Bulldogs v Knights: Averillo out; Frizell banned
After surviving a tense battle with the Sharks to remain in the top eight, the Knights can't afford a slip-up against the bottom-placed Bulldogs.
With the Knights' points differential the worst of the seven teams battling for the last two spots in the eight, finishing in a tie for eighth spot isn't an option.
The Bulldogs will again search for some positives to end another unhappy season.
The arrival of more than half a team's worth of talent before the 2022 campaign means those on the books now need to prove their worth.
Going back to last year, Canterbury have won five of their last 41 matches.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 23 -
home Team
Bulldogs
16th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Lachlan Lewis starts at five-eighth in place of Jake Averillo, who is out with a foot problem and a calf strain.
Corey Allan, a late withdrawal due to illness on Sunday, is back on deck and straight into the starting side.
Matt Doorey is 18th man, with Watson Heleta dropping out of the squad an hour before kick-off. Falakiko Manu and Chris Patolo were left out on Friday.
The Bulldogs have won eight of their past 10 games against the Knights.
Knights: Tyson Frizell has accepted a one-game ban for a high tackle on Sharks fullback Will Kennedy with Brodie Jones stepping up to start in his place.
The loss of Daniel Saifiti to a knee injury sees David Klemmer move in to the starting side.
Jirah Momoisea will make his NRL debut from the bench after overcoming a ruptured Achilles earlier this year.
Chris Randall will provide utility cover from the bench this week with Roosters-bound livewire Connor Watson to start.
Nathaniel Sasagi is the 18th man. Pasami Saulo dropped off the reserves list on game day after Jack Johns and Phoenix Crossland were omitted 24 hours before the game.
The Knights are aiming for two wins in a season against the Bulldogs for the first time since 2013.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 23 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Corey AllanWinger for Knights is number 2 Enari Tuala
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will HopoateCentre for Knights is number 3 Kurt Mann
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Aaron SchouppCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jayden OkunborWinger for Knights is number 5 Hymel Hunt
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 21 Lachlan LewisFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake Clifford
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Knights is number 7 Mitchell Pearce
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Luke ThompsonProp for Knights is number 8 David Klemmer
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jackson TopineHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Ryan JamesProp for Knights is number 10 Jacob Saifiti
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Brodie Jones
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh JacksonLock for Knights is number 13 Connor Watson
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Biondi-OdoInterchange for Knights is number 14 Sauaso Sue
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Ava SeumanufagaiInterchange for Knights is number 15 Josh King
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Corey HorsburghInterchange for Knights is number 16 Jirah Momoisea
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Joe StimsonInterchange for Knights is number 17 Chris Randall
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Matt DooreyReserve for Knights is number 21 Simi Sasagi
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Luke Thompson v David Klemmer. Thompson returns from suspension and Klemmer is likely to shoulder more of the load considering the knee injury suffered by Daniel Saifiti last weekend. Both these players love to lead forward packs with their actions, not words.
Stat attack
Points could be at a premium in this one. The Bulldogs have the lowest return in 2021 (268 in 21 games), and the Knights are 15th on that table with 369.
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