Knights v Dolphins: Three confirmed to debut; Donoghoe starts at hooker
The undefeated Dolphins face their first test on the road when they travel to Newcastle to take on the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Wayne Bennett's side have stunned many with their start to their inaugural season and they'll be out to keep that record intact against a Knights outfit which is expected to be heavily depleted for the match.
Newcastle's miraculous effort to hold on against Wests Tigers on Sunday appears to have come at a cost with coach Adam O'Brien expecting up to six players to be unavailable.
However, after a disappointing home record last season, the Knights coach won't want any excuses when the 17 he picks take the field on Friday night.
The battle between the fullbacks - Lachlan Miller and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - will play a big role in who wins the game while the forward pack battle, particularly on the edges, will decide the game.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
11th Position
away Team
Dolphins
2nd Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team news
Knights: No further changes an hour from kick-off, with Thomas Cant moving onto the bench on Thursday in place of Jack Johns (ankle). Earlier in the week, Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey were ruled out due to concussion while Tyson Frizell (ankle) and Jacob Saifiti (suspension) have also been sidelined. Tyson Gamble is the new No.6, Phoenix Crossland goes to hooker, Jack Hetherington will start at prop and Brodie Jones comes into the starting side after he was 18th man last week. Cant, Ryan Rivett and Dylan Lucas make their NRL debuts off the bench while prop Mat Croker returns from suspension.
Dolphins: Hooker Kurt Donoghoe starts at NRL level for the first time, with Kodi Nikorima bumped back to the bench an hour before kick-off. Mason Teague moves back onto the bench in place of Connelly Lemuelu, who starts at prop with Jarrod Wallace out due to personal reasons. Ray Stone makes his return from a knee injury.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lachlan MillerFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Hymel HuntWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Euan Aitken
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Brenko Lee
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Dominic YoungWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Tesi Niu
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Isaiya Katoa
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel SaifitiProp for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Dolphins is number 17 Kurt Donoghoe
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Jack HetheringtonProp for Dolphins is number 14 Connelly Lemuelu
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Brodie Jones2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Leo ThompsonLock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Ryan RivettInterchange for Dolphins is number 9 Kodi Nikorima
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat CrokerInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Dylan LucasInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
-
Interchange for Knights is number 22 Thomas CantInterchange for Dolphins is number 18 Mason Teague
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 20 Oryn KeeleyReplacement for Dolphins is number 24 Poasa Faamausili
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won only one of their last 11 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Dolphins are aiming to become the third expansion team to win their first three games.
- The Knights are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 1-2 last year.
- Knights centre Dane Gagai will play his 150th game for the club.
- The Dolphins are aiming to become the third expansion team to win their first three games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
