We take a look at Saturday evenings (14/3/2020) NRL 2020 Week 1 match is between the Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors. The Newcastle Knights go into this match as clear favourites.
When: Saturday 14 March, 3:00PM
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
The Newcastle Knights have a little bit of pressure on them heading into this one. They’re at home against a wooden spoon contending team and expected to kickoff a promising NRL season with two competition points. Jayden Brailey is a handy addition as hooker, but the Knights still lack a reliable five-eighth. While Kurt Mann has the first crack in 2020, the jury is still out on him as a long-term option.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Warriors seem to have settled on theirs. Chanel Harris-Tavita has beaten out Kodi Nikorima for the number six jersey in Round 1. It’s the right decision for the balance of the team with Nikorima to come off the bench – his best position. It may be difficult for Harris-Tavita to show his skills, though. The Warriors back is battling injuries, and even when healthy, leaves a lot to be desired.
While the Warriors carry more try-scoring talent into the game out wide, the Knights hold the advantage in the middle. It’s where games are won and lost early in the season.
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Odds:
Tip: Newcastle Knights at $1.42
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Edrick Lee at $9.50
Teams:
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Herman Ese’ese 14. Connor Watson 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Aidan Guerra 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Starford To’a 20. Mason Lino 21. Brodie Jones
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Patrick Herbert 3. David Fusitua 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Wayde Egan 10. Lachlan Burr 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Isaiah Papalii 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Karl Lawton 18. King Vuniyayawa 20. Hayze Perham 21. Leivaha Pulu 22. Taane Milne
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change