The return of Kalyn Ponga has helped Newcastle emerge from a form slump but he couldn't get them home against the Panthers and it doesn't get any easier against the refuse-to-lose Roosters this week.
The Knights went toe-to-toe with unbeaten competition leaders Penrith last Thursday before poor options and defensive lapses saw them fall away in the second half.
Coach Adam O'Brien has called on his play-makers to step up and convert Newcastle's effort into points with a better kicking game.
Injuries have battered the Roosters on a weekly basis but the 2018-19 premiers continue to defy adversity with teen sensation Sam Walker leading the way.
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The rundown
Team news
Knights: A late change on game day with Josh King dropping off the bench and his place being taken by Pasami Saulo. The 18th man is Phoenix Crossland.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Tex Hoy dropped off the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.
Knights forward Sauaso Sue will play his 150th NRL game.
Roosters: James Tedesco has been ruled out after last week's head knock against the Dragons. Joseph Manu moves to fullback with Matt Ikuvalu on the wing.
Egan Butcher was the other player omitted from the squad on Friday night and Fletcher Baker was omitted an hour before kick-off.
Joseph Suaalii is the 18th man.
The Roosters have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights.
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Key match-up
Blake Green v Sam Walker: The veteran playmaker will have to reach deep into his bag of tricks if the Knights are to keep pace with the Roosters. Green's form has been patchy since his return from a serious knee injury while his teenage rival Walker, in contrast, has lived up to the huge hype and then some. Four games into his NRL career only defending premiers the Storm have been able to shut him down.
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Stat attack
The Knights have made more tackles than any other team in the NRL, leading the No.2 Cowboys by 100-plus, and will likely tighten their grip on top spot against the attack-minded Roosters.
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