Knights v Dolphins preview

Embed from Getty Images

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins Thursday 8:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

A milestone game for both clubs, the Knights and the Dolphins both have something to play for. 

Coming back from 8-0 down at half-time, the Newcastle Knights beat the West Tigers 10-8 at Campbelltown last week. There was a lot of promise for the Knights in their first game of the season. Besides a few errors and the inability to capitalise on tries they were most likely to get, Newcastle can be seriously dangerous if the Dolphins don't bring their A-game. If they do, then we're in for a close and exciting match. 

This game will be the 500th premiership game played in Newcastle, so it's a big deal for rugby league fans in Newy and no doubt they're confident with the Knights having won their last 3 games against the Dolphins, each time by twice the margin of their previous win. If they win this by 16 points, I'm going into hiding because that is a crazy coincidence FOUR TIMES IN A ROW! 

Now, where do I begin with the Dolphins? This is not the start to the season any team wants, having their first match relocated, some players choosing to stay in Queensland, getting caught in the weather when trying to return home and now leaving earlier than planned for Round 2, the last week has been difficult for the Dolphins. They lost 16-14 to the Rabbitohs, but did lead at one point and didn't play bad footy at all, just got unlucky with a few errors and the like. 

The Dolphins lost Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Connelly Lemuelu as a result of injuries from the match and Kurt Donoghoe avoided suspension after he received a grade 1 dangerous contact charge. However, in more positive news, this will be the Dolphins 50th game since entering the competition in 2023 and the first ever match where the Saifiti brothers go head-to-head, another reason for excitement this Thursday.

In team news, the Knights welcome back Adam Elliott who takes Brodie Jones' spot on the bench, pushing him 18th man. There are no other changes for the squad.

For the Dolphins, Finefeuiaki is out due to concussion protocols and Lemuelu due to a fractured eye socket. Mark Nicholls replaces Lemuelu on the otherwise unchanged bench. Kodi Nikorima come back at five-eighth so Sean O'Sullivan drops to 18th man and Oryn Keeley moves up from 18th man last match to start in the second row replacing Finefeuiaki.

Last meeting: Round 27 2024 - Knights 14 Dolphins 6

Who to watch: I think the fullbacks will be instrumental in this weeks match, with the winning side being better set up by their number one. Ponga was key in the Knights comeback in the second half last week. Throughout the match he was everywhere he was needed, resulting in the most runs and metres - 20 for 201 - along with two line breaks and a line break assist. He is an attacking machine, but also made some very good tackles to stop the Tigers from getting anymore points. He played very well (evident through the Dally M votes) so I think it will be on the rest of the team to listen to him and step up to the challenge. 

Tabuai-Fidow played well, but could've played better. He didn't seem to be as involved as Ponga was, so if he is to win the fullback battle he needs to step up and play more of a part in the attack. This isn't to say he didn't, he had one try assist and the most run metres for the team (seems to be a pattern for the fullbacks) with 21 runs for 228 metres. I think to be on the level a winning team is, more defensive plays are needed. The Munro try in the corner could have been avoided if the team communicated better which would allow for the Hammer to stop the play before it turned into a try. Having their first choice spine together will most likely help improve this.

Favourite: The Knights are predicted to get the win over the Phins

My tip: I don't have a lot of phaith in the Phins (in the process of trademarking) this week, so Phins down in advance. Knights by 16.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Adam Elliott 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 18. Sean O'Sullivan 20. Kenny Bromwich

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;