Two of last year's finalists square off for the second time in five weeks as both the Knights and Warriors struggle with injuries and inconsistencies to start the season.
Newcastle will be looking to make it two-straight for the first time this year after showing they're willing to fight for their season in a morale boosting victory over the Dolphins on Sunday.
With Kalyn Ponga ruled out for three months (lisfranc), rookie fullback David Armstrong was a shining light for Adam O'Brien's side and will be looking to build on his memorable debut against the Warriors on Sunday.
The Round 8 victory however looks to have come at a cost for the Newcastle club with Jacob Saifiti, Jed Cartwright and Greg Marzhew all facing time on the sideline with injuries.
After racing to an early 12-0 lead, the Warriors meanwhile, left fans scratching their heads after handing the Titans their first victory for the season.
Andrew Webster is refusing to push the panic button yet however, ensuring post-match it's not too late to rediscover the form that took them all the way to a preliminary final last year, after recording just four wins in their first ten matches of 2023.
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Team News
Knights: A late change on game day sees Daniel Saifiti join the run-on side with Jack Hetherington shifting to the bench after being named in the reserves earlier in the week. The news comes after Jacob Saifiti (leg) was ruled out on Saturday. No other changes to the side that downed the Dolphins with David Armstrong going again at fullback after making a try-scoring debut in ANZAC Round. Tom Cant is 18th man.
Warriors: A change on game day with Adam Pompey called onto the bench in place of rookie backrower Jacob Laban who has dropped down to 18th man. A timely injection of experience for the Kiwi side as they aim to end a three-game winless streak, with veteran back-rower Kurt Capewell returning from a throat injury and Bunty Afoa set to play after time out with a hamstring injury. That bumps rookie Jacob Laban back to the bench.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have won eight of their past 10 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Knights.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored five tries in four games against the Warriors.
- The Warriors have not won in Newcastle since 2019.
- Knights goalkickers have landed 25 of their 26 attempts at goal in 2024.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com