Round 14 NRL Predictions: Joey’s ‘brutal’ Forecast for the Knights Leaves Brad Fittler Stunned as Struggling Team Confronts 17th Place Dilemma

Legendary figure Andrew Johns is undeniably a dedicated fan of Newcastle, yet even he is finding it challenging to maintain hope for his beleaguered Knights.

As Adam O’Brien’s struggling team takes on the unpredictable Manly Sea Eagles in the opening match of round 14 this Thursday night, Johns has expressed his unhappiness by refraining from picking them in a rare critique of his own club.

Diving into a conversation with Brad Fittler on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips, Johns was keen to move past the Knights meeting with the Sea Eagles without delving into any analysis, having tipped Manly. However, one word from Freddy – “nasty” – spurred him into a brief explanation.

Johns referenced three disappointing matches: a 28-6 setback against the Eels, a narrow 24-20 defeat at the hands of the struggling Titans, and a 34-14 thrashing from the Sharks.

These defeats have contributed to a dismal record for the Knights, winning only twice in their past 11 encounters.

As if matters couldn’t worsen, several key forwards are sidelined, sending the Knights into their clash with Manly without a reliable frontline. They will be fielding Tyson Frizell and Brodie Jones as starting props, while Leo Thompson (suspended), Jacob Saifiti, Jack Hetherington, and Adam Elliott are all injured.

Fittler expressed concern, stating, “I’m not sure how that combination of players will measure up against the Sea Eagles,” after noting the patchwork props in the lineup.

Adding to his rationale for tipping against the Knights, Johns reiterated his concerns in a column for The Sydney Morning Herald.

“Injuries have severely impacted their performance with Jacob Saifiti (calf), Adam Elliott (biceps), and now Leo Thompson (suspension) all absent. Their left edge is also suffering with Bradman Best (hamstring) and Greg Marzhew (knee) out, causing challenges in gaining momentum at the start of sets,” he noted.

“However, Kalyn Ponga has returned after a quieter outing in Origin, and Newcastle needs to provide him with quality early ball. It’s crucial for Adam O’Brien to maintain a consistent spine; when fully fit, keep Ponga at fullback, Sharpe at five-eighth, and Jack Cogger as halfback,” he asserted.

For the record, O’Brien has opted for a spine featuring Ponga, Sharpe, Cogger, and Crossland against the Sea Eagles.

If Johns’ prediction holds true, which aligns with the views of other experts at Nine, the Knights could potentially find themselves at the bottom of the ladder by the end of the weekend.

Check below for the latest leaderboard and Round 14 predictions from all Nine’s expert analysts!

Andrew Johns: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

Brad Fittler: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

Danika Mason: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Warriors, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

Darren Lockyer: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

Paul Gallen: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Panthers, Eels

Mat Thompson: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Eels

Peter Psaltis: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

David Middleton: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

The Mole: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs

Ben Glover: Sea Eagles, Storm, Dolphins, Warriors, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs