NRL Opta facts: Boyd set for landmark as Bennett, Seibold face familiar foes
May 1, 2019 13:51 MYT
Round eight of the 2019 NRL campaign gets under way with two sides led by familiar faces going head to head on Thursday.
South Sydney Rabbitohs have made a flying start to the season, winning six of their first seven games following head coach Wayne Bennett's move from Brisbane Broncos.
And it is the Broncos who visit ANZ Stadium under the stewardship of Anthony Seibold, who moved in the opposite direction as he and Bennett swapped roles in pre-season.
The Broncos' Darius Boyd looks set to reach a major milestone against his former boss, while landmarks also await Canberra Raiders' Joey Leilua and Sydney Roosters' Latrell Mitchell.
With the help of Opta data, we take a look at the next round of NRL action.
THURSDAY
South Sydney Rabbitohs (6-1) v Brisbane Broncos (2-5)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs have scored 10 tries after receiving a penalty in NRL 2019, more than any other team and twice as many as Brisbane Broncos.
Darius Boyd - 300 games #NRLSouthsBroncos#NRL pic.twitter.com/U6wBN9lHLs
— NRL (@NRL) May 1, 2019
FRIDAY
North Queensland Cowboys (2-5) v Gold Coast Titans (2-5)
- North Queensland Cowboys have won their last seven NRL games against Gold Coast Titans, including two wins after trailing at half-time in their last three meetings.
Cronulla Sharks (3-4) v Melbourne Storm (6-1)
- Cronulla Sharks have scored seven tries from kicks in NRL 2019, equal best in the competition (alongside Canberra Raiders); however, no team has conceded fewer tries via this method than Melbourne Storm (one).
SATURDAY
Canberra Raiders (5-2) v Penrith Panthers��(2-5)
- Penrith Panthers have retained 37 per cent of kicks made in general play this NRL campaign, more than any other team in the competition.
We can't wait to head down to Wagga Wagga for our clash against the Panthers this weekend! @destinationnsw#WeAreRaiders #NewSouthWales pic.twitter.com/fMyvXZdDZX
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) April 30, 2019
Manly Sea Eagles (4-3) v Canterbury Bulldogs (2-5)
- Manly Sea Eagles have won their last two NRL games against Canterbury Bulldogs at Lottoland, conceding just six points in the process.
Sydney Roosters (6-1) v Wests Tigers (4-3)
- Sydney Roosters have scored five tries within the opening 10 minutes of game this NRL campaign, more than any other team in the competition.
SUNDAY
New Zealand Warriors (2-5) v Newcastle Knights (2-5)
- Newcastle Knights have won only one NRL game against New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in the last 14 years (L12), with their last victory in such a fixture coming in Round 20, 2012 (24-19).
Who's flying across the ditch for Rd8? Team List - https://t.co/IZUPQchYEQ#GoHardGoKnights #canterburycup #20Knighteen pic.twitter.com/RcE9w2Qds6
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) April 30, 2019
Parramatta Eels (4-3) v St George Illawarra Dragons (4-3)
- Parramatta Eels have won seven of their last eight NRL games against St George Illawarra Dragons, this after having won only one of their 11 prior encounters (D1, L9).