Knights Out to Dominate Dolphins in Home Opener

Published: Wednesday, 12/03/2025 at 10:17AM

The Newcastle Knights kicked off their 2025 NRL campaign with a gritty win over the Wests Tigers. It wasn’t the prettiest performance but their ability to hold the Tigers to just one try while securing the necessary points ensured a vital two competition points to start the year.

Now, the Knights return home for their first match in front of their passionate Newcastle faithful on Thursday night, facing off against the Dolphins. This game is a rematch of the final game of the 2024 regular season, where the Knights secured their finals spot with a victory over the Dolphins. This presents a huge opportunity to build on last week’s success and continue their winning start to the season.

Dolphins Face a Tough Test After Disrupted Preparation

While the Knights enter this game with momentum, the Dolphins have had an unsettled start to their season. The Queensland cyclone disrupted their preparations and under the guidance of new head coach Kristian Woolf, they’re backs are against the wall right from the get-go in 2025.

The Dolphins will be boosted by the return of key players who missed last week’s match and they’ll be desperate to find a win. However, traveling to Newcastle for the first match of Round 2 adds another challenge for Woolf’s men.

Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Kickoff: 8:00 PM AEDT

Casualty Ward

Knights: Taj Annan, Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble.

Dolphins: Jack Bostock, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Connelly Lemuelu, Thomas Flegler and Trai Fuller

Team Lineups

Backs

Kalyn Ponga (Fullback, Captain) vs. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Fullback)
James Schiller (Winger) vs. Jamayne Isaako (Winger)
Dane Gagai (Centre) vs. Jake Averillo (Centre)
Bradman Best (Centre) vs. Herbie Farnworth (Centre)
Greg Marzhew (Winger) vs. Junior Tupou (Winger)
Fletcher Sharpe (Five-Eighth) vs. Kodi Nikorima (Five-Eighth)
Jack Cogger (Halfback) vs. Isaiya Katoa (Halfback)

Forwards

Jacob Saifiti (Prop) vs. Daniel Saifiti (Prop)
Phoenix Crossland (Hooker) vs. Jeremy Marshall-King (Hooker)
Leo Thompson (Prop) vs. Felise Kaufusi (Prop)
Dylan Lucas (Second Row) vs. Oryn Keeley (Second Row)
Kai Pearce-Paul (Second Row) vs. Max Plath (Second Row)
Tyson Frizell (Lock) vs. Tom Gilbert (Lock, Captain)

Interchange

Jayden Brailey vs. Kurt Donoghoe
Jack Hetherington vs. Josh Kerr
Adam Elliott vs. Mark Nicholls
Mat Croker vs. Ray Stone

Reserves

Brodie Jones vs. Sean O'Sullivan
Will Pryce vs. Max Feagai
Logan Aoake vs. Kenneath Bromwich
Matthew Arthur vs. Harrison Graham
Thomas Cant vs. Aublix Tawha

Coaches

Adam O'Brien vs. Kristian Woolf

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton

Touch Judges: Matt Noyen, Kasey Badger

Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

After being on the wrong side of some contentious decisions last week, the Knights will be hoping for a fairer rub of the green in this matchup.

Tactics

Knights: Clean Up the Errors & Execute in Attack

While Newcastle’s defensive effort last week was strong, their completion rate (64%) was dismal—something that must improve against a Dolphins side capable of playing expansive attacking football.

• Aim for a 80% + completion rate.

• Patience and execution in attacking positions will be crucial.

• Jack Cogger needs to step up—he must be more assertive, control the play and lead the kicking game.

Dolphins: Overcome Disruptions & Find Their Attack

• Travel to Newcastle and getting their season back on track is their focus.

• Expect them to start fast to unsettle the Knights early.

• The return of key players will add firepower.

Key Matchup: Daniel Saifiti vs. Jacob Saifiti

This is a battle that adds extra spice to the contest. Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins) faces off against his twin brother Jacob Saifiti (Knights) for the first time in NRL history since Daniel’s move north.

Expect a physical and emotional contest as both players look to gain bragging rights over their sibling.

Betting Markets

The Knights are set at $1.55 head-to-head, while the Dolphins sit at $2.46.

Match Prediction

The Knights have all the advantages - home crowd, better preparation and momentum. However, the Dolphins won’t roll over and with a point to prove, they’ll bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm.

If the Dolphins can get off to a fast start and get the Knights chasing, they are a good chance of an upset but we think the Knights will be too strong in this match.

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