Knights v Bulldogs preview - 2017 Round 6

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Knights look to muzzle Bulldogs at home

After the massive reality check handed to them by Penrith, the Knights produced a resilient showing to come within an inch of upsetting the defending premiers last Saturday. Forced to spend much of the loss to Cronulla defending their tryline, the Knights will be hopeful that with an even share of possession and improvement in their last play options, a win in front of their home fans will be forthcoming. Retaining much of the same side that went down 19-18, coach Nathan Brown will be hopeful about Sione Mata'utia's availability after the utility was forced from the field twice with concussion, while supporters will be buoyant with the news Nathan Ross is set to play after missing last week through injury. In a change from their regular game day, the Knights will host their first Friday night match in Newcastle since Round 20, 2014.

Responding to the intense criticism following in the wake of their debacle against Manly, the Bulldogs showcased their tenacity to come away with two points last Thursday. Forced to endure torrid conditions in the 10-7 win over Brisbane, coach Des Hasler will be hoping a change in weather brings with it further improvement. Despite a solid showing on debut against the Broncos, halfback Matt Frawley has been relegated to an extended bench with Moses Mbye set to return after serving a one-match ban. While the move to relegate Frawley may alienate some supporters, don't be surprised to see the young playmaker included in the final 17 at the expense of either Raymond Faitala-Mariner or Adam Elliott, who have been used sparingly throughout 2017. During Des Hasler's tenure, the Bulldogs hold a 50% success record over the Knights, however the Blue and Whites have recorded three consecutive wins against their opponents heading into Friday's fixture.

Last meeting: Round 22 2016 - Knights 14 Bulldogs 28

Bizarre stat out of that last contest - or more accurate the lead-up to it. Last season Canterbury lost 36-0 away from home two weeks prior to the playing the Knights, and then won by three points at ANZ Stadium the following week before making the trek up the M1. Over the last two weeks, you guessed it - they lost 36-0 away from home a fortnight ago before winning by three at ANZ this past weekend. If they win by fourteen this weekend, I think we've officially entered the twilight zone.

Who to watch: For all the development the Knights younger players have experienced in recent times, one of the primary contributors has been the professionalism brought to the squad by Jamie Buhrer. Signed from Manly over the off-season, the 27-year-old utility has been outstanding during the opening rounds with his defensive technique playing an integral part in the sides improvement. Equally adept as an edge forward in the mould of Steve Menzies or filling in at dummy half, Buhrer looks set to play a key role in the Knights future, with the traits developed at Manly set to be invaluable for his Hunter teammates.

Having been at the forefront of Des Hasler's tenure at the Bulldogs, captain James Graham solidified his reputation as one of the great English imports with his performance against Brisbane last week. Racking up a remarkable 56 tackles and close to 200 metres with minimal time away from the action, the fiery red head epitomised the resolve of the side to respond to criticism with one of the best cover tackles seen in recent memory. Entering his sixth season in the NRL, the former St. Helens prop has gone from strength to strength during his time down under and will have his sights set on an elusive grand final win.

The favourite: Having defied expectations to upset the Broncos, the Bulldogs are favoured to come away with the two points.

My tip: Traditionally playing their best football at home, look for the Knights to prevail in a closely fought contest. Knights by 2.

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Jack Stockwell 12. Jamie Buhrer 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 16. Joe Wardle 13. Mitchell Barnett 9. Danny Levi 15. Anthony Tupou 17. Daniel Saifiti 17. Luke Yates

1. Brad Abbey 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 20. Matt Frawley

Referees: Adam Gee, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Luke Patten;