Boosted by a victory in front of a packed home stadium last week, the Dragons travel to face a Knights side backing up from a grueling loss in Auckland.
In Round 4 St George Illawarra showed a type of resilience so often lacking from their performances in recent times, to hold the red-hot Sea Eagles attack to just two tries, with fullback Tyrell Sloan doing much of the damage on the other side of the ball to lift his side to a second win in 2024.
After falling behind early against the Warriors the Knights defended well to remain in the contest right up until the closing minutes, but were made to pay for failing to take advantage of the scoring chances they did have.
In addition to now being 1-3 this season, Newcastle will need to overcome a five-day turnaround and trip back across the Tasman if they are to beat the Dragons, who have the benefit of remaining in New South Wales and getting the full week of rest.
The Dragons have a good record at McDonald Jones Stadium, having won in 18 of 23 trips there, while in their last four meetings the pair have picked up two wins apiece.
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Team News
Knights: Jackson Hastings returns to the line-up for the first time since being dropped after Round 2, replacing Tyson Gamble in the halves. There are a couple of big inclusions as well, with Dane Gagai returning from the medical condition which kept him from playing in Auckland last week and Leo Thompson back from suspension. Jayden Brailey starts at hooker after being eased back from injury via the interchange over the past fortnight. Tyson Frizell dropped out in the 24-hour update, with Dylan Lucas slotting into the back row as his replacement. Tom Cant is the 18th man.
Dragons: Just one change to the 17 who took the field against the Sea Eagles last week, with Michael Molo replacing Hame Sele on the bench. Tom Eisenhuth was named to start at lock, but revert back to the bench in a swap with Blake Lawrie. Toby Couchman is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Knights have won seven of their past eight games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Dragons centre Jack Bird has scored six tries in seven games against the Knights.
- Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has scored four tries in his past three games against the Dragons.
- Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has scored six tries in his past four games.
- The Knights have won only two of their past seven games against the Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .