The Knights will be hoping the fans are out in full force as the ‘home’ side this Magic Round,\u00a0with their home ground McDonald Jones the host venue for this year\u2019s inaugural NRLW Magic Round.<\/p>\n
Hosting a Canberra side who have been struggling to find their best and are yet to notch a win, Newcastle will be expecting to put in another strong performance, after proving too strong for the Eels last week in their 30-6 victory.<\/p>\n
Although hampered by injury and suspension in the opening rounds, meaning the Raiders are yet to put out their best 17, their recent showings on the field have raised concerns for coach Darrin Borthwick.<\/p>\n
Following their disappointing 26-0 loss last week to the Cowboys, their coach will be looking for his players to respond to his challenge, with a good performance against two-time premiers the Knights a perfect way to kickstart their season.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Knights: Jules Kirkpatrick moves from the bench to the starting side after back-rower Evah McEwen was suspended for a hair pull. Joeli Morris is the new face on the bench. No other changes for Ben Jeffries’ side after last week’s big win over the Eels.<\/p>\n
Raiders: Coach Darrin Borthwick has resisted the urge to swing the axe after a tough start to the season. Co-captain Zahara Temara is straight back into the side after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury, with Georgia Thomas dropping back to the reserves. The only other change sees Grace Kemp revert to the bench and Sophie Holyman named in the starting side, but there could be another late switch between the two, as there was last week.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Knights have won both matches against the Raiders.
\nThe Raiders will play at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
\nKnights halfback Jesse Southwell has kicked 18 goals from 18 attempts this season.<\/p>\n