Dragons v Knights preview

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights
Jubilee Oval - Sunday 2:00pm

The Dragons have struggled their way to seven losses in a row, being blown off the park three times in as many weeks by the Sharks, Rabbitohs and Storm.

After being well positioned in the top four for the beginning of the season, the Dragons have just continued to slide in the latter part of the season, and now find themselves two points outside the top eight, and desperate for the win.

The Knights, meanwhile, want the win for a different reason. It's been a terrible week for the Knights - first a 50 point drubbing at the hands of the Rabbitohs, then the sacking of Coach Rick Stone, followed by a number of media stories later in the week about some disgruntled players. A win this weekend against the Dragons will alleviate a little bit of pressure on the playing group, while a loss will further twist the knife.

The Knights have lost James McManus due to concussion, and Danny Levi will also not play. Carlos Tuimavave has been named to partner Tyrone Roberts in the halves, and Tyler Randell will take a spot on the bench. New coach Danny Buderus has strongly hinted that Nathan Ross will play this weekend, although in which position remains a mystery.

For the Dragons Craig Garvey has been named on the bench to replace Heath L'Estrange, while Ben Creagh has been named to start the game, with Will Mathews moving to the interchange bench. Mark Ioane makes up the extended interchange.

Last meeting: Round 5 2015 - Newcastle Knights 0 St. George Illawarra Dragons 13

Who to watch: In case you've been living in a hole for the last week or so, you'll want to be watching the performance of the Knights this weekend. In a week marred by controversy, coach sackings and rumours of a mutiny by the players, the Knights will be looking to put together a solid performance for their stand in coach Danny Buderus. A product of the old-school Knights culture, Buderus will be hoping to instill some traditional Knights values into his side - get them working for each other, showing passion in the jersey, and winning games.

The favourite: The Dragons head into this clash as massive favourites, with the Knights 3.15 outsiders.

My tip: I'm going against the history books and tipping the Knights to get up in what should be a heated performance. Knights by 4.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Justin Hunt 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Mike Cooper
Interchange: 14. Jack de Belin 15. Jake Marketo 16. Craig Garvey 17. Will Matthews 18. Mark Ioane

1. Kurt Gidley 2. Jake Mamo 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Chanel Mata'utia 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. David Fa'alogo 16. Chris Houston 17. Clint Newton

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Steve Folkes;

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