Bulldogs v Knights: King cleared; Gamble in for Cogger
Both the Bulldogs and Knights head into their Round 7 clash thinking what could have been after going down in two-point nail-biters last week.
The Dogs were pipped at the post by the Storm, with a Josh Addo-Carr hat-trick not enough to get them their third win of the season.
The Knights also started their match well against the Roosters, but could not hold out their fightback, going down 22-20 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
On the injury front, the Bulldogs have suffered a heavy toll in recent weeks, with Kurt Mann (hand) and Harrison Edwards (neck) remaining sidelined but Blake Taaffe will return from concussion.
For the Knights, Jacob Saifiti is free to play after accepting a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle charge.
Bulldogs forward Sam Hughes is also good to go after he pleaded guilty to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge and received a fine.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Knights
Team News
Bulldogs: Prop Max King has been cleared (wrist) to play and will start at prop with Sam Hughes shifting to the bench and Poasa Fa'amausili dropping out on game day. Blake Taaffe will come off the bench after missing last week with concussion, with Connor Tracey named at fullback instead.
Knights: More changes on game day with Jack Cogger dropping out of the side and Tyson Gamble called up to the halves in a tactical move from Adam O'Brien. Daniel Saifiti has been called up to the starting squad in a straight switch with twin brother Jacob. Centre Dane Gagai dropped out on Saturday with a calf injury, which triggers a reshuffle that sees Enari Tuala go to centre and Thomas Jenkins come in on the wing. Captain Kalyn Ponga (hip) is good to go at fullback, but he may relinquish goal-kicking duties. Mat Croker is the side's 18th man.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 7 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Knights is number 2 Greg Marzhew
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Knights is number 5 Enari Tuala
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Knights is number 22 Thomas Jenkins
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Knights is number 20 Tyson Gamble
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Drew HutchisonHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Chris PatoloProp for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 22 Max KingProp for Knights is number 15 Daniel Saifiti
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh CurranLock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 8 Samuel HughesInterchange for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix Crossland
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Blake TaaffeInterchange for Knights is number 19 Brodie Jones
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Jake TurpinReplacement for Knights is number 17 Mat Croker
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have not defeated the Knights at Accor Stadium since 2014.
- The Knights have won five of their past six games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton has scored 50 points in his past four games at Accor Stadium.
- Knights lock Adam Elliott will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 21 tries in 22 games at Accor Stadium.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 7 -
home Team
Bulldogs
12th Position
away Team
Knights
14th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
