Tips: The moment Slater tried to claim Knights rookie

10 days ago

Anzac Round has arrived in the NRL, with eight blockbuster games on the agenda.

And Maroons coach Billy Slater will have his eyes on Knights debutant David Armstrong when he makes his first grade debut at fullback filling in for the injured Kalyn Ponga.

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While giving his tips on Freddy and the Eighth's Tips, Andrew Johns recalled a moment from last season where Armstrong caught Slater's eye.

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"I was watching a lower grade game last year sitting next to Billy Slater," Johns recalled.

"Dave Armstrong got the ball and did a couple of things, and Billy went 'Oh, who's that?'.

David Armstrong will make his first grade debut at fullback for the Knights against the Dolphins. (NRL Photos)

"Next question, 'where's he from?'"

The answer is Moree, just on the southern side of the NSW-Queensland border. But, like many others from the area, Armstrong played his footy on the other side of the Macintyre River in Goondiwindi, Queensland.

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"(Billy) said he's got something," Joey said.

"So if the great Billy Slater thinks he's got something that's good enough for me."

The Roosters and Dragons will headline Anzac Day in the NRL, with games either side.

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Trent Robinson will welcome back star halfback Sam Walker in a timely boost, but they will face a Red V outfit brimming with confidence after their best victory in years.

Gold Coast travels across the ditch to face the Warriors for a new Anzac Day fixture, with the Storm now set to square off against the Rabbitohs.

Manly will be out to honour the memory of Terry Hill against a desperate Parramatta outfit on Friday night, before two big mismatch games between the Broncos and Tigers, as well as the Cowboys and Panthers, on Saturday.

The in-form Dolphins will host the Knights - without Kalyn Ponga - on Sunday afternoon, before the first-placed Sharks travel to GIO Stadium to meet the Raiders.

Scroll below for the current leaderboard and Round 8 tips by all Nine's expert tipsters!

Nine's NRL tipping leaderboard. (Nine)

Andrew Johns: Warriors, Storm, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Knights, Raiders

Allana Ferguson: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Darren Lockyer: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Cowboys, Dolphins, Sharks

Ruan Sims: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Paul Gallen: Warriors, Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Billy Slater: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Michael Chammas: Warriors, Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Raiders

Mat Thompson: Warriors, Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Peter Psaltis: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

The Mole: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

Ben Glover: Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks

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