This was published 8 years ago
Kade Snowden, Jeremy Smith to return and beef up Newcastle Knights pack
By Craig Kerry
Returning Knights prop Kade Snowden says Newcastle need to start winning the forwards battle, beginning in Canberra on Friday night, or risk staying in the NRL cellar for the rest of the season.
Snowden and back-row enforcer Jeremy Smith will be key additions to the Newcastle pack when they take on the Raiders at GIO Stadium in round 18.
Jeremy Smith will return to take on the RaidersCredit: Jonathan Carroll
Smith has not played NRL since fracturing his sternum in round 10 but is set to return after coming through half a game in Newcastle's 48-14 NSW Cup win over Manly on Sunday.
Snowden served a one-game suspension in the 44-22 loss to Brisbane before last weekend's bye for a careless high tackle against Cronulla.
Former Test forwards and halves Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts are expected to be named to return in Newcastle's side on Tuesday.
Snowden came back from a neck injury in Newcastle's 44-22 loss to Canberra in round 13 at Hunter Stadium as the Raiders pack dominated to lay the platform for halves Sam Williams and Blake Austin to run riot.
He said the Knights needed to win the battle in the middle of the park if they were to turn around their season, which has featured 10 losses in their past 11 games.
"I think that's been our problem since round five, since we started losing," Snowden said when asked about Canberra's forward domination in round 13.
"It's something we've definitely been working on and we just haven't stuck with it. It's got to start soon or we're going to be down the bottom of the table all year."
The 28-year-old said Newcastle's biggest problem has been handling errors, and they could match the Raiders up front on Friday night if they improved that area of their game.
"They're a big pack, so if we can wear them out early, hold the ball and complete, we've got a chance," Snowden said.
Knights coach Rick Stone said Smith had pulled up well from his return on Sunday and "should take his place with a bit more confidence on Friday".
Mullen did not train on Monday as he manages his return from a toe injury but Stone expected the former NSW halfback to train on Tuesday then play for the first time since aggravating the problem against North Queensland in round eight.
"He should be back," Stone said.
"We'll name him and we think he's going to play this weekend, and that's the plan at this stage."
The Knights will also hope to have Queensland winger Dane Gagai and NSW second-rower Beau Scott and Blues standby Sione Mata'utia on board for the trip to Canberra.