Knights v Broncos: Gamble returns; Reynolds back on deck
The Newcastle Knights are out to keep in touch with the top eight as they return home to host the Broncos on Saturday night.
The two sides are coming off last-start losses and are desperate to keep their finals hopes alive with just eight rounds remaining in the regular season.
Newcastle currently sit 10th on 20 points, with Brisbane down in 13th on 18 points. Such is the cluttered nature of the competition, just four points separate the eighth-placed Cowboys (22 points) and 15th-placed Rabbitohs (18 points).
The means Saturday's clash at McDonald Jones Stadium is crucial for both sides as they look to make a run to the finals.
The Knights were comprehensively beaten by Manly in Round 19, falling 44-6 as the Sea Eagles backs ran rampant.
Coach Adam O'Brien hopes to welcome back a trio of Origin stars, with Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Bradman Best all in the mix to back up after Wednesday's decider.
The Broncos were also undermanned in their loss to the Dragons, but have three of their Origin stars set to return this weekend as they look to snap a six-game losing streak, with skipper Adam Reynolds also named to play.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Knights v Broncos
Team News
Knights: Tyson Gamble is a late inclusion at five-eighth and will play his first match since Round 10. Dylan Lucas has moved to lock with Adam Elliott out with a minor calf issue. Mat Croker joins the bench. All of Newcastle's Origin stars will back up including Blues hero Bradman Best, who had six stitches inserted in a cut lip. Jack Hetherington is also back in place of Brodie Jones (head knock).
Broncos: Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds will make his return from a biceps injury after completing Friday morning's captain's run. Coach Kevin Walters has also received a major boost with three of his four Origin stars cleared to back up. Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Reece Walsh will line up for Brisbane, with Selwyn Cobbo to sit out the match due to groin soreness. Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington move to the bench. Josiah Karapani is 18th man.
Match: Knights v Broncos
Round 20 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Broncos is number 20 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Krystian MapapalangiWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Broncos is number 4 Deine Mariner
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Broncos is number 5 Jesse Arthars
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 18 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Broncos is number 24 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel SaifitiProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Broncos is number 23 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Knights is number 17 Dylan LucasLock for Broncos is number 22 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jayden BraileyInterchange for Broncos is number 10 Xavier Willison
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob SaifitiInterchange for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Mat CrokerInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 20 Thomas CantReplacement for Broncos is number 16 Josiah Karapani
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won only two of their past nine games against the Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Broncos have won their past four games against the Knights.
- Long-serving Knights hooker Jayden Brailey has lost all six games against the Broncos.
- Knights centre Bradman Best has scored four tries in his past five NRL games.
Match: Knights v Broncos
Round 20 -
home Team
Knights
12th Position
away Team
Broncos
10th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
