NRL 2026, St George Illawarra Dragons, Newcastle Knights, round 10, match preview, official team lists, injuries, updates

Dragons v Knights: Gutherson returns; Ponga takes charge

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 9 May 2026, 01:42 PM

St George Illawarra hope a week off and a return home will provide the foundation for a breakthrough win when they take on the Knights on Saturday afternoon.

The bye came at the perfect time for the Dragons, who are reeling after a 0-8 start to the year and the departure of Shane Flanagan last month. Interim coach Dean Young couldn't produce an immediate turnaround on Anzac Day but has had a fortnight to reshape the team in his vision.

Young halfback Kade Reed is set for his second game in the top flight, while the Couchman brothers and Hamish Stewart continue to showcase why there are such high hopes for a young crop of St George Illawarra forwards.

The Dragons struggled defensively in Round 8 and there will be no respite this weekend when they host an electrifying Knights attacking unit.

The return of Kalyn Ponga took Newcastle's attack to another level last Sunday, Justin Holbrook's side claiming a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Rabbitohs.

Bradman Best also completed a successful comeback from injury in Round 8 and this week's game provides another chance to press his claims for a NSW State of Origin jersey.

The halves combination of Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe is continuing to develop as Newcastle look to build momentum through the middle phase of the year.

Round 10 - Round 10 - Saturday 9 May

Full Time

Dragons

Knights

Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Highlights Latest

Team News

Dragons: Dragons coach Dean Young has rung in more changes to the game day squad in the 90-minute update, with Lyhkan King-Togia to start at five-eighth over Daniel Atkinson, who has been omitted. Ryan Couchman has reverted to the interchange, with Josh Kerr to start in the second row. Gerringong junior Dylan Egan has been confirmed for his first NRL game since Round 10, 2025, after making a successful comeback from an ACL tear, while Clint Gutherson is also part of the returning brigade from a hamstring injury. Winger Christian Tuipolotu has been cleared to return from a knee injury via the interchange. Moses Suli was ruled out of the match with a back injury in Friday's 24-hour update, replaced by Tyrell Sloan. Hame Sele also dropped out in Friday's update.

Knights: Cody Hopwood has been added to the interchange in place of Harrison Graham in the final update for the Knights squad as they chase their first victory at WIN Stadium since 2011. Kalyn Ponga has scored five tries in his last four games against the Dragons and will look to build on last week's successful return from injury. No changes were made 24 hours out from kick off, Kyle McCarthy and James Schiller dropping out of the squad.

Round 10 - Round 10 - Saturday 9 May

Full Time

Dragons

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Setu Tu

Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes

Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
Centre for Dragons is number 19 Tyrell Sloan

Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mathew Feagai

Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 20 Lyhkan King-Togia

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher Sharpe
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kade Reed

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan Brown

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Emre Guler

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Toby Couchman

Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey Mooney
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas
2nd Row for Dragons is number 14 Josh Kerr

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hamish Stewart

Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 12 Ryan Couchman

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Sandon Smith
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson Frizell
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob Halangahu

Interchange for Knights is number 16 Pasami Saulo
Interchange for Dragons is number 22 Christian Tuipulotu

Interchange for Knights is number 19 Fletcher Hunt

Reserves

Reserve for Dragons is number 16 Blake Lawrie

Reserve for Knights is number 17 Francis Manuleleua
Reserve for Dragons is number 18 Kyle Flanagan

Reserve for Knights is number 20 Cody Hopwood

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 5/10/2026 6:20:30 AM

Stat Attack

The Dragons have conceded 114 points in their last three games at WIN Stadium.
The Knights have not won at WIN Stadium since 2011.
Dragons centre Valentine Holmes has scored six tries in seven games at WIN Stadium.
Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has scored five tries in his last four games against the Dragons.
Dragons hooker Damien Cook has scored four tries in his last six games against the Knights.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.