Last year’s minor premiers Canberra and wooden spooners the Knights go head-to-head in Round 5 – but the formline has completely switched places.

Under new coach Justin Holbrook, Newcastle have found their steely edge and come into the game with a 3-1 record after defeating the Cowboys, Manly and the Bulldogs so far this season. There loss was in Round 3 to the Warriors.

Against the Bulldogs last week, they overcame the odds – as well as having a player in the sin bin – to defend their way to a 24-16 victory. 

The Raiders however have an 1-3 record and are still looking to add another victory after posting a golden point victory over Manly in Round 1.

After suffering a poor 40-6 loss to the Warriors in Round 2, Ricky Stuart’s men have been in their matches, but just not able to sustain that effort or pressure on their opposition for the full game. 

Last week against the Sharks, their case was not helped by an early sin binning of forward Corey Horsburgh, but their fought their way back in a seesawing game, only to let Cronulla off the hook.

Team News

Knights: Prop Trey Mooney is back from suspension so Pasami Saulo slides to the bench. Harrison Graham has been promoted to the No.14 role after a strong showing against the Bulldogs. Phoenix Crossland is set to take his place at hooker despite suffering a gruesome nose injury in last week’s win over Canterbury. Cody Hopwood remained in the squad after it was trimmed to 20 players on Saturday.

Raiders: Forward leader Josh Papalii is back from suspension so Morgan Smithies reverts to the bench. Kiwi centre Matt Timoko and speedster Chevy Stewart have been added to the six-man interchange with Daine Laurie and Jed Stuart dropping out 24-hours before kick-off. Owen Pattie remains in the 20-man squad.

Stat Attack

The Knights have lost their last seven games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Raiders have won three of their last four games against the Knights.
Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored six tries in his last six games against the Raiders.
Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored a try in his last three games against the Knights.
With a win, the Knights will equal their best start after five rounds, since 2015.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.