Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns has expressed his regret for tipping against his team in an upcoming NRL match, which has become a surprising highlight of round six. After five rounds, Newcastle find themselves in a commendable third position, having secured four victories despite the absences of stars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown for the majority of the season.
As the Knights prepare to take on Benji Marshall’s Wests Tigers, currently sitting second on the ladder with three wins from four games, the team faces further challenges with the news that key player Bradman Best will be sidelined for several matches due to a groin injury. The trio of Best, Ponga, and Brown, who collectively account for around $3 million of the club’s salary cap, represent a significant portion of the team’s financial resources.
Despite the injuries, Johns retains hope for Newcastle’s performance but anticipates a tough contest against the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium, a venue where the Knights historically struggle. He noted the talent of the Tigers, highlighting player Samuela Fainu and the strength of their bench with Royce Hunt.
Johns stated, “Unfortunately, I’m going to go with the Tigers, sorry boys,” indicating his belief that the home team’s current form may overpower the Knights. Fellow rugby league icon Brad Fittler concurs with this sentiment, tipping the Tigers to emerge victorious based on their strong defensive record, averaging only 17 points conceded, which ranks among the best in the league.
As fans eagerly await this clash of promising teams, both Johns and Fittler reflect the growing anticipation around the NRL’s competitive landscape this season. The Knights, though facing hurdles, remain under the guidance of passionate supporters aiming for continued success despite their injury challenges.