For the first time since their season ended there at the hands of the Warriors last September, the Knights head back to Go Media Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Warriors are back in Auckland for their second home game on the trot – after they earned their first win of the season last Friday against the Raiders in Christchurch – and will be looking to continue their climb up the ladder after a slow start in 2024.
Newcastle meanwhile overcame a sloppy display against the Storm, which included missing 41 tackles, to secure a two-point win which improves them to a 2-1 record, with fullback Kalyn Ponga and back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul their standout performers.
Knights prop Leo Thompson will miss the match after copping a one-game ban for Dangerous Contact, while the Warriors will have their fingers crossed hooker Wayde Egan (elbow) will be good to go after being a late withdrawal from their squad each of their past two games.
The Round 1 defeat to Cronulla was the Warriors' first loss in eight games at Go Media Stadium, while the Knights have won at the venue just twice in 15 visits since 2006.
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Warriors: A late change on game day sees utility Chanel Harris-Tavita join the bench change in place of back-up hooker Freddy Lussick. Dylan Walker was ruled out on Saturday after succumbing to an ankle injury and Jazz Tevaga called into the side as he was last week. Marata Niukore (foot) is a big inclusion on the bench while Wayde Egan (elbow) has been named at hooker and should be right to play. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves to fullback with Taine Tuaupiki (concussion) sidelined with regular No.1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad expected back in Round 5.
Knights: No changes to the 17 on game day after Dane Gagai was ruled out with a "medical condition" on Saturday. Dylan Lucas has been promoted to the starting side. Jackson Hastings is once again set to feature in reserve grade with Jack Cogger the preferred number seven after the Knights' win over Melbourne. Daniel Saifiti starts for Leo Thompson (suspension).
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have not won in New Zealand since 2019.
- Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored nine tries in his past eight games at Go Media Stadium.
- Knights coach Adam O’Brien will reach the milestone of 100 games as head coach.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .
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