NRL 2026, Round 24, Indigenous Round, live blog, Titans, Knights, Wests Tigers, Dragons, match highlights, injuries, coaches media conferences

NRL Sunday: Knights v Titans; Wests Tigers v Dragons

Author: Colleen Edwards NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Sun 16 Aug 2026, 02:12 PM

From the wooden spoon in 2025 to finalists in 2026, the Newcastle Knights have well and truly exorcised the demons of last year.

With three games left to play before a final round bye, the Knights are well poised to make a run for the top four and a double chance in September.

If they are to make that dream a reality, Justin Holbrook's men need to guard against complacency when the unpredictable Titans hit town on Sunday.

From the Hunter, we head Sydney's west where the rejuvenated Dragons chase back-to-back wins for the first time in 12 months as they tackle Benji's Tigers.

When the two sides met at Kogarah in Round 18 it was the Dragons prevailing 24-10 to double their win tally for the season.

The wooden spoon may be on its way to Kogarah in 2026, but there's still plenty to play for as Dean Young's men build for next year while the Tigers are out to snap a seven-game losing streak.

Follow all the action from Round 24 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.

Knights v Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium

Round 24 - Round 24 - Sunday 16 Aug

Live

17:25

Knights

Titans

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

WatchNRL

Latest Team Stats

8th min: Back-to-back for the Knights in quick succession with Greg Marzhew over in the left corner. A huge run from Jermaine McEwan down the right edge and back through the middle sets it up before a kick out to the left is batted back, collected and thrown out to the left edge. Smith's conversion attempt hits the post and out for a 10-0 lead.

5th min: They won't be denied this time, with Dane Gagai chasing through on his own kick that nutmegged Beau Fermor and went through the line. Sandon Smith converts for a 6-0 lead.

2nd min: The Knights are denied a try after Fletcher Hunt pushes Lachlan Ilias off the ball and instead concedes a penalty. Score 0-0.

Kick off: The Titans kick off and the Knights have first use of the ball.

Match preview

Knights v Titans: Round 24

Late Mail

Knights: No late game day changes. Centre Bradman Best has been withdrawn again this week after failing to recover from a calf strain. Fletcher Hunt will start in the centres, with Toby Winter coming on to the bench. Hooker Phoenix Crossland is back on deck after missing the win over Canberra due to a calf injury. Harrison Graham heads back to the interchange. Pasami Saulo returns from a foot injury as part of the six-man interchange. Winger Dominic Young has scored 11 tries in six games against the Titans.

Titans: Dean Ieremia has been withdrawn on game day with a hamstring injury. Onto the wing come Jaylan De Groot, with Siale Faeamani elevated to the six-man bench to cover De Groot's promotion. Halfback Lachlan Ilias gets his first crack at the NRL since Round 9 as he looks to finish a frustrating season on a high. AJ Brimson returns to the centres after playing halfback last week for the first time since 2019. Rising back-rower Bodhi Sharpley has been named to make his NRL debut off the bench after 11 Queensland Cup games with Tweed Seagulls this season.