Knights v Roosters preview

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters
Hunter Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

Newcastle will look to complete the quinella of losses for the top four sides this weekend when they try to spring what would be the upset of the season at Hunter Stadium.

It's been a wretched season for the Novocastrians, but caretaker coach Danny Buderus will hope his side can produce something which will instill some pride back in the jumper.

To be any chance of knocking off the high-flying Roosters they will need to be at their best for 80 minutes - something which they have not achieved at any stage so far in 2015.

The Knights were good for 40 minutes against the Dragons before they returned their old ways, dropping balls and missing tackles as they were belted 32-4 in the second half. A repeat performance on Sunday will see the scoreline blow out very quickly.

The Roosters have class across the park in the form of halves James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce, fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

A 38-28 win over Canterbury last Friday gave the boys from Bondi their seventh straight win and it's difficult to see the Knights posing too many problems, but rugby league is a funny game.

Both sides were in a similar position last year when the Knights ambushed the Roosters on the way to a 16-12 win which will provide a glimmer of hope for the blue and red faithful.

Knights coach Danny Buderus is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task facing his injury-riddled side.

"They're (the Roosters) playing with confidence, they've got a healthy squad and that makes it a formidable task, that's for sure."

Last meeting: Round 20 2014 - Newcastle Knights 16 Sydney Roosters 12

Who to watch: He's still eligible for the Knights Holden Cup side, but expect Danny Levi to come onto the bench for the Knights. The crafty hooker is still learning his trade, but he is busy in attack and isn't afraid of using his shoulder in defence. In previous weeks the Knights have looked a lot better in attack when Levi has been on the field. Still just a kid.

It's hard to go past Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as one of the players to watch for the visitors. He averages nearly 200 metres from the back, is safe under the high ball and provides another option for coach Trent Robinson in attack. The Knights outside backs will need to be on their game to keep RTS quiet.

The favourite: The Roosters are unsurprisingly red-hot favourites for this one with the TAB at $1.11 with the Knights giving 16.5 start, but you get the feeling it could be closer than people think.

My tip: On the back of seven straight wins there is a feeling the Roosters will lose one game between now and the finals, but it's difficult to see it happening here. The Knights will dig in for the home fans, but the Roosters should be too good by 10.

1. Kurt Gidley 2. Jake Mamo 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Nathan Ross 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. David Fa'alogo 16. Chris Houston 17. Clint Newton

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra
Interchange: 14. Jackson Hastings 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Suaia Matagi 19. Matt McIlwrick

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Matt Cecchin, Luke Patten;

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