With each passing week the spectre of back-to-back wooden spoons looms larger for Wests Tigers, who were unable to convert a strong opening term into a desperately needed win against the Sharks.
After entering the competition in 2000 the joint venture claimed their first ever wooden spoon last year and have eight matches left to climb out of the cellar and avoid a repeat.
The return of chief playmaker Luke Brooks can't come quickly enough for Wests Tigers, who have managed just 30 points across their past four matches while conceding 166 points.
The Knights sit three points outside the top eight so they need to start a charge on the back of inspirational skipper Kalyn Ponga and newly minted Blue Bradman Best.
With games against the Tigers, Bulldogs and Dragons among their final eight matches, the men from the Hunter will get their opportunity to chalk up some wins, but they also confront the Storm, Sharks and Raiders so a return to the finals will be well earned if they get there.
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Team News
Knights: Dane Gagai's return from a foot injury has been put on hold with Enari Tuala coming back into the starting side. Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti will back up from Origin III. Dylan Lucas is 18th man while Kalyn Ponga will notch his 100th game for the Knights.
Wests Tigers: There are no late changes for the visitors. Api Koroisau will return from a broken jaw in a boost for the side while Alex Twal is also back from suspension. Daine Laurie will be 18th man with Will Smith remaining at five-eighth.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have not won consecutive games all season.
- The Knights have won their past three games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have won one from seven away from home in 2023.
- Knights captain Kalyn Ponga will play his 100th game for the club.
- Wests Tigers have conceded 166 points in their past four games.
- Knights winger Dominic Young has scored 16 tries from his past 14 games
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.