Knights v Warriors preview

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Last-placed Knights host confident Warriors

Staring down the barrel of an eighth straight loss, the Knights return to Hunter Stadium on Saturday in dire need of two competition points. Managing just one win and a draw from 13 matches so far in 2016, the Newcastle club will fancy their chances after showing considerable improvement in recent weeks. Showing signs of promise in their loss to the reigning premiers last week, coach Nathan Brown will be hopeful the return of forwards Korbin Sims and Jacob Safiti provide the Knights with the defensive grit to match the mammoth Warriors pack. While Nathan Ross has been named in the centres, former Rooster Brendan Elliott is shaping as a late inclusion after securing a release alongside 2015 NSW Cup Player of the Year Mitchell Barnett earlier this week.

Coming away with an emphatic win over Brisbane last week, the Warriors will be looking to continue their strong attacking form against a lowly Newcastle outfit. Currently sitting in 12th position, the New Zealanders will know the importance of replicating their performance against the Broncos, as a win could see them move inside the top eight, while a loss could result in the side sliding to 14th by the end of the round. Retaining the same squad as last week, coach Andrew McFadden will be hoping the Warriors continue their recent domination against Newcastle, coming away with nine wins from the past twelve matches dating back to 2009.

Last meeting: Round 4 2016 - Warriors 40 Knights 18

Who to watch: Who to watch for the home side.

Heavily scrutinised in recent weeks for his decision to sign with the Dragons for 2017, Tariq Sims will have a point to prove to Newcastle supporters as the Knights fight to avoid a second-straight wooden spoon. Facing off against one of the best forward packs in the competition, the Knights co-captain will be looking to use his experience to help the young side register just their second win of the season. Showing signs of improvement over the past few weeks, the Knights will give themselves every chance of posting a win on Saturday and with a strong performance from Sims, those chances may well turn into reality.

In the wake of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's season-ending ACL injury many pundits tipped the end of the Warriors 2016 chances, but with Tuimoala Lolohea stepping up, the New Zealanders have added a new dimension to their attack. With speed and skill at the forefront of the 21-year-old's game, the dynamic fullback has been a constant menace for sides this season. Having a stellar game against Brisbane last week, the Kiwi international will be relishing the opportunity to find open space against a struggling Newcastle outfit. Viewed as a long-term playmaker Lolohea still has a way to go, but as a speedster he is among the NRL elite.

The favourite: Coming off the back of their biggest scalp of 2016, the Warriors are expected to continue their attacking prowess against the Knights.

My tip: It's been a long time between drinks for Newcastle, but on the back of a parochial home crowd, the Knights are set to come away with a win. Knights by 8.

1. Dane Gagai 2. Cory Denniss 3. Sione Mata'utia 18. Brendan Elliott 5. Jake Mamo 6. Jack Cogger 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 14. Tyler Randell 15. Korbin Sims 16. Jacob Saifiti 21. Mitchell Barnett 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 9. Danny Levi 10. Daniel Saifiti 12. Pauli Pauli 17. Mickey Paea

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 16. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 10. Ben Matulino 17. Charlie Gubb

Referees: Dave Munro, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson