Dragons v Knights: Gutherson returns; Ponga takes charge
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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.
Match: Dragons v Knights
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
17th Position
away Team
Knights
10th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Dragons: Co-captain Clint Gutherson returns from a hamstring injury in a major boost for the Dragons, the veteran slotting straight back into fullback. Tyrell Sloan moves back to the six-man bench, with interim coach Dean Young sticking solid with young halfback Kade Reed and Daniel Atkinson in the halves. Dylan Egan has been named in the back row for his first NRL match since tearing his ACL last year after making a successful return in NSW Cup. The local junior replaces the suspended Luciano Leilua. Christian Tuipulotu has been named in the extended squad as he pushes to return from a knee injury.
Knights: No changes for the Knights as they look to build on a thrilling victory over the Rabbitohs last weekend. Harrison Graham is the only new face on the six-man interchange, with Justin Holbrook having the luxury of stability after welcoming back a host of big names in Round 9.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Setu TuWinger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses SuliCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine HolmesCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Daniel AtkinsonFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher Sharpe
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kade ReedHalfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan Brown
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Emre GulerProp for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Toby CouchmanProp for Knights is number 10 Trey Mooney
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ryan Couchman2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hamish StewartLock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Josh KerrInterchange for Knights is number 14 Sandon Smith
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaInterchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson Frizell
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Blake LawrieInterchange for Knights is number 16 Pasami Saulo
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob HalangahuInterchange for Knights is number 17 Francis Manuleleua
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Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Kyle FlanaganInterchange for Knights is number 18 Harrison Graham
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Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Tyrell SloanInterchange for Knights is number 19 Fletcher Hunt
Reserves
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Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Lyhkan King-TogiaReserve for Knights is number 20 Cody Hopwood
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Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Hame SeleReserve for Knights is number 21 Kyle McCarthy
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Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Christian TuipulotuReserve for Knights is number 22 James Schiller
Dragons Ins
- Christian Tuipulotu
- Clinton Gutherson
- Dylan Egan
- Hame Sele
- Lyhkan King-Togia
Knights Ins
- Harrison Graham
- James Schiller
- Kyle McCarthy
Dragons Outs
- Hayden Buchanan
- Luciano Leilua
Knights Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
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.
