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Knights v Dolphins: Gamble good to go; Bromwich, Nikorima return

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The Knights and Dolphins are set to face off in a showdown for eighth place on the ladder and the final spot in the finals on Sunday afternoon. 

After 26 rounds, it comes down to the last game of the season at McDonald Jones Stadium. 

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The Dolphins climbed back into the top eight with a dominant 40-6 win over the Broncos last weekend, while the Knights drew level on 28 points with a victory over the Titans.

The winner on Sunday afternoon will finish in eighth place and progress to the finals. A draw would leave the door open for the winner of the Dragons clash with the Raiders to leapfrog both teams and snare the last place in the play-offs.

Wayne Bennett welcomed back a host of key figures in Round 26, with Jeremy Marshall-King and Tevita Pangai Junior returning from injury amid a wider reshuffle that proved a masterstroke. 

Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima are set to return from concussion protocols this weekend in a major boost for the Dolphins. 

Newcastle prevailed 18-14 when the two sides faced off in Round 8, Adam O'Brien's side holding off a fast-finishing Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

Team News

Knights: Newcastle will line up 1-17, with Tom Cant the 18th man. Tyson Frizell is set to return for the do-or-die clash after progressing through the concussion protocols, with Brodie Jones shifting to the bench as a result. Tyson Gamble is also on track to feature after recovering from a hand injury. Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul (leg laceration) dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off and will need his team to make the finals if he is to play again this season.

Dolphins: Wayne Bennett has made one change on game day, with Mark Nicholls added to the starting side and Kenny Bromwich reverting to the bench. Oryn Keeley remains in the squad as 18th man. The Dolphins received a major boost with forward Felise Kaufusi cleared to pay after a successful night at the judiciary on Tuesday night. In more positive news, Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima will make their return from the concussion protocol.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
    Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Trai Fuller
  • Winger for Knights is number 2 Fletcher Sharpe
    Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
  • Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
    Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Hamiso  Tabuai-Fidow
  • Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
    Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
  • Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
    Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
  • Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack Cogger
    Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Jake Averillo
  • Halfback for Knights is number 7 Phoenix Crossland
    Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Forwards

  • Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
    Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
  • Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
    Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath
  • Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
    Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior
  • 2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
    2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Dylan Lucas
    2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
  • Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott
    Lock for Dolphins is number 16 Mark Nicholls

Interchange

  • Interchange for Knights is number 14 Tyson Gamble
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich
  • Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Jeremy Marshall-King 
  • Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Ray Stone
  • Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Kodi Nikorima

Reserves

  • Replacement for Knights is number 18 Thomas Cant
    Replacement for Dolphins is number 20 Oryn Keeley

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
  • Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
  • Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Knights have scored 124 points in their past four games.
  • Dolphins five-eighth Jake Averillo has scored five tries in his past four games.
  • Knights winger Fletcher Sharpe has scored eight tries in his past five games.
  • The Dolphins have won only two of nine games played at New South Wales venues.
  • The Knights have won their final home game of the season in four of the past five years.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.