Knights v Broncos preview

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos
Hunter Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Will the Knights make it back-to-back wins against the understrength Broncos?

After a horror five-match losing run, the Knights finally broke through against Wests Tigers in a scrappy match last Sunday. With an eight-day turnaround, Rick Stone's men will be looking to build upon the 22-12 win by pushing past former mentor Wayne Bennett's Origin-affected Broncos. Missing only Beau Scott from their side, the Knights will be out to overcome a shocking record in recent encounters; only managing a win and a draw since 2011. In the absence of Scott, Joseph Tapine will start in the second row, while Chad Redman retains his spot in the squad after a tremendous debut last week, capped off by scoring the match-winning try.

While Brisbane will be without the services of Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire; Wayne Bennett will be hoping the Broncos depth is up to scratch. With former Premiership winner David Stagg coming into the side for his first appearance of 2015, Bennett will be hoping his longevity is able to supplement the inexperience of the likes of Francis Molo, Jo Ofahengaue and Kodi Nikorima. Former Knights Under 20s player Joe Boyce has been named to make his first grade debut on the bench.

Last meeting: Round 24 2014 - Brisbane Broncos 48 Newcastle Knights 6

Who to watch: Having been overlooked by Queensland for former teammate Darius Boyd, Dane Gagai will be out to show the Broncos what they missed out on. Since shifting to fullback, Gagai has proved a handful for opponents running for over 150 metres. While his error rate has been up as well, Gagai's pure speed will more than compensate as he tries to lead the Knights to their sixth win of the season.

While the emergence of Kodi Nikorima has seen his minute decrease, Andrew McCullough will be instrumental if the Broncos are to come away with a win on Monday night. With so much experience missing, McCullough will be looking to lead the Broncos with a strong defensive performance. Currently averaging just under 50 tackles per game, McCullough will also be looking to utilise his under-rated kicking game to get Brisbane over the line.

The favourite: After breaking through against Wests Tigers, the Knights are expected to overcome the depleted Broncos.

My tip: With Wayne Bennett declaring Newcastle were incapable of competing for the 2015 Premiership upon his departure last year, Rick Stone will have no shortage of motivation to see the Knights come away with a win. Knights by 8.

1. Dane Gagai 2. James McManus 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Kurt Gidley 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Tyler Randell 10. David Fa'alogo 11. Joseph Tapine 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Chad Redman 15. Chris Houston 16. Korbin Sims 17. Jack Stockwell

1. Jordan Kahu 2. Daniel Vidot 3. Jack Reed 4. Dale Copley 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. David Stagg 13. Jo Ofanhengaue
Interchange: 14. Joe Boyce 15. Francis Molo 16. Corey Oates 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Gavin Badger, David Munro; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, David Ryan; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Steve Folkes;

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