If the Dragons are to avoid the first wooden spoon in joint venture history the climb out of the cellar needs to start on Friday night in Newcastle.<\/p>\n
The Dragons have won just one game in 2026 and sit four points behind the 16th placed Titans, with both sides having had two byes so far.<\/p>\n
Dean Young’s men head up the freeway to Newcastle boasting a sensational record at McDonald Jones Stadium, having won 18 of the 24 matches played there since 1999, so that should give them confidence.<\/p>\n
The sides met just six weeks ago in Round 10 at WIN Stadium and it was Greg Marzhew running riot with five tries as the Knights powered to a 44-10 win.<\/p>\n
With 29 tries between them this season, Marzhew and wing partner Dom Young have been dynamic on the end of a classy Newcastle backline and they will again pose a massive threat to a Dragons outfit conceding 332ppg.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Knights: Star fullback Kalyn Ponga will sit out the match after a taxing Origin contest, with Fletcher Hunt coming into fullback in jumper No.18. Dylan Lucas remains in the side after the 24-hour update, however coach Justin Holbrook suggested on Thursday it’s unlikely he will back up. Interchange forward Pasami Saulo will miss the clash after fracturing his foot at training this week. Sandon Smith and Tyson Gamble are the new faces on the six-man bench, with Smith on track to complete his comeback from a calf injury. Star centre Bradman Best is also set to make his return from a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Dragons:\u00a0Coach Dean Young confirmed on Thursday that winger Christian Tuipulotu would return from a hamstring injury through NSW Cup meaning Setu Tu and Mat Feagai will line up as named. Luciano Leilua is also back in the mix after Jaydn Su’A suffered a pec injury a fortnight ago and is set to come off the interchange. No changes in Thursday’s 24-hour update.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Knights have won three of their last four games against the Dragons.
\nThe Dragons have won only one of their last 14 away games.
\nKnights second-rower Dylan Lucas has scored six tries in his last five games.
\nDragons winger Setu Tu has scored four tries in his last six games.
\nKnights winger Greg Marzhew will make his 100th NRL appearance.<\/p>\n
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,\u00a0author of the\u00a0official annual of the NRL.<\/a><\/p>\n