Knights v Bulldogs: Canterbury youngster set to debut; Saifiti returns
Two sides who have recently found their form, a place in the eight could be on the line when the Knights and Bulldogs meet in Round 13.
Newcastle will take the field refreshed from a bye while the Bulldogs head to McDonald Jones Stadium buoyed by their 44-12 demolition over the Dragons last Thursday.
Adam O'Brien's men are riding high on the back of a fourth consecutive win in Magic Round, however face a tough month ahead with star centre Bradman Best joining Kalyn Ponga and Tyson Gamble on the sideline after suffering a hamstring injury which also ruled him out of Origin contention.
Cameron Ciraldo, meanwhile, will lose Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton to Origin camp this week, however the performance of halfback Toby Sexton against the Dragons was a great showcase of the Bulldogs' depth this season.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Knights v Bulldogs
Team News
Knights: After a week off with the bye the Knights return to action with a couple of changes to the side which beat the Titans in Round 11. Daniel Saifiti returns from suspension to take a place on the bench ahead of Jack Hetherington, while Krystian Mapapalangi comes in for his first game since 2022 to replace the injured Bradman Best at centre. The side will run out as named, with no late changes on Friday night.
Bulldogs: A handful of changes for the Bulldogs one hour before kickoff. Kurt Mann has moved to the bench in his return to the field, with Bailey Hayward to start in his place at lock. Lipoi Hopoi is set to make his NRL debut after being promoted to the interchange in jumper No.19 as Poasa Fa'amausili drops out. Harry Hayes will be the 18th man.
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 13 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 David ArmstrongFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Enari TualaWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Krystian MapapalangiCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jacob Kiraz
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack CoggerFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Drew Hutchison
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Jacob Preston
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Hayward
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandInterchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt Mann
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson FrizellInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh Curran
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Daniel SaifitiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Lipoi Hopoi
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Thomas CantReplacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Harry Hayes
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights are aiming for their fifth consecutive victory.
- The Bulldogs are aiming for home and away wins against the Knights for the first time since 2017.
- Knights fullback David Armstrong has scored five tries in his past four games.
- The Bulldogs have won seven of their past nine games in Newcastle.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored 16 tries in 15 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 13 -
home Team
Knights
11th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
