Two of the best attacking teams in the NRL are set to put on a show in the Sunday afternoon sunshine when Newcastle host South Sydney this weekend.
The Knights made a bright start to the season but have struggled in the past few weeks and are desperate to rebound on their home turf.
The return of star recruit Dylan Brown has added another dimension to their attack and they have had no issues producing points this year.
Defence has been an area of focus after conceding big scores in their last three games and Newcastle will have to be on their game to slow a high-powered Rabbitohs attack that is firing on all cylinders.
Latrell Mitchell has returned to his dominant ball-carrying best in his move back to the centres, while fullback Matt Dufty has made the most of an unexpected second chance in the NRL.
Alex Johnston continues to score tries at a record-breaking clip and is now up to nine for the year after scoring a double in last week’s big win over the Storm. The veteran enjoys playing the Knights, having scored 15 tries in 10 games against the club.
Up front, edge forward Tallis Duncan has been one of the quiet achievers and is among the most improved players in the competition this season. The 24-year-old also has a knack for finding the try line, scoring a hat-trick last weekend.
Sunday’s match marks a return to Newcastle for South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, who took the Knights to the 2013 preliminary final.
Team News
Knights: Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) and Bradman Best (groin) are on track to return for the Knights as they look to snap a three-match losing streak. Ponga will line up at fullback, with Best at centre. Fletcher Sharpe moves to five-eighth as a result, with Fletcher Hunt and Sandon Smith both shifting to the interchange. Greg Marzhew is also looking to return from a concussion and is set to take his place on the wing. Kyle McCarthy and James Schiller come out of the side in Saturday’s 24-hour update.
Rabbitohs: Brandon Smith (calf) dropped out of the squad on Saturday along with Liam Le Blanc while Adam Elliott remained in the extended squad as he looks to return from a long-term calf injury. Halfback Jamie Humphreys, who left the field last week with a rib complaint, has been named in the No.7 jumper and is on track to take his place in the side.
Stat Attack
The Knights have won their last three games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs centre Latrell Mitchell has scored 66 points in his last four games.
The Knights have won only one of their last nine games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 15 tries in 10 games against the Knights.
The Knights have conceded 124 points in their last three games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.