The Newcastle Knights host the Canterbury Bulldogs in a blockbuster Pre-season Challenge clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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MATCH CENTRE: Knights vs Bulldogs teams, scores, updates
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Dylan Brown will make his first appearance as a Knights player against the Bulldogs, with Justin Holbrook wheeling out a stacked team for his team’s last pre-season trial. In the absence of Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe will wear the No.1 jersey. In the absence of Dane Gagai due to a hamstring injury, Fletcher Hunt slots into the centres alongside Greg Marzhew, Bradman Best and Dom Young. Tyson Frizell has been named at prop, packing the scrum in the front row with Jacob Saifiti. Phoenix Crossland start at hooker, with Tyson Gamble named as a utility while Dylan Lucas and Thomas Cant are the Knights edge forwards. Mat Croker rounds out the team, with Jermaine McEwen named on the bench. Trey Mooney is absent after being selected in the All Stars clash.
Cameron Ciraldo has named what looks to be his starting side for his side’s Las Vegas trip, with Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton in the halves. Connor Tracey, Johnathan Sua, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton and Enari Tuala make up the backline in the absence of Jacob Kiraz. In the forwards, Leo Thompson will represent the Maori All Stars this weekend with Harry Hayes joining Max King in the front row. Bailey Hayward starts at hooker, with Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau and Jaeman Salmon rounding out the starting forward pack. As usual Kurt Mann wears the No.14 alongside a stacked bench. Sean O’Sullivan has been named on the extended bench, alongside Aaymon Fitzgibbon.
TEAMS
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Thomas Cant 13. Mathew Croker 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jermaine McEwen 16. Elijah Leaumoana 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Brodie Jones 19. James Schiller 20. Wilson De Courcey 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Francis Manuleleua 23. Connor Votano
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Harry Hayes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin 21. Taye Cochrane 22. Cooper Toy 23. Raymond Puru 24. Jed Reardon 25. Alekolasimi Jones 26. Aaymon Fitzgibbon
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