Despite getting out to an early lead of 12-0 inside the first twenty minutes of the game, the Knights were unable to hold off competition front-runners, South Sydney last week and were defeated 25-18.

It was the Knights’ third successive loss when playing away from home and they’ll be looking forward to getting back to Hunter Stadium where, from six games, they’ve won five with the only loss being by a point to Cronulla.

The Knights have averaged 29.2 points per game when playing at home and have scored 88 points more than their competitors thus far this season, who have struggled to score points; only have broke the 20 point mark, twice this season.

The Dragons have won one of their last six games with that win coming over the Parramatta Eels three weeks back.

Since then they were beaten 19-0 by Penrith before a much better performance against the Bulldogs last week, where Jamie Soward had the chance to tie up the game as the siren sounded with a dubious penalty.

Unfortunately for Soward and the Dragons, the kick missed and the Dragons were defeated 16-14.

It would have provided some much needed confidence for the Dragons and travelling to Hunter Stadium, even with a few key Knights’ players out, has not been an enviable task this year.

TIP: NEWCASTLE 13+

Odds Comparison by NRL odds:

Newcastle Knights	1.37	1.42	1.42	1.42	1.38	1.36
St George Illawarra Dragons	3.05	2.95	2.95	2.95	3.05	3.00

Teams:

New Zealand Warriors:
Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapria, Nathan Friend, Russell Packer, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Dominique Peyroux, Suaia Matagi

Manly Sea Eagles:
Peta Hiku, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Tom Symonds, James Hasson, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, David Gower