The Knights are coming off a morale-boosting win over premiers Penrith and will arrive in Dragons heartland chasing two on the trot for the first time since Round 1-2.
Despite the absence of Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti, the Knights exploded out of the blocks in Bathurst to lead 24-0 after 25 minutes and the game was as good as over.
The Dragons won't be lacking any confidence either as they come off an impressive victory over the Broncos before taking a breather with a bye in Round 12.
Only two points separates the sides on the competition ladder but it was considerably more than that in their only meeting last year, the Knights charging to a 30-10 victory in Newcastle.
Match: Dragons v Knights
Round 13 -
home Team
Dragons
8th Position
away Team
Knights
15th Position
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Dragons: Blake Lawrie and Toby Couchman have come into the starting side an hour before kick-off with Jack de Belin and Luciano Leilua reverting to the interchange. Christian Tuipulotu's return from a hamstring injury has been put on hold for another week. The Tongan international was initially named for his first match since Round 6 but medical staff have opted to take a cautious approach. Former Australian Sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut on the wing. Queensland veteran Valentine Holmes will back up from Origin One. Hame Sele is 18th man.
Knights: Maroons star Kalyn Ponga will be rested from the match with Fletcher Sharpe to line up at fullback as he did in the win over the Panthers. Jack Cogger comes in at five-eighth to partner Tyson Gamble in the halves. Prop Leo Thompson is back after missing last week through illness but the Knights have lost Adam Elliott to a biceps injury. Jermaine McEwen is 18th man.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Jake Averillo
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake WilsonWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Max Feagai
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Blake TaaffeCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Josh CurranProp for Dolphins is number 8 Francis Molo
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Kurt Donoghoe
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 16 Samuel HughesProp for Dolphins is number 10 Felise Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Harry Hayes2nd Row for Dolphins is number 17 Oryn Keeley
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey HaywardLock for Dolphins is number 13 Ray Stone
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 8 Lipoi HopoiInterchange for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Jake TurpinInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Harrison Graham
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Luke SmithInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Josh Kerr
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Jack UnderhillReplacement for Dolphins is number 18 Sean O'Sullivan
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won only one of their past four games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
- The Knights have won four of their past six games against the Dragons.
- Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored nine tries in nine games in 2025.
- Knights fullback Fletcher Sharpe has scored five tries in his last four games.
- Dragons hooker Damien Cook has scored five tries in his last six games against the Knights.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
