A season that started with such promise has turned into a nightmare for two clubs who played finals in 2021 and would have had designs on being part of the September action again this year.
The Knights launched their campaign with wins over the Roosters and Tigers before hitting the skids with seven straight losses while Gold Coast won two of their first four and pushed Parramatta and Canberra in the other two.
As they head into round 16, the Titans sit last, with a second wooden spoon in four years staring them in the face. The Knights are 12th, three wins outside the eight, but they can take some comfort in the fact their run home includes games against the Bulldogs, Tigers and the Titans again in round 24.
To say this is a must-win match for both sides would be a massive understatement and with so much at stake, this shapes as a gripping struggle in front of the loyal Newcastle faithful.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Knights v Titans
The Rundown
Team news
Knights: Daniel Saifiti (knee) is a late inclusion in the starting line-up after he got through a final training session on Thursday, with twin Jacob shifting to the interchange and Pasami Saulo omitted. Bradman Best (elbow) won't play after he was cut from the extended squad. Star fullback Kalyn Ponga (concussion) was ruled out following Origin II with his place is taken by Tex Hoy. Lachlan Fitzgibbon is 18th man.
Titans: Superstar David Fifita (knee) will return via the bench for his first game since round 12. Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is set to back up from Origin while Moeaki Fotuaika is good to go after representing Tonga on Saturday. Corey Thompson was named as 18th man when the line-up was finalised 60 minutes before kick-off after overcoming a knee problem.
Match: Knights v Titans
Round 16 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tex HoyFullback for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Edrick LeeWinger for Titans is number 2 Greg Marzhew
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Enari TualaCentre for Titans is number 4 Patrick Herbert
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Dominic YoungWinger for Titans is number 5 Jamayne Isaako
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Anthony MilfordFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Paul Turner
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Adam CluneHalfback for Titans is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 David KlemmerProp for Titans is number 8 Jarrod Wallace
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Chris RandallHooker for Titans is number 9 Erin Clark
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Prop for Knights is number 22 Daniel SaifitiProp for Titans is number 10 Isaac Liu
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Sam McIntyre
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Kurt MannLock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 10 Jacob SaifitiInterchange for Titans is number 14 Tanah Boyd
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Simi SasagiInterchange for Titans is number 15 Moeaki Fotuaika
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Leo ThompsonInterchange for Titans is number 17 David Fifita
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Mat CrokerInterchange for Titans is number 19 Herman Ese'ese
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 19 Lachlan FitzgibbonReplacement for Titans is number 18 Corey Thompson
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
David Klemmer v Isaac Liu: With 403 games of experience between them, Klemmer and Liu have huge roles to play in trying to turn around the fortunes of their clubs. Klemmer has been immense for the Knights, churning out 144 metres per game and slipping 22 offloads in his 10 matches. Two-time premiership winner Liu's value to the Titans goes far beyond his 99 run metres and 27 tackles per match, as he imparts the knowledge acquired over 217 games at the elite level. No quarter will be asked or given as two of the game's true warriors leave it all on the park in search of victory.
Stat Attack
The Knights have won just one of six matches on their home patch this season, taking care of Wests Tigers 26-4 back in round two. Since then they have lost to Manly, Parramatta, Melbourne, Brisbane and Penrith at McDonald Jones Stadium, conceding 197 points and scoring just 28. Last year the Knights were 5-4 at home before the competition was transferred to Queensland due to COVID. The Titans are 1-8 away from Cbus Super Stadium in 2022.
Match: Knights v Titans
Round 16 -
home Team
Knights
12th Position
away Team
Titans
15th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
