Ultimate Guide: NRL Round 25 preview

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Wed 20 Aug 2025, 09:37 AM

The nib Newcastle Knights return home for a huge double-header against the Brisbane Broncos this Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium.

It's Old Boys Day at the home of the Knights as we celebrate our past players to pull on the red and blue.

We've broken down everything so you can enjoy your Sunday afternoon football.

Match Preview

Teams

Round 25 - Round 25 - Sunday 24 Aug

Full Time

Knights

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah Karapani
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
Centre for Knights is number 19 James Schiller

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat Shibasaki
Winger for Knights is number 21 Fletcher Hunt

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake Arthur

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Billy Walters
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack Cogger

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ben Hunt

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory Paix
Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Jermaine McEwen

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jaiyden Hunt
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
Lock for Knights is number 13 Tyson Frizell

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden Brailey

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Thomas Cant

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Ben Talty
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Jesse Arthars

Reserves

Replacement for Knights is number 1 Connor Votano

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Fletcher Baker

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 8/24/2025 2:58:02 PM

Head-to-Head

Since: 1988

Played: 56

Knights: 17

Broncos: 38

Draws: 1

Key Match-Up

Bradman Best v Kotoni Staggs: What a battle this shapes up to be between two fearsome centres.

Bradman has averaged 167 run metres in 2025 along with 60 tackle breaks and nine line-breaks.

The centre will look to be at his defensive best when he tackles Staggs, who scored two tries and broke six tackles in his last match.

Stat Attack

Knights winger Dominic Young has scored five tries in his last four games against the Broncos.

Broncos halfback Ben Hunt will play his 350th NRL game.

The Knights sit fourth in the NRL for tackle breaks with 742 while Brisbane are second with 756.

Gameday Information

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos

Date: Sunday 24 August, 2025

Gates open: 11:30am

NRLW kick-off: 11:50am

NRL kick-off: 2:00pm

Tickets: Purchase here

Membership: Play your part

Merchandise: Show your colours

Match Day Sponsor: Hunter City Motor Group

50/50 Charity Partner: HMRI

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.

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.

Prior to the NRL game, the Old Boys will form the famous guard of honour welcoming the Knights on the field.

Post Game

Kids On Field is back as supporters will be allowed on field after the completion of the NRL match.

Fan Zone

The Fan Zone is back for 2025 with plenty of activations for members and supporters to enjoy pre kick-off.

Have some fun on the Red Energy Jumping Castle
Get your face painted or collect a balloon animal
Collect your Knights KYC pin and a limited-edition NRL or NRLW Poster 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
Say hello to the team at Triple M as they broadcast from outside the stadium
Book your next flight with the team at Newcastle Airport
Have a go at the Newcastle Permanent Pass the Ball challenge

Knights Youth Co. Members

Have you missed any collectible pins this year? Guess what!

Be sure to bring your Knights Youth Co. Membership and get to the Knights Membership tent early to complete your set. The team will be bringing all remaining stock of this year’s pin collection and will help you complete your set if you missed any. While stocks last!

Download the Youth Co. Collectible Checklist here.

Not a member? The Knights Youth Co. Membership is completely FREE* and is a special pass to a whole lot of fun, goodies, merch, pop-ups, perks and activities across the season.

Join now!

Classic Official Members 40% OFF Offer

Show us your Knights Membership Card to receive 40% Off* all Official Classic items in the 2025 merchandise range on Round 25 Game Day - Sunday 24 August 2025. Limited stock remains in-store from home jerseys to training shorts and accessories like hats and sports bags, don’t miss out on grabbing an end of season deal.

*Offer available only on game day, Sunday 24 August 2025 in-shop, at the Black Knight Merchandise Van or at stadium outlets only. No further discounts apply. Knights 2025 membership card must be shown to receive discount at time of purchase. Not available online.

NRLW Half-Time

We'll have our Big Bali Suitcase Race, brought to you by Newcastle Airport.

Also, watch the next budding superstars as Mini Leagues take to the field.

NRL Half-Time

One lucky fan will get the chance to kick for a brand new car, thanks to Hunter City Motor Group, while the Newcastle Herald Kiss Cam also makes a return.

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 - HMRI

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 will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.

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

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