Newcastle and the Raiders last faced off in an epic extra-time final last year filled with drama and will get the rivalry fired up again for Round 1.
At McDonald Jones Stadium, the Knights knocked Canberra out of the premiership race, with Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga kicking an 89th minute penalty goal to secure a 30-28 win.
While no-one is expecting quite the same fireworks to start the season, there’s plenty on the line for both teams who will field vastly different lineups.
The Knights have lost Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Kurt Mann and tryscoring whiz Dominic Young from that final team, while the Raiders farewelled Jack Wighton in the off-season. Corey Horsburgh and Sebastian Kris remain suspended, giving coach Ricky Stuart the opportunity to test out some new blood in their season opener.
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Team News
Knights: The home side remain 1-17 with no late changes. Co-captain Jayden Brailey is laid up with a hamstring issue, so Phoenix Crossland starts at hooker after doing so successfully through the back part of 2023 for Newcastle. Dylan Lucas starts in the back row, with new recruit Kai Pearce-Paul named on the bench. Jack Cogger begins the year on the interchange, with Adam O'Brien opting to retain Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble as his halves.
Raiders: Ricky Stuart's side will take the field as named. Teenage prospect Ethan Strange has won the battle to have first crack at the No.6 jersey, while Jordan Rapana is the fullback in place of the suspended Seb Kris. English recruit Morgan Smithies will make his NRL debut as part of the run-on side, playing lock in the absence Corey Horsburgh, who is also suspended. A calf injury to Elliott Whitehead sees new recruit Zac Hosking starts in the second row.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have won six of their past eight games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have lost their past four away games.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored 15 tries in his past 14 NRL games.
- The Raiders have claimed a Round 1 victory in four of their past five seasons.
- The Knights have won their past six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .