Newcastle Knights v Canberra RaidersHunter Stadium, Newcastle, Sunday 6.30pm (AEDT)
Last meeting: Round 21 2012 - Knights 36 bt Raiders 6 at Hunter Stadium
Head-to-head: Raiders 20 Knights 16 drawn 1
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Brett Suttor
TV: Live, FoxSports 1
TAB Sportsbet: Knights $1.45 Raiders $2.85
FootyTab: Raiders +6.5
Phil Mitchell writes: Newcastle have produced either rocks or diamonds to open their 2013 campaign. Two big wins at home against the Tigers and Cowboys bookended a thrashing at the hands of Manly at Brookvale Oval. So who knows which Newcastle side will turn up on Sunday, although the home-ground advantage is a definite plus based on results so far this season. Not to mention the return to the starting side of champion hooker Danny Buderus, who made a surprise comeback on the bench against the Cowboys after off-season back surgery.
The Raiders, who broke through for their first win of the season against St George Illawarra last Sunday, are at their most dangerous in games such as these – ones they’re not expected to win. They can be a lethal attacking side when unshackled by the burden of expectation. Fullback Reece Robinson and centre Jarrod Croker were outstanding against the Dragons and will again be key figures on Sunday.
Phil’s tip: Knights by 8.
AAP writes: Both sides come into the game on the back of excellent wins. The Knights put a star-studded North Queensland side to the sword on Monday and the Raiders recorded their annual win over St George Illawarra.
Darius Boyd, Jarrod Mullen, Akuila Uate and young Tyrone Roberts were all impressive against the Cowboys. Raiders fullback Reece Robinson continues to shine, showing the attitude, commitment and hard work often neglected by his predecessor in the No.1 jumper, Josh Dugan.
Key: Boyd is getting back to his best form after a mediocre first season with the Knights. The Raiders have the talent to keep him quiet, but execution so often lets them down.
KNIGHTS: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Anthony Quinn, Alex McKinnon, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, David Fa'alogo, Robbie Rochow, Chris Houston (capt), Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Timana Tahu, Neville Costigan, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims.
RAIDERS: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Jack Wighton, Josh McCrone (capt), Sam Williams, David Shillington (capt), Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Joel Edwards, Shaun Fensom.
Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Matt McIlwrick (one to be omitted).
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-preview/newcastle-knights-v-canberra-raiders-20130327-2gugg.html#ixzz2OoqWPfZR
Topic: Raiders have the talent to keep Knights key man quiet
