The battle of 11th and 12th on the ladder promises to be an intriguing one with the Knights coming off a thrilling home win and the Raiders smarting after a frustrating away defeat.
With Bradman Best in devastating form and Will Pryce a revelation on debut, the Knights withstood a strong challenge from a desperate Eels outfit in front of the Newcastle faithful.
They must now make the trek to the national capital to face the Raiders, who pushed table toppers Melbourne to the limit before going down 16-6 at AAMI Park.
After starting the season with three wins on the bounce on home soil the Raiders have dropped their past three at GIO Stadium and will be desperate to put on a show for the Green Machine faithful.
The Knights have won just two of their past seven matches in Canberra but did come away with a comprehensive 28-6 victory there in Round 22 last year.
Forwards Leo Thompson (Achilles) and Dylan Lucas (hamstring) are both a chance to return in a boost for Newcastle as they enter an important three-game stretch against the Raiders, Sea Eagles and Broncos before their final bye of the season in Round 21.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
12th Position
away Team
Knights
11th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have conceded 118 points in three consecutive losses at GIO Stadium.
- The Knights have conceded at least 24 points in each of their past five games.
- Raiders utility Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in his past five games.
- Knights second-rower Tyson Frizell will play his 250th NRL game.
- Raiders veteran Jordan Rapana has scored six tries in his last six games against the Knights at GIO Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,
