Defend the Kingdom: NRL Round 3 preview

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Wed 15 Mar 2023, 04:06 PM

We're back in front of the Newcastle faithful this Friday night for the first time in 2023 as we welcome league newcomers, the Dolphins.

After a gutsy and inspired last start win over the Tigers, the team will look to make it back-to-back wins at McDonald Jones Stadium.

It shapes as a huge early-season battle with the Dolphins jumping out of the blocks with two wins to start the season.

See the latest team news, stats and key match-up ahead of our Multicultural Round 3 clash with the Dolphins.

nib NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v DOLPHINS

Date: Friday, March 17th

Kick-off: 6:00pm

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

The match will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports

Take your seat in Round 3 at McDonald Jones Stadium

GAME DAY INFORMATION

Game Day Itinerary

Gates/Fan Zone open: 4:30pm

NRL kick-off: 6pm

Theme: Multicultural Round

Merchandise: Show your colours

Tickets: Purchase here

50/50 Charity Raffle Partner: Sione's Foundation

Match Day Sponsor: Brydens Lawyers

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Since: 2023

Knights: 0

Dolphins: 0

TEAMS

Round 3 - Round 3 - Friday 17 Mar

Full Time

Knights

Dolphins

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lachlan Miller

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Winger for Knights is number 2 Hymel Hunt

Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Euan Aitken
Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best

Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Brenko Lee
Winger for Knights is number 5 Dominic Young

Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Tesi Niu
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson Gamble

Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Isaiya Katoa
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings

Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Dolphins is number 17 Kurt Donoghoe
Prop for Knights is number 10 Jack Hetherington

Prop for Dolphins is number 14 Connelly Lemuelu
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Brodie Jones

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
Lock for Knights is number 13 Leo Thompson

Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom Gilbert

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Ryan Rivett

Interchange for Dolphins is number 9 Kodi Nikorima
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker

Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Dylan Lucas

Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
Interchange for Knights is number 22 Thomas Cant

Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Mason Teague

Reserves

Replacement for Knights is number 20 Oryn Keeley

Replacement for Dolphins is number 24 Poasa Faamausili

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Butler
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:11 PM

TEAM NEWS

UPDATE: Jack Johns is a late withdrawal to the side due to injury with East Maitland junior Tom Cant coming into the 17 for his NRL debut and becoming Knight #342.

For the Dolphins, despite being named as 18th man, last week's debutant Mason Teague moves back onto the bench in place of Connelly Lemuelu, who will start for prop Jarrod Wallace.

TUESDAY: Knights Head Coach Adam O'Brien has named his 22-man squad for our first home clash against the Dolphins.

Dane Gagai will achieve another special milestone by playing his 150 NRL game for the Newcastle Knights.

O’Brien’s squad has several new faces, due to injuries and suspensions, including a new-look spine with Tyson Gamble named at five-eighth and Phoenix Crossland at hooker.

The bench includes debutants Ryan Rivett and Dylan Lucas, along with Mat Croker returning from suspension and an extended bench with a mix of familiar faces and some young players.

For the Dolphins, Kodi Nikorima is the new hooker in the absence of Jeremy Marshall-King, who will miss two games due to suspension.

Ray Stone has been named to return from a knee injury he suffered in Round 1 so last week's debutant Mason Teague goes to 18th man.

MULTICULTURAL ROUND

Where we're from: Our cultural heritage

This round, we're celebrating the NRL's Multicultural round at our home game against the Dolphins.

With our own players cultural backgrounds reaching from Pasifika nations to Chile to the United Kingdom and back to home shores with our Indigenous representation, the Knights continue to celebrate the diversity at our Club.

Prior to our NRL kick-off, enjoy our cultural performances and learn more about the heritage of our players for Multicultural Round.

Multicultural Round returns as the first themed round of the NRL Telstra Premiership season. The round’s central message is “Stronger Together” – recognising, respecting and celebrating diverse cultural heritage at all levels of the game.

FORM GUIDE

The Knights bounced back last round with a gritty and determined two-point win over the Tigers.

Having dealt with plenty of adversity during the game, the Knights overcame the odds to notch their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have started with two wins from two to start their inaugural campaign.

The new franchise defeated the Canberra Raiders last start 20-14 at Kayo Stadium while downed the Roosters in Round 1.

KEY MATCH-UP

Lachlan Miller v Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: Two electric and dynamic fullbacks will go head-to-head on Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Signed in the off season, Miller has been a huge addition to the backline averaging 171 run metres in the red and blue.

Gagai on 150 Knights games and Dolphins battle

The livewire fullback also had nine tackle breaks in the win over the Tigers and played an influential role in the win.

The Knights will look to shut down Tabuai-Fidow's impact with the fullback showcasing his pace and skill in the opening rounds with three tries and an average of 175 run metres.