NRL 2021 LIVE updates: Knights v Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium
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The World Game
A little bit of news has just come through regarding the Rugby League World Cup.
Tournament organisers have announced that the opening match will be played at Newcastle’s St James Park on October 15. It means the tournament will be staged between the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the FIFA World Cup.
The trophy up for grabs in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The final, a men’s and women’s double header, is scheduled for Old Trafford on November 19.
There has been plenty of argy-bargy over the tournament, which resulted in a 12-month postponement. Good to see it’s now been locked in.
And we’ve just kicked off.
The last word: Adam O’Brien
The Newcastle coach feels his side is better positioned in 2021 after limping into the playoffs last year.
“Last year we worked really hard during the lockdown period and I can tell that came back to bite us at the back end of the year,” O’Brien said.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien.Credit:Getty
“I don’t feel that with the group at the moment … I just feel there is a different energy about us this year.
“Myself and the staff and the players have handled it a little bit better.”
The last word: Justin Holbrook
“It’s doe or die die for us, we all know that,” the Gold Coast coach told Fox just before kick off.
“We’ve fallen short the last couple of weeks against two of the top-three sides, so it’s important we get ourselves back up. We know we’re fighting to get into eighth position and we’re playing a similar side tonight.
Justin Holbrook knows this is a crucial clash.Credit:Getty
“We’ve got to be good enough.”
Ash Taylor has been dropped for the game, with Tyrone Peach moving into the halves.
“He actually plays as a half anyway and he’s a tough defender, so he will defend a bit out wider,” Holbrook said.
Happy Thursday!
A very good evening to you all.
Tonight’s clash, between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, is absolutely crucial in helping to decide the final spots in the top eight.
The Knights are sitting in seventh spot on the NRL ladder, two wins above the chasing pack. They have probably already done enough to make the playoffs, but a win on the Sunshine Coast will confirm a post-season appearance.
David Fifita was unstoppable when the teams last met.Credit:NRL Photos
The equation is a simple one for the Titans; they must win. They are currently in ninth spot, behind the Sharks on for-and-against, and need a victory to leapfrog them into eighth spot.
When the teams met in round five, the Titans won 42-16 on the back of a hat-trick from David Fifta. I’m tipping the rematch will be much closer. Every point is crucial, as a finals spot could be decided by points differential.
Thanks for your company, sit back and enjoy the action!
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