Ultimate Guide: NRL Round 17 preview

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Wed 25 Jun 2025, 11:17 AM

The nib Newcastle Knights return home for a massive Friday showdown against the Canberra Raiders.

As part of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, the game will come together to help raise funds for a vital cause and what is always a special round at the home of the Knights.

We've broken everything down ahead of this Friday night clash so you can enjoy your gameday.

Match Preview

Teams

Round 17 - Friday 27th June

Full Time

Knights

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Jed Stuart
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
Winger for Knights is number 5 James Schiller

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jackson Hastings

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack Cogger

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tyson Frizell

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Simi Sasagi
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Zac Hosking
Lock for Knights is number 13 Phoenix Crossland

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Brodie Jones

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Owen Pattie
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Thomas Cant

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Noah Martin
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jermaine McEwen

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Morgan Smithies
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat Croker

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ata Mariota

Reserves

Replacement for Knights is number 18 Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Trey Mooney

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 12:20 am Monday 30th June 2025

Head-to-Head

Since: 1988

Played: 59

Knights: 27

Raiders: 30

Draws: 2

Key Match-Up

Jacob Saifiti v Joe Tapine: A huge battle in the middle of the park between the two pack leaders.

Saifiti returns to the line-up after overcoming a calf injury, while has averaged 116 run metres in 2025.

The Knights forward pack will have to be at their best against Tapine, who has 25 offloads for the season so far.

Stat Attack

Knights utility Phoenix Crossland will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Jack Cogger will play his 50th match for the Club.

The Knights hold the third best defensive record in the competition while the Raiders have the third best attacking record.

Gameday Information

Date: Friday 27 June

Gates open: 5:15pm

NSW Cup kick-off: 5:30pm

NRL kick-off: 8:00pm

Tickets: Purchase here

Membership: Play your part

Merchandise: Show your colours

Match Day Sponsor: Triple M

50/50 Charity Partner: Mark Hughes Foundation

Get behind your Knights for the run-home

The Knights are heading into the run-home for the 2025 season and will need all of your unwavering and passionate support to make a charge towards September football.

With crucial home games set to rock McDonald Jones Stadium, you can secure your seat today with a number of Membership options to suit your needs.

Plus, with exciting double-headers around the corner with the NRLW squad, supporters of the red and blue will be set for some action-packed moments at the home of the Knights.

See the membership options here.

Pre-Game

Enjoy the pre-game hype out the front of the stadium in the Fan Zone or the pre-match entertainment including club content, player interviews and mini leagues.

The Big Three Trek, raising vital funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation, will finish their long, three-day walk from Sydney ahead of kick-off.

Also, we'll introduce our NRLW squad on-field ahead of their season beginning on July 4.

You can also swing by Wests New Lambton to soak in the pre-game buzz alongside your fellow Knights supporters and support the club that supports the Knights!

Just a short 5-minute stroll from the stadium, Wests is the ideal pre-game experience all season long.

Beanie for Brain Cancer Round

In what is continually a special round on the rugby league calendar and one that is close to the heart for Knights supporters, Round 17 against Canberra will form part of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.

Mark Hughes started his own foundation in 2014 after the former Knight was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Every beanie sold on the night and throughout the round goes directly to the Mark Hughes Foundation in the quest to find a cure for brain cancer.

Don your 2025 beanie by purchasing one at the game or at your local IGA, Lowes or online here.

Fan Zone

Get a photo or an autograph with the full 2025 NRLW squad from 6-7pm
Support the Mark Hughes Foundation by buying your own 2025 beanie
Have some fun on the Red Energy Jumping Castle
Get your face painted or collect a ballon animal
Collect your Knights KYC pin from our Membership team
Book your next holiday with the team at Reflections Holidays
Say hello to the team at McDonald Jones Homes
Deck yourself out in Knights kit at the 'Black Knight' merch van
Donate and go into the running to win a prize with the 50/50 charity raffle, with team wearing green around the grounds
Collect a limited-edition NRL or NRLW Poster from our Membership team
Say hello to the team at Triple M at their live broadcast

Half-Time

We'll have our Kick for Cash, thanks to Triple M, plus local runner Scott Hingston will arrive after his massive run from Melbourne raising money for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Venue

McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292

Membership Support

The Knights Membership Team are available to assist with any issues on match day. The team are located outside the entrance to the Western grandstand at the Membership Box Office Window.

We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets prior to match day to avoid disappointment and queues.

50-50 Charity Raffle

The 50-50 Charity Raffle is a not-for-profit fundraising product operated by the 50-50 Foundation. It is the Foundation's aim to raise significant funds for charities and good causes by partnering with sporting clubs and teams, event owners and charity partners to host fundraising raffles.

50% of the prize pool raised at each fundraising raffle goes to one lucky ticket holder who is drawn at random during the event. The remaining 50% goes directly towards charitable purposes.

This week's Charity Partner - Mark Hughes Foundation

Purchase a ticket

Shuttle

Knights fans will have an easy time getting to Newcastle Knights home games thanks to free, dedicated bus services that will run to McDonald Jones Stadium during the 2025 season.

See timetable here.

Free bus services for Knights fans will run at regular intervals from two hours prior to kick off from selected bus stops along the route. Return services will run for around an hour after full-time. Catch one of the five stadium shuttle services to get to Knights games at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2024.

Parking

Fans driving to the game are encouraged to plan to arrive early as parking on-site and in the area will be in high demand and traffic may be heavier than usual.

Parking on game days is available only for vehicles with a pre-paid parking ticket.

Disabled parking areas have been designated in close proximity to each of the McDonald Jones Stadium accessible entries.

To purchase mobility parking please phone Ticketmaster on 136 100 or visit the Ticketmaster box office at the Stadium.

Train

The closest station to McDonald Jones Stadium is Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.

Trains run regularly to Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line which is within walking distance of McDonald Jones Stadium.

Remember you'll need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling to and from the game on public transport. Register your details via the Opal website or app ahead of time.

Drop-off zones

If you wish to drop off a patron in the stadium's car park we do have a 10-minute loading zone. This can be accessed by entering either driveway off Turton Road.

Taxi

McDonald Jones Stadium taxi stand is located at Young Road, Broadmeadow. Taxis can be accessed after the event by following the signs to Young Road. For further information please contact Newcastle Taxis on 13 33 00.

Accommodation

Looking for somewhere to stay? Take advantage of accommodation at The Executive; one of the closest hotels to the stadium featuring kids stay free* all year round.

Only a 13-minute walk to the stadium! Call 02 4935 1100 to book or jump online to explore availability.

*T&Cs apply.

To watch

The NRL match will be shown live on Nine, Nine Now, Fox League and Kayo Sports.

For overseas viewers, you can tune in via watchnrl.com