Saturday has two NRL matches with the first game for Round 13 is between Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons with the opening kick to commence at  5.30pm local time. The game is to be played at Hunter Stadium with the favourite for the match being Newcastle Knights. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons.

WHERE AND WHEN: Hunter Stadium, Saturday 8th June, 5.30pm

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Opening odds comparison:

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

Preview:

It’s the Knights vs the Dragons on Saturday, 5.30pm at Hunter Stadium. Newcastle are another team with a good home record this season, although unlike the Eels, they are more likely to keep it going this weekend. The Dragons are hurting at the moment, with their confidence down after having lost five of their last six games. The Knights will go into this match as favourites, with fans hoping they can play like they did two weeks ago when they beat Canterbury by 40 points.

Teams:

Newcastle Knights:
Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Kevin Naiqama, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Travis Waddell, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Chris Houston, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Adam Clydsdale, David Fa’alogo, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims, Neville Costigan

St George Illawarra Dragons:
Josh Dugan, Brett Morris, Nathan Green, Matt Prior, Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Bronson Harrison, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Cameron King, Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin, Jack Stockwell, Daniel Vidot

Jamie Soward dumped by struggling Dragons

Jamie Soward’s ability to see out his final NRL season at St George Illawarra is in big doubt after the former NSW State of Origin five-eighth was dumped from first grade on Tuesday.

Soward was given time off by coach Steve Price to clear his head on Monday, before Price excluded him from the 17 named for Saturday’s NRL match against Newcastle.

Instead, Soward will play for NSW Cup team the Illawarra Cutters.

It is two years since Soward made his State of Origin debut for NSW, after he spearheaded the Dragons to a drought-breaking premiership in 2010.

In his No.6 jersey, the Dragons have named centre Chase Stanley.

Soward will join Penrith next season on a four-year deal, but the Panthers on Monday indicated they would not be interested in seeking an early release for the playmaker.

The Dragons also welcome back prop Dan Hunt, who missed last round’s 16-14 loss to Canterbury with a knee injury.

“Nathan Green has been playing well for the Illawarra Cutters and gets his chance in the centres while Chase Stanley moves to five-eighth, replacing Jamie Soward who will play for the Cutters,” Price said in a statement.

“Hopefully Brett Morris and Trent Merrin will come through the State of Origin game unscathed for NSW so they can take their places on Saturday night against a tough and talented Newcastle team.”