The Newcastle Knights will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs this weekend at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kalyn Ponga’s return as captain marks a pivotal moment for the Knights as they aim to improve their recent form against a high-powered Rabbitohs attack.
Key player updates:
- Ponga will captain the team from fullback, in what will be his first appearance since Round 2.
- Dylan Brown has returned to the Knights’ squad, adding depth to their attack.
- Latrell Mitchell has returned to his dominant ball-carrying best in his move back to the centres.
The Knights have struggled defensively, conceding big scores in their last three games. They are desperate to rebound on their home turf after these struggles. The match is expected to showcase two of the best attacking teams in the NRL.
Alex Johnston leads the Rabbitohs with nine tries this year, including a double last week. Tallis Duncan scored a hat-trick last weekend and is among the most improved players this season. This will be Wayne Bennett’s return to Newcastle as coach of South Sydney.
Harrison Graham has been dropped from the Knights’ squad for this match, but their lineup remains largely unchanged apart from several returning players. The stakes are high for both teams as they vie for critical points in the NRL standings.
