St George Illawarra hope a week off and a return home will provide the foundation for a breakthrough win when they take on the Knights on Saturday afternoon. 

The bye came at the perfect time for the Dragons, who are reeling after a 0-8 start to the year and the departure of Shane Flanagan last month. Interim coach Dean Young couldn’t produce an immediate turnaround on Anzac Day but has had a fortnight to reshape the team in his vision.

Young halfback Kade Reed is set for his second game in the top flight, while the Couchman brothers and Hamish Stewart continue to showcase why there are such high hopes for a young crop of St George Illawarra forwards. 

The Dragons struggled defensively in Round 8 and there will be no respite this weekend when they host an electrifying Knights attacking unit. 

The return of Kalyn Ponga took Newcastle’s attack to another level last Sunday, Justin Holbrook’s side claiming a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Rabbitohs.

Bradman Best also completed a successful comeback from injury in Round 8 and this week’s game provides another chance to press his claims for a NSW State of Origin jersey. 

The halves combination of Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe is continuing to develop as Newcastle look to build momentum through the middle phase of the year.

Team News

Dragons: Dragons coach Dean Young has rung in more changes to the game day squad in the 90-minute update, with Lyhkan King-Togia to start at five-eighth over Daniel Atkinson, who has been omitted. Ryan Couchman has reverted to the interchange, with Josh Kerr to start in the second row. Gerringong junior Dylan Egan has been confirmed for his first NRL game since Round 10, 2025, after making a successful comeback from an ACL tear, while Clint Gutherson is also part of the returning brigade from a hamstring injury. Winger Christian Tuipolotu has been cleared to return from a knee injury via the interchange. Moses Suli was ruled out of the match with a back injury in Friday’s 24-hour update, replaced by Tyrell Sloan. Hame Sele also dropped out in Friday’s update.  

Knights: Cody Hopwood has been added to the interchange in place of Harrison Graham in the final update for the Knights squad as they chase their first victory at WIN Stadium since 2011. Kalyn Ponga has scored five tries in his last four games against the Dragons and will look to build on last week’s successful return from injury. No changes were made 24 hours out from kick off, Kyle McCarthy and James Schiller dropping out of the squad. 

Stat Attack

The Dragons have conceded 114 points in their last three games at WIN Stadium.
The Knights have not won at WIN Stadium since 2011.
Dragons centre Valentine Holmes has scored six tries in seven games at WIN Stadium.
Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has scored five tries in his last four games against the Dragons.
Dragons hooker Damien Cook has scored four 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.