The Newcastle Knights and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will be looking to stay in touch with the top-eight when they go head-to-head in round fifteen of the VB NSW Cup this Sunday.
Newcastle broke a six-match losing streak last weekend when they accounted for the Newtown Jets 28-26 at Henson Park.
The Knights have not quite hit the highs of last season and have been put under pressure through injury and unavailability in recent weeks.
If results go their way, Newcastle could find themselves in the top-eight at the end of the round and receive a massive confidence boost as we head further into the second half of the season.
Canterbury will be looking to put last week behind them as they were run down late in the match by the Wentworthville Magpies.
The Bulldogs were the better team for the majority of the match and will be hoping that if they are presented with the same opportunity against the Knights, they will be able to deliver the killer blow that is necessary to make an impact in the competition.
Kayne Brennan was strong for the Dogs last week, making 2 line-breaks, and will face a tough challenge against his opposing winger in the ever reliable Josh Mantellato.
Stand by your Man’tellato’: After scoring sixteen points last weekend, Josh Mantellato is headed for yet another season as the leading point-scorer in the VB NSW Cup. Leading Nathan Stapleton of Crounlla by only 12 points, look for Mantellato to convert every opportunity that comes his way… literally.
Prediction: The Knights can make it back to back wins for the first time since round eight. Knights by 7
Newcastle Knights Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Newcastle No.2 Sports Ground, Sunday, June 22
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Matt Noyen
Broadcast: NSWRL Match Centre coverage available via NSWRL.com.au
