Check out this list of 'Marked Men' from the Newcastle Knights that Bulldogs HQ has singled out as players to watch when the Bulldogs take on Newcastle in an elimination final this Sunday.
James McManus:
James has been out-standing this year for the Knights and could count himself unlucky to have not been chosen for the New South Wales side.
His work rate is top notch and he is one winger that makes very few mistakes. He is the top try-scorer in the NRL this year and has been one of the most consistent performers all year.
One player the Bulldogs will need to focus on and limit his impact in the game.
Season Stats:
-19 tries
-75 tackle breaks
-19 line breaks (5th in the NRL)
-17 errors all year
-Averages 12 carries for 112m
-Diffused 73.2% of kicks this year
Jarrod Mullen:
The Newcastle five-eight has been in good form of late. He has one of the best kicking games in the NRL with a variety of kicks and leads the way when it comes to scoring tries from kicks. Will often look for a 40/20, a Banana kick for one of his wingers or a chip and chase for himself or Fullback Boyd.
Jarrod poses speed and with that comes a really good running game, which given the opportunity, he will take you on. He does have a good left foot step and when the defence looks tired he will look to use it.
The Bulldogs will need to put pressure on him to limit his impact in the match.
Season Stats:
-3 40/20s
-42 tackle breaks
-Averages 16 kicks per game for an average of 520m per game
-21 try assists(3rd in the NRL)
-8 line break assists
Tyrone Roberts:
The young half has been great for the Knights this year. Has played in every game and as the season has progressed, he certainly has got better.
He was the difference in the round 10 clash, when the Dogs and Knights clashed, through his running game and his ability to play with plenty of time. He has a great running game, a good show and go and will often find him supporting his forwards and looking to hit a hole or find an off-load.
A player the Dogs will need to present a straight line to and one if they can put pressure on, will certainly slow his impact on the match.
SEASON STATS:
-Averages 6 runs(47m) per game
-53 tackle breaks, 9 try assists, 6 tries
-Averages 8 supports per game
Akuila Uate:
The Fijian is one of the most damaging runners of the ball in the game. His work-rate with the ball is outstanding and will often take the first hit-up in most sets. You could almost say he is like another forward.
His kick returns are quality and this is an area the Dogs can take advantage of, because if they keep the ball away from him, it will certainly prevent the Knights from getting off to a good start with the ball.
He may have his critics when it comes to the high-ball, but a dangerous player who can certainly hurt you.
Its a great challenge for the Dogs outside backs this week, with Both Uate and McManus in really good form.
SEASON STATS:
-Averages 14 runs(147m) per game
-Averages 63.9m per game on kick returns
-77 tackle breaks
-10 line breaks, 13 tries
James McManus:
James has been out-standing this year for the Knights and could count himself unlucky to have not been chosen for the New South Wales side.
His work rate is top notch and he is one winger that makes very few mistakes. He is the top try-scorer in the NRL this year and has been one of the most consistent performers all year.
One player the Bulldogs will need to focus on and limit his impact in the game.
Season Stats:
-19 tries
-75 tackle breaks
-19 line breaks (5th in the NRL)
-17 errors all year
-Averages 12 carries for 112m
-Diffused 73.2% of kicks this year
Jarrod Mullen:
The Newcastle five-eight has been in good form of late. He has one of the best kicking games in the NRL with a variety of kicks and leads the way when it comes to scoring tries from kicks. Will often look for a 40/20, a Banana kick for one of his wingers or a chip and chase for himself or Fullback Boyd.
Jarrod poses speed and with that comes a really good running game, which given the opportunity, he will take you on. He does have a good left foot step and when the defence looks tired he will look to use it.
The Bulldogs will need to put pressure on him to limit his impact in the match.
Season Stats:
-3 40/20s
-42 tackle breaks
-Averages 16 kicks per game for an average of 520m per game
-21 try assists(3rd in the NRL)
-8 line break assists
Tyrone Roberts:
The young half has been great for the Knights this year. Has played in every game and as the season has progressed, he certainly has got better.
He was the difference in the round 10 clash, when the Dogs and Knights clashed, through his running game and his ability to play with plenty of time. He has a great running game, a good show and go and will often find him supporting his forwards and looking to hit a hole or find an off-load.
A player the Dogs will need to present a straight line to and one if they can put pressure on, will certainly slow his impact on the match.
SEASON STATS:
-Averages 6 runs(47m) per game
-53 tackle breaks, 9 try assists, 6 tries
-Averages 8 supports per game
Akuila Uate:
The Fijian is one of the most damaging runners of the ball in the game. His work-rate with the ball is outstanding and will often take the first hit-up in most sets. You could almost say he is like another forward.
His kick returns are quality and this is an area the Dogs can take advantage of, because if they keep the ball away from him, it will certainly prevent the Knights from getting off to a good start with the ball.
He may have his critics when it comes to the high-ball, but a dangerous player who can certainly hurt you.
Its a great challenge for the Dogs outside backs this week, with Both Uate and McManus in really good form.
SEASON STATS:
-Averages 14 runs(147m) per game
-Averages 63.9m per game on kick returns
-77 tackle breaks
-10 line breaks, 13 tries
