Round 19: Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans

Knights to win every game for the rest of the year and play finals footy

 

If Ponga plays, us by 13+.

If not, us by 4.

 

Brown said last night that he would be very suprised if Ponga plays in this game.
He said he could play if it was a grand final but its not worth risking him for this week.

 

We get a well rested Fitzy back this game too!

 

2 week suspension and 4 weeks off, smart decision to go to the judiciary. He really needed the rest imo, was looking a tad burnt out.

 

We really need him back. Probably means Felise won't make it to the squad next week though, Browns boys first in line.

 

Fitz in for buhrer is what I would do, he offers next to nothing. If we had a big backrower on instead of buhrer we score one or two more times

 

Can't see buhrer going anywhere. And he shouldn't.

Lillyman may as well be the player dropped as he didn't get on the field until the 60th minute for 12 minutes only.

Looks like Sione will be ok for next week.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/07/14...ient-in-newcastle-knights-recipe-for-success/

 

1. Meaney
2. Sio
3. Ross
4. Sione
5. SKD
6. Watson
7. Pearce
8. Ese Ese
9. Levi
10. DSaf
11. Fitz
12. Barnett
13. Guerra
14. Buhrer
15. Heighington
16. Felise
17. Lillyman

It pains me to include Buhrer and Lillyman but there’s just no one else. No more Cory D thanks and defo no more King (pretty please Brown). Felise is an unknown factor, but the energy making a debut and opportunity to cement a bench spot is just what we need. Buhrer to only play 20-30 mins max. So weak.

 

Lillyman hasn't been given a huge chance to impress. He's not an impact player, he is being used wrong. He needs to be a bit of experience and to be used as more of a leader than game breaker. Burher tries hard but he doesn't have any edge impact, I don't know where he fits in the team bit like Matt Hilder I guess. I know Brown says he won't risk Ponga but if he's right to go surely no harm

 

Us by plenty.

 

If Lillyman doesn't start he shouldn't play, get what you can out of him, bring him of, rest him until final 20 minutes plays 40 or so with 40-50 minute break/rest, DanS with Lillyman at prop, Esee at 13, Barnett on bench with Buhrer, Heighinton and Felise. If no Lillyman you play King, bench is same. Need Buhrer to cover Levi etc.
I have been unimpressed with Lillymans games and his time on field, Heighinton has been better, more enthusiastic. King hasn't been great but he is a tryer and enthusiastic and will do until JSaf is back

 

1. Meaney
2. Sio
3. Denniss
4. Sione/SKD
5. SKD/Ross
6. Watson
7. Pearce
8. Lillyman
9. Levi
10. DSaf
11. Fitz
12. Guerra
13. Ese Ese
14. Buhrer
15. Heighington
16. Barnett
17. Felise

 

That's how I see it with possibly Ross for Denniss. If Lillyman can't play at least 30-40 minutes then bring in King.

 

Sione out for 2-3 weeks with fractured eyesocket.
It must be a hairline fracture or they wouldn't risk bringing him back for 6 weeks at least.
The good news is he will be able to train, so he'll be in good shape when he comes back.

 

1. Meaney
2. Sio
3. Ross
4. Denniss
5. SKD
6. Watson
7. Pearce
8. Ese'Ese
9. Levi
10. Saifiti
11. Fitzgibbon
12. Barnett
13. Guerra

14. King
15. Heighington
16. Buhrer
17. Lillyman

(Something like that)

 

Terribly bad luck for the kid, he's been pretty solid the last few weeks. There's been some real improvement in his game.
The way he was landed on was pretty sickening, at least he didn't sustain a neck injury or impact-related concussion.

Here's hoping for a quick recovery.

 

Maybe we could play SKD at centre and bring Tom Hughes up, two TOTW selections this year and highest try scorer last season in reserves. Not sure I like moving SKD out of wing but it is a consideration, bad luck for Sione