The Newcastle Knights host the Canberra Raiders in a rematch of their elimination final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Reigning Dally M Medallist Kalyn Ponga will look to pick up where he left off last season after the Knights went on an 11-game winning streak to storm into the finals.
MATCH CENTRE: Knights vs Raiders teams, scores, stats, videos
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The Raiders begin life after Jack Wighton with teenager Ethan Strange looking to fill the void at five-eighth alongside Jamal Fogarty over recruit Kaeo Weekes.
For the Knights Jayden Brailey has failed to overcome a hamstring injury with Phoenix Crossland starting at hooker and recruit Jack Cogger on the bench.
Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble retain their spots in the halves despite Cogger keeping the pressure on both for a starting berth.
With Corey Horsburgh and Seb Kris suspended and Elliott Whitehead injured the Raiders field a new look side.
Former Panther Zac Hosking and Englishman Morgan Smithies make their club debuts in the back row.
Jordan Rapana fills in at fullback with Albert Hopoate at centre and Xavier Savage on the wing.
TEAMS
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Kai Pearce-Paul. 18th man: 18. Jed Cartwright
Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo. 18th man: 18. Kaeo Weekes
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
FOLLOW THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE.
Discussion about this post