Bulldogs v Knights preview
7 hours ago | Andy P
Knights v Sharks preview
Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Hunter Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm 
Desperate times for the Knights as they look to turn around their horror form.
After starting 2015 with immense promise, Newcastle hit rock bottom against the Raiders prior to last weeks bye, suffering their eighth loss from nine matches to go down 44-22 at home. In light of their run of losses, the Knights have responded by releasing Joey Leilua and Chad Redman in the hope the team will bounce back in the second half of the season. With Leilua departing and Tyrone Roberts making his return from injury, the Knights have been able to shift Kurt Gidley back to fullback, while Dane Gagai returns to the centres after spending time with the Maroons as a part of their extended squad. In a further boost to Newcastle, forward Robbie Rochow will make his long-awaited return from injury, having last played in Round 3.
Putting together five wins from their past eight matches, Cronulla will be out to overcome a poor record in Newcastle, managing one win from their last six visits to Hunter Stadium. Ben Barba remains unavailable for the Sharks, while Ricky Leutele comes back into the centres in place of Blake Ayshford. Currently sitting outside the top eight in twelth place, coach Shane Flanagan will have his ready to take on the desperate Knights as both sides look to return to the finals after missing out in 2014.
Last Meeting: Round 6, 2015 - Cronulla Sharks 22 Newcastle Knights 6
Who to watch: Since going down with back spasms in the Round 4 warm-up, the Knights have missed the presence of Robbie Rochow. Having developed into a hard-running backrower, the former Melbourne Under 20s player has been one of the most consistent players since joining Newcastle in 2012. Starting the year in tremendous fashion, Rochow will be out to make up for lost time with impact off the bench to help the Knights revive their season.
While Blues coach Laurie Daley has opted against including him in the Origin side, Luke Lewis has delivered his finest season since joining the Sharks after an illustrious career at Penrith. Crossing for 6 tries in only ten games this season, Lewis has been at his damaging best for Cronulla, averaging close to 30 tackles each week. As one of the few Sharks players to taste Grand Final success, Lewis will be out draw upon his big-game experience to get the boys in the black, white and blue over the line.
The favourite: With the Knights being able to draw upon several experienced players returning from injury, the home side is favoured to emerge with the win.
My tip: With their season on the line, the Knights have to win if they want to be any chance of playing football in September. Knights by 1.
1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Chris Houston
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Robbie Rochow 16. Joseph Tapine 17. Paterika Vaivai
1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. David Fifita 17. Sam Tagataese
Referees: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: David Ryan, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;