Knights v Dragons: Best back on deck; Leilua returns
If the Dragons are to avoid the first wooden spoon in joint venture history the climb out of the cellar needs to start on Friday night in Newcastle.
The Dragons have won just one game in 2026 and sit four points behind the 16th placed Titans, with both sides having had two byes so far.
Dean Young's men head up the freeway to Newcastle boasting a sensational record at McDonald Jones Stadium, having won 18 of the 24 matches played there since 1999, so that should give them confidence.
The sides met just six weeks ago in Round 10 at WIN Stadium and it was Greg Marzhew running riot with five tries as the Knights powered to a 44-10 win.
With 29 tries between them this season, Marzhew and wing partner Dom Young have been dynamic on the end of a classy Newcastle backline and they will again pose a massive threat to a Dragons outfit conceding 332ppg.
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 16 -
home Team
Knights
6th Position
away Team
Dragons
17th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: A host of changes an hour before kick-off with Fletcher Sharpe moving to fullback while Sandon Smith comes in at five-eighth in his return from a calf injury and Blues forward Dylan Lucas is rested. Back-rower Francis Manuleleua has been promoted to the starting side. James Schiller joins the six-man bench in No.22. Star fullback Kalyn Ponga will sit out the match after a taxing Origin contest. Interchange forward Pasami Saulo will miss the clash after fracturing his foot at training this week. Star centre Bradman Best is also set to make his return from a hamstring injury.
Dragons: The Dragons have suffered a blow in the warm-up with Moses Suli suffering a back injury. With Suli ruled out, Mat Feagai will move to the centres and Tyrell Sloan comes in on the wing. Lyhkan King-Togia joins the six-man bench. Luciano Leilua is back in the mix after Jaydn Su'A suffered a pec injury a fortnight ago and is set to come off the interchange. Winger Christian Tuipulotu made his return from a hamstring injury through NSW Cup.
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 16 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 6 Fletcher SharpeFullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Dragons is number 2 Setu Tu
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Dragons is number 19 Tyrell Sloan
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Dragons is number 5 Mathew Feagai
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 20 Sandon SmithFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan BrownHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle Flanagan
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Dragons is number 8 Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey MooneyProp for Dragons is number 10 Toby Couchman
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Thomas Cant2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 19 Francis Manuleleua2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat CrokerLock for Dragons is number 13 Ryan Couchman
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison GrahamInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson FrizellInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Luciano Leilua
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Cody HopwoodInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Blake Lawrie
Reserves
-
Reserve for Knights is number 18 Fletcher HuntReserve for Dragons is number 18 Emre Guler
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Tyson GambleReserve for Dragons is number 21 Lyhkan King-Togia
-
Reserve for Knights is number 22 James Schiller
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won three of their last four games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only one of their last 14 away games.
- Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas has scored six tries in his last five games.
- Dragons winger Setu Tu has scored four tries in his last six games.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The Knights are back in town with a chance to make it three-in-a-row at McDonald Jones Stadium. Children's tickets are available from just $15, click here to get yours before they are gone.
