The Newcastle Knights are entering must-win territory as they fight to keep their top eight chances alive when they face the Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The match will be the first of a blockbuster double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium, with Newcastle's all-conquering NRLW side to play St George Illawarra immediately after the men's game.
It's crunch time for the NRL team that currently sits four points outside the top eight with just five rounds remaining.
The Knights suffered a devastating loss to Penrith last Sunday, Nathan Cleary scoring with 11 minutes remaining to break a 14-all deadlock.
This weekend's game shapes as an opportunity to bounce back against the 17th-placed Wests Tigers.
It's been a tough year for Benji Marshall's side but they're determined to finish the season on a high and gain vital experience for next year.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Knights v Wests Tigers
Team News
Knights: Krystian Mapapalangi has been promoted to start at centre in place of Dylan Lucas, who dropped out of the squad in the 24-hour update with a hamstring injury. There is only one other change to the squad that went down to the Panthers, with Brodie Jones added to the bench in place of Thomas Cant. Prop Jacob Saifiti is sidelined with the calf injury he suffered in the warm-up on Sunday while star centre Bradman Best remains out with a hamstring issue. There are no further changes to the team. Tom Cant is the side's 18th player.
Wests Tigers: Adam Doueihi is back in the centres after a two-game break, taking over from Justin Olam, who is heading for knee surgery. Halfback Aidan Sezer returns from suspension and takes over at halfback from youngster Latu Fainu (concussion protocols). Fonua Pole is back from a rib injury on the bench and takes the place of Tim Johannssen. There are no changes to the team that was named in the 24-hour update. Heath Mason is 18th player.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 23 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Fletcher SharpeWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Solomon Alaimalo
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Solomona Faataape
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Centre for Knights is number 22 Krystian MapapalangiCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Adam Doueihi
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie Staines
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Phoenix CrosslandHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel SaifitiProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Reuben Porter
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Isaiah Papali'i
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jack CoggerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tallyn Da Silva
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat CrokerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Seyfarth
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Fonua Pole
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Alex Twal
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Thomas CantReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Heath Mason
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won their past five games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have conceded 40 points or more in five of their past six games.
- The Knights have won only two of their past six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Tigers halfback Aidan Sezer requires three points for 500 NRL points.
- Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has scored six tries in his past seven games against the Tigers.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 23 -
home Team
Knights
11th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
17th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,
