The Roosters will be aiming to bounce back from a dramatic loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night, but will face a tough task of it against the Knights.
The Roosters will be without a number of their stars, including skipper James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker, who have both entered concussion protocols, while winger Dom Young has been banned for two matches for a high tackle.
With a number of other players also still sidelined with injury and suspension, coach Trent Robinson has a difficult puzzle to solve this week.
The Knights on the other hand, got back on track last round, claiming their second win of the season after downing St George Illawarra in horrid conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the Dragons failed to fire, the Knights had fun in the wet, running in five tries.
After spending a fortnight working on his game in NSW Cup, Jackson Hastings returned with a strong performance in the No.7 jersey, while halves partner Jack Cogger set up two tries with pinpoint kicks.
Called up to the starting 17 to replace an injured Tyson Frizell (hamstring), Dylan Lucas made a big impact and will be looking to perform well again this week.
As ever, the Knights were well led by skipper Kalyn Ponga, who picked up six Dally M votes for his part in the win, to hit the outright lead on the tally.
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Team News
Knights: A late change an hour before kick-off with Greg Marzhew back on deck from a wrist injury and Tom Jenkins dropping to 18th man. Jack Cogger and Jackson Hastings remain the preferred halves combination. Dylan Lucas is again the man to fill in for the injured Tyson Frizell in the second row.
Roosters: The Roosters are 1-17 with no late changes. With James Tedesco and Sam Walker both out under the concussion protocol, Joey Manu moves into the fullback role and Connor Watson becomes the five-eighth, with Luke Keary shifting into the No.7 jersey. Junior Pauga is the new face in the backline due to Dominic Young’s two-game suspension, along with Michael Jennings who played 53 minutes last week after coming on as the replacement player. Zach Dockar-Clay comes onto the bench while Nat Butcher returns in the second row. Egan Butcher is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have won eight of their past nine games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Roosters have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights.
- The Knights have lost their past three Thursday night games.
- Knights centre Bradman Best has scored nine tries in his past 11 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .