Wayne’s World: How the Dolphins’ Victory Boosts the Newcastle Knights’ 2024 Finals Hopes
The Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the Dolphins in a match that will determine their ladder position in 2024.
NRL SEASON 2024
Micheal Burkill
9/6/20244 min read
Michael Burkill - The Knighthood Podcast
4 min read
Published: Friday 6/09/2024 at 9:08 PM
Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins shocked everyone last week with their stunning victory over the Broncos in Brisbane. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement, and one that may have been more important to Bennett than their current pursuit of a top-8 finish. For Bennett, knocking the Broncos out of the finals race on their home turf may have been the pinnacle of his 2024 coaching efforts.
As a master tactician, Bennett pulled out all the stops in the lead-up to that game. Keeping his cards close to his chest, he kept both the media and even his own players guessing about the final line-up and match tactics. The victory against Brisbane was, in many ways, classic Bennett: ego-driven, strategic, and personal.
However, now that the Dolphins have “shown their hand”, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to replicate such a performance in this week’s must-win match to qualify for the NRL finals. Especially against a Newcastle Knights side that is gaining momentum at just the right time.
The Knights, with their gritty style of football, have consistently fought their way through the season. On Old Boys Day, with Kalyn Ponga in form, a developing halves combination, and a nearly full-strength roster, the Knights are in prime position to capitalise on the Dolphins’ emotional high from last week.
Bennett’s focus may already be shifting, especially with his impending move to South Sydney in 2025. For the Knights, however, this match represents a critical step in securing their place in the finals and building the momentum they need to make a deep run.
Match Details
Date & Time: Sunday, 10 September 2024, 4:05 PM (AEST)
Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team Lineups
Backs:
Kalyn Ponga (Fullback, Captain) vs. Trai Fuller (Fullback)
Fletcher Sharpe (Winger) vs. Jamayne Isaako (Winger)
Dane Gagai (Centre) vs. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Centre)
Bradman Best (Centre) vs. Herbie Farnworth (Centre)
Greg Marzhew (Winger) vs. Jack Bostock (Winger)
Jack Cogger (Five-Eighth) vs. Jake Averillo (Five-Eighth)
Phoenix Crossland (Halfback) vs. Sean O’Sullivan (Halfback)
Forwards:
Daniel Saifiti (Prop) vs. Jesse Bromwich (Prop, Captain)
Jayden Brailey (Hooker) vs. Max Plath (Hooker)
Leo Thompson (Prop) vs. Tevita Pangai Junior (Prop)
Tyson Frizell (2nd Row) vs. Felise Kaufusi (2nd Row)
Dylan Lucas (2nd Row) vs. Connelly Lemuelu (2nd Row)
Adam Elliott (Lock) vs. Kenneth Bromwich (Lock)
Interchange:
Tyson Gamble vs. Jeremy Marshall-King
Mat Croker vs. Ray Stone
Jack Hetherington vs. Mark Nicholls
Brodie Jones vs. Kodi Nikorima
Reserves:
Thomas Cant vs. Lachlan Hubner
Will Pryce vs. Isaiya Katoa
Jackson Hastings vs. Oryn Keeley
Sebastian Su’a vs. Kurt Donoghoe
Kai Pearce-Paul vs. Tesi Niu
Final Teams — Do the Dolphins Have Another Trick Up Their Sleeve?
We won’t know until 3 PM on Sunday if Bennett is going to shift the make-up of the final 17 or stick with the formula that worked for them against the Broncos in the Battle of Brisbane. The Knights, on the other hand, should line up close to 1–17. It’s unlikely that Kai Pearce-Paul (KPP) will come onto the bench, but he could be a late inclusion at the expense of the big, bad Brodie Jones, who was outstanding in last week’s victory against the Titans.
Tactics — Do the Knights Stick to Slogfest Footy?
Coach O’Brien has been staunch all year regarding the Knights’ style of play, which is a far cry from the attacking flair that saw them score the most tries in the competition during the 2023 regular season. The focus has shifted to a club value: grit. It’s what they’ve been building on throughout the year. If they want to achieve another club value — winning — they need to stick to this style, complete their sets, compete hard, work for each other in defence, and get the ball in the right positions to unleash their attack, with Kalyn Ponga likely to take centre stage. O’Brien mentioned in a press conference this week that the Dolphins have a similar style of play and pointed out that previous matches between the two sides have been highly competitive. This match lines up to be a blockbuster, and there’s no doubt the sold-out McDonald Jones Stadium will be entertained.
Betting Markets Have the Knights as Slight Favourites
The betting markets are backing the Knights as slight favourites in this matchup. According to Topsport.com.au, the Knights are set at $1.70 in head-to-head markets, while the Dolphins are slight underdogs at $2.15.
Match Prediction
The Knights come into this clash with the edge, not just in betting odds but also in momentum. Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins pulled off an emotional high with their win against the Broncos, but replicating that performance will be a challenge, especially against a gritty Newcastle side.
The Knights’ style of play, focused on high completions, strong defence, and grinding out results, is likely to be their key to victory. With Kalyn Ponga set to take centre stage and the team nearing full strength, Newcastle should have enough to outlast the Dolphins in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. While Bennett may have a few tricks up his sleeve, the Knights’ home advantage — particularly on Old Boys Day — should see them through.
The Knighthood Podcast is tipping the Knights at $1.70 head-to-head via Topsport.com.au. A win will not only add another winning bet to their tally for the season — currently standing at a 17% profit — but also land their bet for the Knights to make the top eight, secured at odds of $8.25 before their match against the Sharks.
Tune In for a Full Review
The Knighthood Podcast will be live at 7 PM via YouTube on Tuesday, 10/9/24. Tune in for a full review of the match and, hopefully, a preview of an upcoming finals match!
Watch it live here: