Sydney Roosters vs. Newcastle Knights: Will the Roosters add another win to their name?

Sydney Roosters will be up against its arch-rival Newcastle Knights for the Round 1 of the National Rugby League game on Saturday, March 12. The game will occur at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Since 1988, the two nemeses have come head-to-head a whopping fifty-eight times, out of which the Roosters have emerged as winners 36 times.

Two of the top players of the Roosters are back in action. Lindsay Collins and Luke Keary had previously been benched following knee construction surgeries. However, with them back to their positions, Roosters are ready to take any team that comes their way.

The premiership favorites are not just relying on Keary, though. They now had a squad full of young blood after the retirement of its seasoned players last year. And, there is always Sam Walker to count on!

On the same ground, the Roosters had previously played five matches, out of which they won four. Therefore, the fact that the upcoming match is yet again at SCG is likely to tilt things in the Roosters’ favor.

Coached by Adam O'Brien, Newcastle Knights will see the debut of Leo Thompson – a new signing to the team. Adam Clune will also be making a debut at halfback. But, the squad news that has truly increased the fans' hopes is the return of Dane Gagai.

Gagai’s return is likely to give a much-needed strike power to the Knights. He had previously been missing in action due to a fracture in his tibia. The unfortunate incident occurred during the trial match against the Bulldogs, leaving the Knights worried about their future in the tournament.

This news comes in addition to the decision to keep Hymel Hunt out of the match following a knee injury. Dominic Young will take his place instead. And in the absence of Jayden Brailey, Chris Randall will be the hooker.

With significant changes in the lineup, with Gagai’s return and Kalyn Ponga's presence, at least a good fight between the two is expected.

2021 was not a great year for the Roosters. It was marred with injuries and retirement news. Yet, they ended up winning 16 of the matches they played and finished at a respectable rank of five.

Not to mention that in the last sixteen matches that the Roosters have played against the Knights, they have won fourteen of them! The final four of which they won by margins of over twenty points. In other words, the Knights haven’t been able to topple the Roosters since 2009.

The Knights will surely put up an intense fight against the Roosters. However, the premiership favorites are likely to win it all, including the upcoming match.

Strong old players combined with new talented squad means and a legacy of winning against their arch-rivals means that the Roosters are the one to look out for in Saturday’s match.