Three late tries couldn't rescue the Wests Tigers from a seventh loss for the season last weekend, while the Knights are riding high after a come-from-behind win over the Raiders.
The contrasting fortunes for both clubs still bring them to Brisbane with some momentum. The Wests Tigers scored five tries and the Knights four in their round nine clashes.
Maybe the pressure of not having to try to live up to the great Tommy Raudonikis's legacy will help this week.
The Wests Tigers lost their way at Leichhardt Oval against the Cowboys in round five just days after his death, and then fell short against the Titans at Campbelltown Stadium last weekend after another Raudonikis tribute.
The Knights will be looking for a repeat Magic Round success this week, after they toppled the Bulldogs 22-10 at Suncorp Stadium in 2019 - the win coming in the midst of a six-game streak.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
The rundown
Team news
Tigers: The Tigers will line up 1-17 as named with Stefano Utoikamanu the last man to drop out of the squad and Michael Chee Kam 18th man.
Coach Michael Maguire has revamped his spine, switching Adam Doueihi to centre and Moses Mbye five-eighth while Jacob Liddle wins back the starting role at No.9.
Back-rower Shawn Blore and halfback Jock Madden have been named on the interchange. Madden makes his NRL debut.
Winger Tommy Talau returns from suspension to oust rookie Zac Cini, whose dream debut turned into a second-game nightmare against the Gold Coast last week.
Deposed dummy-half Jake Simpkin and Tom Amone were the first cuts 24 hours out from the round 10 opener.
Wests Tigers' defensive record after nine rounds is the worst in the club’s history.
Knights: A late change an hour before kick-off with Hymel Hunt back from a hamstring injury on the wing in jersey 18. Brayden Musgrove drops out. Josh King is 18th man.
Kalyn Ponga will not suit up for Magic Round after being ruled out with a hip injury.
Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien confirmed on Thursday that the Queensland representative would be sidelined with Tex Hoy coming into the side at fullback for the trip to Brisbane.
Simi Sasagi was the other player to drop out of the squad on Thursday.
Edrick Lee (foot) is still waiting to make his return from injury.
Back-rower Mitch Barnett will make his 100th NRL appearance.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Key match-up
Daine Laurie v Tex Hoy: The dancing footwork and elusive running of Laurie and Ponga's replacement, Hoy, should provide a fair chunk of the entertainment in this game, plus influence the point-scoring.
Laurie has four tries and 41 tackle busts this season while Hoy has done a solid job when called upon to fill on for Ponga, who made eight tackle busts of his own in last week's come-from-behind win against the Raiders.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stat attack
The Knights are averaging 17.9 games per game in 2021, just a tick ahead of the Tigers with 17.6 per match, suggesting a tight contest is on the cards.
Both are well shy of big guns Melbourne (32.4 points per game), Eels 28.9, Panthers 28.9 and Roosters 28.2.
Head to NRL Pick'Em and get pickin’ to win a share of $100,000 cash every week!
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com