Two of last year's finalists square off for the second time in five weeks as both the Knights and the One New Zealand Warriors struggle with injuries and inconsistencies to start the season.
Newcastle will be looking to make it two-straight for the first time this year after showing they're willing to fight for their season in a morale boosting victory over the Dolphins on Sunday.
With Kalyn Ponga ruled out for three months (lisfranc), rookie fullback David Armstrong was a shining light for Adam O'Brien's side and will be looking to build on his memorable debut against the One New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
However, the round eight victory looks to have come at a cost for the Newcastle club with Jacob Saifiti ruled out. Jed Cartwright and Greg Marzhew both picked up injuries as well but were included in the squad when it was reduced to 19 players 24 hours before kick-off.
After racing to an early 12-0 lead on Anzac Day, the Warriors left fans scratching their heads after handing the Titans their first victory for the season.
Andrew Webster is refusing to push the panic button stressing it's not too late to rediscover the form that took them all the way to a preliminary final last year despite recording just five wins in their first 10 matches in 2023.
Match: Knights v Warriors
Round 9 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 David ArmstrongFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Greg MarzhewWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Warriors is number 3 Rocco Berry
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Warriors is number 4 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Enari TualaWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Te Maire Martin
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
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Prop for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kurt Capewell
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix CrosslandInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Dylan Walker
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jed CartwrightInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Tom Ale
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Knights is number 19 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Warriors is number 18 Adam Pompey
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 21 Thomas CantReplacement for Warriors is number 16 Jacob Laban
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Team news
Knights: Coach Adam O'Brien confirmed on Saturday that Jacob Saifiti (leg) won't play, with Jack Hetherington coming straight into the side in his return from suspension. No other changes to the side that downed the Dolphins with David Armstrong going again at fullback after making a try-scoring debut in Anzac Round. Mat Croker and Tom Cant remained in the squad when it was trimmed to 19 on Saturday.
One New Zealand Warriors: A timely injection of experience for the Kiwi side as they aim to end a three-game winless streak, with veteran back-rower Kurt Capewell returning from a throat injury and Bunty Afoa set to play after time out with a hamstring injury. That bumps rookie Jacob Laban back to the bench. While Capewell and Afoa return, the Warriors still have Jazz Tevaga, Marata Niukore, Chanel Harris Tavita, Luke Metcalf and Demitric Sifakula out injured while Freddy Lussick is suspended.
Stat attack
- The Knights have won eight of their past 10 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Knights.
- Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored five tries in four games against the Warriors.
- The Warriors have not won in Newcastle since 2019.
- Knights goalkickers have landed 25 of their 26 attempts at goal in 2024.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
