’t make their task any easier.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Knights by 10 points.
Check out our round 10 predictions here.
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