Knights v Bulldogs: Higgins notches 50; Jones back in the pack
Newcastle return to McDonald Jones Stadium full of confidence after their big 40-6 win over the Cowboys, while the Bulldogs face a very different challenge after suffering a heavy 44-14 loss to Wests Tigers.
Newcastle's Round 9 result halted a concerning slide and re-established the Knights as a serious finals contender.
For the Bulldogs, defensive lapses around the ruck proved costly, and the side, currently eighth on the ladder, needs to respond quickly.
Whether Newcastle can back up their dominant attacking display will be key. Their outside backs were electric against North Queensland and created opportunities all afternoon.
Canterbury's best football this season has been built on resilience and effort. They will need to improve their line speed and defensive discipline after conceding 44 points last week.
With both sides still battling for valuable ladder position, expect a high-intensity clash.
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 10 -
home Team
Knights
5th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
9th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: The Knights are 1-17 with no late changes. Hooker Olivia Higgins will play her 50th game for the Knights. Jules Kirkpatrick is the 18th player.
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs line up 1-17 with no late changes. Tamika Jones returns from suspension into the second row, moving Leilani Wilson to prop, with Alexis Tauaneai shifting to lock. Hope Millard goes to the bench. Pauline Suli-Ruka is 18th player.
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 10 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lucy SpainFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie Robinson
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina Lokotui
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah Nankivell
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica Tagoai
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Bridget Hoy
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh Quinlan
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Kalosipani Hopoate
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane Taito
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Leilani Wilson
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Sienna Yeo2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Fane Finau2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tamika Jones
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Charley LahmertInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Evelyn Roberts
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Emily McArthurInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Latisha Smythe
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope Millard
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Simone KarpaniInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Jules KirkpatrickReplacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Pauline Suli-Ruka
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have lost two from three at McDonald Jones Stadium this season.
- The Bulldogs upset the Knights 26-12 in their inaugural NRLW game in 2025.
- Hooker Olivia Higgins will play her 50th game for the Knights.
- Bulldogs winger Simina Lokotui has scored eight tries in her last seven games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
