Match Preview: Round 18 – Dolphins v Knights
The Dolphins head to Newcastle on the hunt for a ninth straight victory, looking to extend the club’s best-ever winning streak despite a reshuffled line-up.
Head Coach Kristian Woolf has been forced to call on the club’s depth, with State of Origin commitments and injury prompting several changes for the Round 18 clash. But after eight consecutive wins, confidence remains high as the Dolphins aim to continue their red-hot form.
History favours the home side, with the Knights winning five of the six previous meetings between the clubs. However, the Dolphins arrive in Newcastle as one of the NRL’s form teams, averaging more than 35 points per game during their eight-match winning streak.
It will be eyes on winger Jamayne Isaako who has scored seven tries in six games against the Knights.
For the Dolphins, one of their toughest tests of the season awaits. The Knights have turned their home ground into a fortress in 2026, losing just two games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A victory would not only make it nine in a row but further strengthen the Dolphins’ position as they continue their push towards their first finals appearance.
Team News
Dolphins
With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow away on Origin duty, Trai Fuller returns at fullback.
Jake Averillo makes his long-awaited return in the centres after missing the past eight matches with the hand injury he suffered in Round 8. He replaces Jack Bostock, who is set to make his State of Origin debut.
Tevita Naufahu comes onto the wing in place of Selwyn Cobbo, while Brad Schneider slots into the halves to replace Isaiya Katoa, who sustained a fractured wrist in last weekend’s win over the Warriors.
Francis Molo and Felise Kaufusi have been named to start in the front row, while Tom Gilbert returns after missing last week’s match with a minor throat injury.
Young gun Brian Pouniu has earned a place on the interchange bench, with Sebastian Su’a and John Fineanganofo named as the 18th and 19th men.
Knights
Fletcher Sharpe again shifts to fullback in the absence of Kalyn Ponga, while Fletcher Hunt comes into the centres for Bradman Best.
Sandon Smith moves into the five-eighth role after starting from the bench last week, with Harrison Graham joining the extended interchange alongside Francis Manuleleua.
Match-Up
Hookers Go Head-to-Head
This week’s key battle is in the middle of the park, with experienced Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King set to go head-to-head with Knights No.9 Phoenix Crossland.
Marshall-King has made seven appearances this season, crossing for two tries while providing his trademark composure through the middle. Defensively, he has been outstanding, averaging 36 tackles per game with an impressive 95 per cent tackle efficiency.
Crossland has been a consistent performer for the Knights in 2026, featuring in all 15 games and also scoring two tries. The hooker averages 43 tackles per game and boasts a 94 per cent tackle efficiency, making him one of Newcastle’s busiest defenders.
With both players playing key roles in controlling the ruck and linking their forwards and backs, whichever hooker can win the battle through the middle could have a major influence on Friday night’s contest.
