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Head to head: Speedy No.9 and Origin halves

The nib Newcastle Knights will travel to Lottoland in Round 20 in hopes of knocking off Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in their own backyard.

Recording a monumental win in their last trip to Manly, the Knights will be looking to bounce back after a string of losses and get their season back on track.

We've compiled the key match-ups across the park.

Consistently has his hat in the ring as the hardest worker on the field. Need a tough carry out of yardage and your forwards are gassed? Shaun Kenny-Dowall is your man!

'Not many people know this story, but we do'

Kenny-Dowall has clocked up the second highest running metres in the entire Knights squad, behind enforcer David Klemmer, who has totalled 2638 metres.

 

Look up Hymel Hunt in the dictionary and you will find his photo and the words 'bang for buck'.

Since joining the Club, Hunt has been a staple of the Knights attack, equal with Kalyn Ponga as the Club's leading try-scorer.

Saifiti: NRL return, Manly pack and motivation

Most notably, Hymel is a tireless worker in defence. His attitude and intent are second to none and his combination with Edrick Lee earlier in the season proved a dangerous one.

 

The battle of the Origin halves. If there is one thing that can be said about Mitchell Pearce, it is that he is tough beyond measure. Both physically and mentally.

Line engagement is a stat that is often overlooked. A No.7 that has the ability to take on the line, as well as direct play, is one that is truly dangerous for the opposition.

 

With Danny Levi left out of the squad, Connor Watson's performances have been rewarded by Nathan Brown promoting him to the No.9, with the expectation to play 80 minutes in the middle.

Statement on future of Jesse Ramien

Watson threw his hat in the ring as a hooker option in the gritty win over Souths in Round 13.

His speed out of dummy half is second to none and places huge pressure on the 'a' defenders and lazy markers.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon jumps straight into the starting side after overcoming an elbow injury ahead of schedule.

Known in past seasons as a try-scoring machine, Fitzgibbon has rolled up the sleeves in 2019 and transformed into an offensive workhorse and reliable defender.