Match Centre

Round 24: Knights v Bulldogs preview

Can the Dogs Dint the Knights finals charge?

Both teams will be looking to bounce back for very different reasons.

For the Knights, they will be looking to retain their momentum in the hunt for a top eight berth. However last week in Perth, the Knights were clunky, leaking 28 points - including three tries in 8 minutes to Jamayne Isaako - leaving concerns on the left edge of Marzhew and Best. They also left with some injury concerns surrounding Jacob Saifiti, who will be racing the clock to prove his fitness, however has been named by coach Adam O'Brien.

As for the Bulldogs, they will be looking for redemption after they were embarrassed 66-0 by the Knights in Round 18. In the four weeks that followed, they conceded 142 points, something head coach Cameron Ciraldo will be looking to make amends for. Canterbury come fresh off the bye and with some key inclusions making their way back into their squad, they will be looking to salvage anything left remaining in what has been another disappointing season. The Bulldogs have leaked 619 points thus far and simply haven't been up to NRL standard, or the standards instilled by Ciraldo.

In team news, Bradman Best has been put on ice due to an abductor strain, however only expected to miss a week. Enari Tuala takes his spot at left centre. A big inclusion on the extended bench is Daniel Saifiti, who is looking to return from a quad complaint should he be named in the final 17.

For Canterbury, big boppers Liam Knight and Luke Thompson have been named. Thompson looking to return from a long layoff due to multiple injuries. Knight is set to play his second game for the club, joining a fortnight ago from South Sydney.

Sunday is the start of three straight home games for the Knights who will look to continue their red hot form in front of their parochial home fans. The combination between Kalyn Ponga, Jackson Hastings and Phoenix Crossland has gained a tonne of momentum in recent weeks, guiding the Newcastle squad towards September footy for what would be just the third time in a decade.

Last meeting: Round 18 2023 - Bulldogs 0 Knights 66

Who to watch: Hard to go past the magician of McDonald Jones Stadium, Kalyn Ponga, who is arguably in career-best form. Although not at their brilliant best last week, it was ‘KP' that got them back on track late in the second half. His ability to skip on the outside with his speed, and engage the oppositions edge defence is second-to-none. Both Ponga and Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh have shown this year what speed out the back does to opposition teams and I think this weekend will be no different.

Another to keep an eye on that rarely gets a wrap is Mat Croker. His impact off the bench this year has been great for the Knights. His ability to offload and use late footwork has allowed Newcastle to benefit from second phase football or quick play the balls. He has improved out of sight.

For the Bulldogs my two players to keep an eye on are Villame Kikau and Jake Averillo. Canterbury have lacked go forward and aggression this year, something Kikau adds. Early ball is the key for him. Feed him and give him the time to create some space, and in turn, second phase football for Burton and the backs to benefit from.

Jake Averillo has impressed this year and will be a huge loss for the Bulldogs in season 2024. His versatility is a great asset, however it has been his speed and ability to pop up all over the park this season that has impressed. Imagine how good he would be going if the Bulldogs had an even share of field possession. One to watch this weekend, if the Knights turn up with the same questionable defensive mindset they did last week.

Favourite: Knights very short priced favourites and rightly so.

My tip: Knights to bounce back in a big way. Knights by 26+.