Bulldogs v Knights: Hopoi to start; Sharpe back on deck
The Bulldogs are out to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they return home to face the Knights on Saturday afternoon.
The match marks Canterbury's first game for the year at Accor Stadium after victories in Las Vegas and Canberra across the opening weeks of the campaign.
Captain Stephen Crichton has dominated since shifting to left centre, while halves Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton continue to build their combination.
Edge forward Jacob Preston has taken another big step forward after a breakout season in 2025 and has emerged as an early State of Origin contender.
Canterbury are hoping for a big crowd in their first home game of the season as they take on a Knights side desperate to bounce back.
Newcastle also prevailed in Las Vegas before a big win over Manly in Round 2. The momentum came to a halt last weekend with a loss to the Warriors and Saturday's match provides another test of Justin Holbrook's rebuild.
Fullback Fletcher Hunt impressed in place of injured skipper Kalyn Ponga last week and he's set for a fascinating positional battle with Bulldogs No.1 Connor Tracey.
Up front, Jacob Saifiti and Tyson Frizell will look to lay the platform, however the loss of Trey Mooney to suspension is a major blow.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 4 -
home Team
Bulldogs
6th Position
away Team
Knights
4th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: A late change for Cameron Ciraldo with Lipoi Hopoi starting at prop and Sitili Tupouniua reverting to the bench. Sam Hughes will miss the match after picking up a suspension playing NSW Cup last weekend. Jake Turpin (concussion) and Harry Hayes (delayed concussion symptoms) have also been ruled out as the Bulldogs look to continue their unbeaten start to the year. Logan Spinks and Bronson Xerri were omitted from the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Captain Stephen Crichton has won seven from seven against the Knights.
Knights: Pasami Saulo moves into the starting side 90 minutes before kick-off with Tyson Frizell going to the bench. Justin Holbrook confirmed on Friday that five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe would make his comeback from a knee injury suffered in Las Vegas. Trey Mooney misses the game through suspension. Wilson de Courcey is in the frame for an NRL debut as part of the six-man bench.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 4 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher Hunt
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Enari TualaCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Fletcher Sharpe
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan GalvinHalfback for Knights is number 7 Sandon Smith
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey HaywardHooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 16 Lipoi HopoiProp for Knights is number 15 Pasami Saulo
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman SalmonLock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 10 Sitili TupouniuaInterchange for Knights is number 10 Tyson Frizell
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt MannInterchange for Knights is number 14 Thomas Cant
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh CurranInterchange for Knights is number 16 Cody Hopwood
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Knights is number 19 Harrison Graham
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Jonathan SuaReserve for Knights is number 18 Tyson Gamble
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Fletcher BakerReserve for Knights is number 22 Wilson De Courcey
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won their last three games against the Knights.
- Knights halfback Sandon Smith will make his 50th NRL appearance.
- Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has won seven from seven against the Knights.
- Knights centre Bradman Best has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored six tries in his last six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
