Newcastle returns home to McDonald Jones Stadium for the third time this season for a rematch against the Warriors after the sides met in Round 1 in Wellington.
The Warriors managed a narrow win in the season opener but it wasn't without a scare as the Knights went close to snatching victory late.
Both sides have had a mixed start to the year since - the Warriors winning four of their first five games while the Knights have won two and drawn once.
It is clear that there has been a change in attitude from both clubs in 2023, however, with Warriors coach Andrew Webster showing some good signs early while Adam O'Brien has found some steel from his side.
The Warriors hold a 23-21 head-to-head lead over the Knights overall, a statistic that the home side will want to keep close and get some revenge for the result in the season opener.
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Team News
Knights: A late change for the home side with Mat Croker coming into the starting side at lock, pushing Jack Johns to the interchange. Kurt Mann returns on the bench after missing Round 5 due to concussion and will play. Dylan Lucas is 18th man.
Warriors: Jazz Tevaga will start at lock with Tohu Harris (knee) dropping out while Josh Curran will also come into the back row with Bayley Sironen reverting back to the bench. Taine Tuaupiki joins the interchange alongside Dylan Walker and Tom Ale. Te Maire Martin (head knock) is good to go with Demitric Sifakula 18th man. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (calf) made a successful return via NSW Cup.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have won three of their past four games against the Warriors.
- The Warriors have not defeated the Knights twice in a season since 2016.
- Knights winger Dominic Young has scored six tries in his past three games.
- Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson requires three points for 1,000 points for the club.
- The Knights have won only two of their past 13 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .