After ending up on different sides of two-point contests in Round 1, the Knights and Dolphins meet again in a head-to-head match-up that in recent times has delivered a string of close contests.
Newcastle didn't lead Wests Tigers until Greg Marzhew's 67th-minute try last week but emerged victorious after outlasting their opponents in the arm wrestle that saw Kalyn Ponga come up with some massive moments on both sides of the ball.
The Queenslander completed several impressive goal-line escapes when the game sat in the balance and was a constant menace in attack, making two line breaks himself and setting up a third.
The Dolphins meanwhile were run down late by the Rabbitohs after giving a solid account of themselves, despite the distraction of Cyclone Alfred, which caused the game to be relocated.
Playmaker Kodi Nikorima and veteran forwards Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich are all available again for Round 2 after remaining in Queensland last week to be with their families but Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion) and Connelly Lemuelu (fractured eye socket) will miss the match.
Last year the Knights won both encounters against the Dolphins, the first by four points and the second by eight, while across their last three meetings there's been just 14 points separate the two sides.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 2 -
home Team
Knights
4th Position
away Team
Dolphins
15th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: No game day changes with the Knights lining up 1-17. Veteran back-rower Adam Elliott returns after missing Round 1 and takes over on the bench from Brodie Jones, who goes to 18th man. No other changes for Adam O'Brien after a solid first-up win over Wests Tigers.
Dolphins: The loss of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion protocol) and Connelly Lemuelu (fractured eye socket) forces a restructure in the pack with Oryn Keeley promoted from 18th man to start in the back row and Mark Nicholls joining the bench in his return after missing last week's game to remain in Queensland with his family during the cyclone. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima also returns to the starting side so Sean O'Sullivan goes to 18th man.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 2 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 James SchillerWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Junior Tupou
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher SharpeFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack CoggerHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Dolphins is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Dolphins is number 10 Felise Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Oryn Keeley
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Max Plath
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Tyson FrizellLock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden BraileyInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Kurt Donoghoe
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Adam ElliottInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Mark Nicholls
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat CrokerInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Ray Stone
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Brodie JonesReplacement for Dolphins is number 18 Sean O'Sullivan
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won their last three games against the Dolphins.
- The Dolphins will play their 50th game since entering the premiership in 2023.
- Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe has scored seven tries in his past three games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Winger Jamayne Isaako has scored points in 49 consecutive games for the Dolphins.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored 19 tries from 22 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
