Knights Aim to Start Fast Against Undermanned Tigers

Published: Wednesday, 5/03/2025 at 8:30PM

The Newcastle Knights open their 2025 NRL campaign against an understrength Wests Tigers side on Friday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, with the hosts missing key players including Jahream Bula, Brent Naden, Justin Olam and suspended captain Apisai Koroisau.

Last season’s Round 1 loss to the Raiders set the tone for a sluggish start to the Knights' 2024 campaign. Adam O’Brien must ensure his side capitalises on a favourable early draw and starts strong. Anything less than a win will raise serious concerns about his ability to correct past mistakes and get the best out of his squad from the outset.

On the other hand, Benji Marshall will be hoping to get the Tigers off to a winning start. Marshall, known for his attacking philosophy and emphasis on creative play, may have paid more attention to their defence in the offseason, which is critical if they are to avoid a 4th consecutive wooden spoon and have any hope of being in finals contention.

Match Details

Date & Time: Friday, 7 March 2025, 6:00 PM (AEDT)

Location: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Casualty Ward

Knights: Taj Annan, Tyson Gamble, Adam Elliott.

Tigers: Jahream Bula, Brent Naden, Justin Olam, Starford To'a, Apisai Koroisau (suspended).

The Knights have the edge here.

Team Lineups

Backs:

Heath Mason (Fullback) vs. Kalyn Ponga (Fullback, Captain)
Sunia Turuva (Winger) vs. James Schiller (Winger)
Adam Doueihi (Centre) vs. Dane Gagai (Centre)
Solomona Faataape (Centre) vs. Bradman Best (Centre)
Jeral Skelton (Winger) vs. Greg Marzhew (Winger)
Lachlan Galvin (Five-Eighth) vs. Fletcher Sharpe (Five-Eighth)
Jarome Luai (Halfback) vs. Jack Cogger (Halfback)

Forwards:

Terrell May (Prop) vs. Daniel Saifiti (Prop)
Tallyn Da Silva (Hooker) vs. Phoenix Crossland (Hooker)
Fonua Pole (Prop) vs. Leo Thompson (Prop)
Samuela Fainu (2nd Row) vs. Dylan Lucas (2nd Row)
Alex Seyfarth (2nd Row) vs. Kai Pearce-Paul (2nd Row)
Alex Twal (Lock) vs. Tyson Frizell (Lock)

Interchange:

Tristan Hope vs. Jayden Bradley
Royce Hunt vs. Jack Hetherington
Jack Bird vs. Brodie Jones
Sione Fainu vs. Mat Croker

Reserves:

Latu Fainu vs. Thomas Cant
Charlie Staines vs. Will Pryce
Kit Laulilii vs. Logan Aoake
Tony Sukkar vs. Jackson Hastings
Reuben Porter vs. Adam Elliott

Tactics

Newcastle's preseason focus has been on increasing their attacking output without sacrificing the defensive resilience. This was demonstrated in their trial victory vs the Roosters. The Tigers, meanwhile, are expected to play an unpredictable brand of football under Luai’s leadership.

Coach Adam O’Brien will likely lean on Kalyn Ponga to orchestrate the attack, especially in good-ball situations. All eyes will be on how Jack Cogger and Fletcher Sharpe combine. The battle in the middle will be crucial, with Jacob Saifiti & Leo Thompson needing to lay a strong platform against a tough Tigers forward pack. If the Knights can control possession and apply defensive pressure, they should be in a strong position to secure their first win of the season.

Betting Markets Have the Knights as Favourites

The Knights are set at $1.64 head-to-head, while the Tigers sit at $2.26.

Match Prediction

The Knights have a more settled lineup and with Kalyn Ponga pulling the strings, they should have the edge in attack. While the Tigers will be fired up for their home opener, their lack of experience could prove costly.

The Knights should start strong and secure the win here.

Tune In for a Full Review

We go LIVE 5 minutes post-match of every Newcastle Knights match in the 2025 NRL season via YouTube, bringing you in-depth analysis, press conference reactions and a platform to share your thoughts in real time. Join us and HAVE YOUR SAY.

Visit www.tkhp.au for our YouTube link and socials pages.

This is your team, Your voice, Your season. Be part of it!