A miracle try by Moses Mbye just seconds out from full-time has kept the Bulldogs season alive in front of an animated home crowd at Belmore Oval.
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Final score
Canterbury Bulldogs 20
Newcastle Knights 18
The Newcastle Knights will be looking to put last week behind them against a Canterbury Bulldogs side whose season hangs by a thread. Join The Roar for a live blog from 4pm AEST.
A week can feel like an eternity in football, and a one-point loss at the hands of the Eels was heartbreaking for Canterbury.
Despite being dominated in the first forty, Dessie’s Dogs found a way to turn things around in the second stanza by forcing the game into Golden Point only to be undone by a Mitchell Moses field goal.
The feeling in Newcastle’s changing sheds would have painted a similar picture with their disappointing showing against West Tigers best summed up by Nathan Brown as “Their worst performance of 2017.”
The Bulldogs are still without James Graham for this clash, but welcome back Kerrod Holland into the side. Andy Saunders is set to make his debut with Asipeli Fine rounding out the 17. They’ll be without the services of Brett Morris, David Klemmer and Josh Jackson who are away on Origin duty.
Newcastle’s Trent Hodkinson retains his spot in the halves as he prepares to face off against his former teammates.
Chanel Mata’utia comes onto the wing as does Brendan Elliott as the expense of Ken Sio and one of Queensland’s best, Dane Gagai.
No nonsense forward Josh Starling has been axed with Luke Yates returning to the interchange bench.
The spiritual ground that is Belmore Oval holds many fond memories for Bulldogs fans and come Sunday afternoon they’ll be looking to make some more.
Motivation should come easily enough in front of a vocal home crowd with their season effectively on the line.
Emotion may get the better of him at times but it will be completely warranted for local junior Josh Reynolds as he runs out at Belmore for the last time as a Bulldog.
Don’t be surprised if he comes away with Man of the Match honors or even the match winner.
Newcastle have won a fair few hearts this year with a number of spirited performances. Last week’s effort was far from inspiring, but their match against Canterbury back in Round 6 was one where they competed hard only to be undone in the dying stages.
The fact that their opponents will be without Brett Morris, Klemmer and Jackson to Origin along with Graham to injury presents a real opportunity for the Novocastrians to claim what would be just their third win of the season.
Cult hero Nathan “Ross Dog” will be looking to repay the faith shown in him by the coaching staff after agreeing to a contract extension that will have him in Newcastle until the end of 2020. Look for a big game from him.
In 33 clashes since 1998, it’s been 16 wins a piece with the just one draw between the two clubs.
Newcastle are on the end of a five-game losing streak while the Bulldogs haven’t been much better themselves having won just one match since Round 9.
Going back to Belmore hasn’t been too generous for the Blue and Whites either. Since 2015 they’ve managed just one win from five matches at the ground.
Prediction
The Bulldogs are firm favourites for this clash despite their lack of attacking prowess.
Newcastle all but cemented their place on the bottom of the ladder with a poor showing against the Tigers and will be punished if they show up with the same attitude.
Expect an improved effort from the Knights but a stronger showing by Canterbury.
Bulldogs by 10.
frustrated
Guest
i don't understand fully timed, and that doesn't explain why the clock was stopped when bulldogs scored in the 75th ish minute?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Last 10 mins of a half are fully timed.
frustrated
Guest
could someone explain the rules regarding clock stoppage by officials
Matthew Lucas
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Wow I tuned in to this game willing the Knights to win. If anyone needs a break those boys and their supporters do. On the edge of my seat all game and cheering the Blue and Red on right up to the final whistle and then......that kick. Sums up the Knights season perfectly. So close, all the right intentions and just not quite there.
Last Straw
Guest
Sports Bet
Scott Pryde
Expert
Definitely something about the Knights in there - should be up any minute now.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Got to feel for the Knights players and supporters - they must be absolutely gutted. They did everything they could do to win that game. Credit to Mbye for blocking the kick from Lamb but he got a dream ricochet. It could have gone anywhere but fell beautifully for him to run the length. Good luck for the Dogs - rotten luck for the Knights.
souvalis
Guest
Shattered....what happened ? Don't want to dump on Lamb,but I've never seen an NRL player look so unsure of themselves for the whole 80 mins...he played like HE felt he was in the way...and that was BEFORE the final 2 minutes...forgotten,Broncos next week,into 'em lads !
Danno1
Guest
very good.... :-)
frustrated
Guest
why was the clock stopped with 5 minutes to go when the dogs scored to make it 12 18 and left to run with the scores equal with 1 and a half minutes left
Emcie
Roar Guru
the knights curse gonna be one point mate?
steveng
Roar Rookie
Brock Lamb, made the game for the Knights and lost the game for the Knights. He made allot of mistakes that culminated in that last try for Mbye. Why on earth didn't Hodkinson take that last kick for goal is beyond me???
Scott Pryde
Expert
Jeez, the Bulldogs had no right to win that. Have to feel for the Knights and their fans. Talking points soon as well folks! Stay tuned.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
The damn Knights, man...
Craig
Guest
Unlucky for the knights.
damascus
Guest
Another contrived Cummins FTA TV thriller. This guy should get SOO
Matthew Lucas
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Bulldogs v Knights 20-18. Shanked by Lamb! What an anti-climax. Bulldogs get out of jail.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Knights must be the unluckist team in the comp, Dogs did not deserve to win that
Renegade
Roar Guru
They are giving Lamb the ball... surely they have to take the kick!