No other Round 10 fixture has the same disparity in recent form as the one between the Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEST
The Knights, who are high at 5th on the ladder, are in a downward spiral after back-to-back to losses including a 30-point loss to the Raiders last weekend.
By contrast, the 11th placed Bulldogs are skyrocketing, earning their third consecutive win last round against the Warriors with 2012 Dally M winner Ben Barba hitting stride to put the rest of the league on notice.
They were down ten at halftime after conceding the first three tries of the game, but staged a comeback scoring three times in the second half to win by eight.
Six spots separate these two teams on the NRL ladder, but that gap is only one win, and after the shellacking the Knights received last weekend there is only a one point-per-game difference between the sides’ defensive record.
Last week’s game against the Raiders was a new low for the Knights, who were up by 14 early before allowing 44 unanswered points.
Their left flank was particularly embarrassed, with centre Timana Tahu and winger James McManus continually victimised by Blake Ferguson.
That performance has led to dramatic changes this week by coach Wayne Bennett, dropping Tahu and vice-captain Chris Houston from the side in an effort to light a fire under the rest of his playing squad.
In Canterbury the news is far more positive. Front-rowers James Graham (suspension) and Sam Kasiano (leg injury) return to the side, as well as centre Krisnan Inu, who sat out for five weeks after being suspended for his tackle on Greg Inglis.
The last time these two matched up was in Round 22 last year, and the Bulldogs handily defeated the Knights 26-10, with the game over early thanks to stellar play from Barba and Josh Reynolds.
Akuila Uate did make an impression for the Knights, grabbing two late tries.
manlyman
Guest
Once again we learned 2 things the first being josh reynolds should never play or be considered for origin and the second being that the bulldogs will never be manly as much as des hopes and prays they simply don't have the class or skills
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Just having a "pot shot" at the media ... They are lost for words when their "Super Heroes" don't perform .... Barba let them down today, and Ithey won't have any"superlatives for Darius Boyd or his "Man of the Match" performance. I agree, defence is Barba's bug-barel and his inmaturity doesn't help his team or his ambitions.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
I think Barba is a fullback liability in defence. Ive never seen him pull off any trysaving tackle.
Silvertail
Guest
Didn't ya learn after ya last prediction ???
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Are the Knights the team flying under the radar? Or is it more about the media promoting the Bulldogs that is leading to their demise ... One week it's Greg Inglis, South Sydney's Superman, in all his crowning glory, the next it's Ben Barba back to his Bulldogging best form - Origin a material even... Yesterday, Josh Dugan went from Sinner to Saint and today Darius Boyd was the Knight in shining armour ... I hope Billy Slater brings his sizzling A game to Aami Park for the Storm tomorrow night.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Newcastle Knights 44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Newcastle will enjoy their 36-point boost in the differential, while the Bulldogs consecutive wins comes to a sudden stop. I'd give a player of the game award to Mullen for his terrific kicking game, but credit to Boyd for great support play and Gidley for a perfect game with the conversions. The Knights take on the Warriors next week, and the Bulldogs face up against the Broncos. Thanks for reading, stay with the Roar for Storm/Sea Eagles.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Newcastle Knights 44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs A sublime turnaround by the Knights, after conceding 44 last week and dropping some veterans midweek, they've come out and shown their fortitude for putting up the same figure on the Bulldogs. Four points was the difference at halftime, but it was all Newcastle in the second half - the Bulldogs made far too many errors and lost focus in defence.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Newcastle Knights 44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Long run from Roberts will be the last action, game over!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
79' Newcastle Knights 44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs James Graham pass intercepted by Roberts! He was away by didn't have the legs to get away from Barba, brought down just 10 away!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
79' Newcastle Knights44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Another lost ball by the Knights shortly after the restart!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
78' Newcastle Knights 44 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Probably the best try of the day! 60-metre try for the Knights. Wouldn't it be fitting for the Knights to put up 44 a week after conceding the same amount! Gidley to take, SUCCESSFUL!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' Newcastle Knights 42 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Boyd's away, and another try for Newcastle with NAIQAMA! They've gone crazy! Great chip by Mullen, and Boyd streaked through and caught it on the full, then flicked to Naiqama who sprinted for the corner.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' Newcastle Knights 38 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Bulldogs are knocking on the door, but the Knights have stolen possession! Solid tackle on Jackson and Leilua stripped it away fairly.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
75' Newcastle Knights 38 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Knock on by Snowden after the restart! He's been good until now. Great chance for the Bulldogs, but it's a bit late.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
74' Newcastle Knights 38 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Great team try by Newcastle, you could see it brought about by a tired Bulldogs defence just lacking focus. Gidley to convert his own try, SUCCESSFUL!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
73' Newcastle Knights 36 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Great grubber by Mullen! Recovered by Gagai and flick to Gidley who scores! TRY for NEWCASTLE! Great try, and the captain scores under the sticks for yet another!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
72' Newcastle Knights 32 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Knock on by Ennis in midfield, looks like the Dogs simply want the game to finish.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
70' Newcastle Knights 32 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs More pressure being applied by Newcastle, might they get one more? Chance for a try for Naiqama, almost got control of Mullen's grubber but knocked it out the back. You can see the hunger for Newcastle with everyone rushing forward for a chance to score!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
69' Newcastle Knights 32 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs The Knights make it down the other end quickly, and then a Mullen bomb is knocked out the back by Brown. Line dropout.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
68' Newcastle Knights 32 – 8 Canterbury Bulldogs Reynolds kicks for the Bulldogs from halfway... and it's out on the full!