Knights v Dolphins: Sharpe edge at fullback; Averillo, Gilbert return
A top-eight battle awaits with the Newcastle Knights hosting the Dolphins, with both teams having to contend with the loss of their Origin stars.
Newcastle skipper Kalyn Ponga has been recalled at fullback by the Maroons, while strike centre Bradman Best has been called up by the Blues.
The Dolphins will once again be without a host of Queensland stars with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Tom Flegler in Billy Slater's squad, while in-form back Jack Bostock has earnt a debut with the Blues.
Both teams come into this game with hard-fought wins, with the Dolphins pipping the Warriors in the final moments of a classic match 26-24, while the Knights were made to battle hard against Wests Tigers, also stealing a late 12-6 victory.
Match: Knights v Dolphins
Round 18 -
home Team
Knights
5th Position
away Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: Fletcher Sharpe again slides to fullback to cover for Maroons star Kalyn Ponga while Fletcher Hunt comes into the centres for Bradman Best, who has earned a NSW Blues recalls. Sandon Smith moves from the bench to five-eighth and Harrison Graham is added to the six-man bench along with Francis Manuleleua
Dolphins: The dynamic Trai Fuller again steps up at fullback with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in Maroons camp while Tevita Naufahu and Felise Kaufusi also join the starting side for Selwyn Cobbo and Thomas Flegler. The loss of halfback Isaiya Katoa to a fractured wrist sees Brad Schneider wear the No.7. Prop Tom Gilbert (throat) is back after missing the Warriors game and Jake Averillo comes into the centres after returning from hand surgery through Queensland Cup last week. Averillo fills the void left by Jack Bostock, who will make his Origin debut for NSW. Brian Pouniu and Sebastian Su'a have been added to the bench.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher SharpeFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Trai Fuller
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Fletcher HuntCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Tevita Naufahu
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Sandon SmithFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan BrownHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Bradley Schneider
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Dolphins is number 8 Felise Kaufusi
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey MooneyProp for Dolphins is number 10 Francis Molo
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat CrokerLock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan Knowles
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison GrahamInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Kurt Donoghoe
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson FrizellInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Tom Gilbert
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Cody HopwoodInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Thomas CantInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Brian Pouniu
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Interchange for Knights is number 18 Lachlan CrouchInterchange for Dolphins is number 18 Sebastian Su'a
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Interchange for Knights is number 19 Francis ManuleleuaInterchange for Dolphins is number 19 John Fineanganofo
Reserves
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Reserve for Knights is number 20 Kyle McCarthyReserve for Dolphins is number 20 Sam Elliott
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Reserve for Knights is number 21 Tyson GambleReserve for Dolphins is number 21 LJ Nonu
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Reserve for Knights is number 22 Elijah Salesa-LeaumoanaReserve for Dolphins is number 22 Zac Garton
Knights Ins
- Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
- Francis Manuleleua
- Harrison Graham
- Kyle McCarthy
- Tyson Gamble
Dolphins Ins
- Brian Pouniu
- Jake Averillo
- John Fineanganofo
- LJ Nonu
- Sam Elliott
- Sebastian Su'a
- Tom Gilbert
- Trai Fuller
- Zac Garton
Knights Outs
- Bradman Best
- Kalyn Ponga
Dolphins Ins
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Isaiya Katoa
- Jack Bostock
- Max Plath
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Thomas Flegler
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won their last five games against the Dolphins.
- The Dolphins have scored over 35 points per game in their eight-game winning streak.
- Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas has scored seven tries in his last six games.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored seven tries in six games against the Knights.
- The Knights have won only three of their last 17 games without Kalyn Ponga.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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