Stephen Crichton and the Canterbury Bulldogs are set to face off against Kalyn Ponga’s Newcastle Knights in a highly anticipated showdown at Accor Stadium.
Kurtis Morrin was initially named on the bench for the Bulldogs but has been replaced by Blake Taaffe, while hard-hitting forward Sitili Tupouniua remains sidelined due to suspension.
In a positive development, Jacob Kiraz has been named among the extended reserves as he works his way back from a back injury. He’ll have the week to prove his fitness in hopes of making his first appearance of the season.
The Knights also receive a major lift with Leo Thompson returning from a knee issue. He slots back into the front row, forcing Brodie Jones out of the 17 and into the 18th man role.
Following a bye in Round 4, the Knights will be looking to come out firing against a Bulldogs team riding a wave of momentum.
Bulldogs Lineup:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
11. Josh Curran
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Jack Todd
17. Blake Taaffe
18. Lipoi Hopoi
19. Jacob Kiraz
Knights Lineup:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Thomas Cant
12. Tyson Frizell
13. Adam Elliott
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Jermaine McEwen
17. Mathew Croker
18. Brodie Jones
19. Kyle McCarthy
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