![Knights v Dolphins: Frizell, KPP boost; Bromwich back on deck](/siteassets/2024/-nrl-season-/240905---round-27/240908---knights-v-dolphins/nrl24_rd27_knightsvdolphins.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.5&preset=hero-primary-wide)
The Knights and Dolphins are set to face off in a showdown for eighth place on the ladder and the final spot in the finals on Sunday afternoon.
After 26 rounds, it comes down to the last game of the season at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Dolphins climbed back into the top eight with a dominant 40-6 win over the Broncos last weekend, while the Knights drew level on 28 points with a victory over the Titans.
The winner on Sunday afternoon will finish in eighth place and progress to the finals. A draw would leave the door open for the winner of the Dragons clash with the Raiders to leapfrog both teams and snare the last place in the playoffs.
The Dolphins are chasing their maiden finals berth while Newcastle hope to return to the finals after a semi-final exit last year.
Wayne Bennett welcomed back a host of key figures in Round 26, with Jeremy Marshall-King and Tavita Pangai Junior returning from injury amid a wider reshuffle that proved a masterstroke.
Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima are set to return from concussion protocols this weekend in a major boost for the Dolphins.
The Knights are hoping to have Tyson Frizell (concussion protocols) and Kai Pearce-Paul (laceration) back on deck for Sunday's must-win clash.
Newcastle prevailed 18-14 when the two sides faced off in Round 8, Adam O'Brien's side holding off a fast-finishing Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 27 -
home Team
Knights
9th Position
away Team
Dolphins
8th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Knights have scored 124 points in their past four games.
- Dolphins five-eighth Jake Averillo has scored five tries in his past four games.
- Knights winger Fletcher Sharpe has scored eight tries in his past five games.
- The Dolphins have won only two of nine games played at New South Wales venues.
- The Knights have won their final home game of the season in four of the past five years.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 27 -
home Team
Knights
9th Position
away Team
Dolphins
8th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.