THURSDAY, JUNE 5th, 2025 MCDONALD JONES STADIUM,NEWCASTLE,7.50pm.
Can Ponga’s Return Revive the Fortress? Knights Face Sea Eagles in Crucial Round 14 Clash
There was a time when McDonald Jones Stadium was a fortress — a place where visiting teams braced for battle and often left empty-handed. But in 2025, the walls have crumbled. The Newcastle Knights, once proud defenders of their home turf, enter Round 14 with just one home win from five attempts. Their opponents this week, the resurgent Manly Sea Eagles, will see this Friday night fixture as a golden opportunity to keep their momentum rolling.
Manly arrive in Newcastle brimming with confidence after dismantling Brisbane in a statement performance last week. But coach Anthony Seibold will be quick to guard against complacency. The Sea Eagles know that danger lurks in desperation — and the Knights are a team teetering on the edge.
Newcastle’s season hit a new low in Round 13 with a flat performance against the Dragons, marking their eighth loss of the year. The loyal Hunter faithful have been given little to cheer about since their Round 2 triumph over the Dolphins — a distant memory in an otherwise dreary campaign.
But there is a flicker of hope. Kalyn Ponga — the club’s talisman and spiritual leader — returns to the No.1 jersey after being rested post-Origin One. His presence alone could lift the Knights to a higher level. Fletcher Sharpe shifts back to five-eighth, with Jack Cogger steering the ship at halfback.
Up front, Brodie Jones steps into the starting front row with Leo Thompson beginning a four-match suspension for a crusher tackle. And fans will be eager to catch a glimpse of the future, as 20-year-old back-rower Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana makes his long-awaited NRL debut from the bench.
There’s also a watch on Greg Marzhew, who is edging closer to a return from a knee injury. He’s been named in the extended squad and could yet be a late inclusion.
Still, the numbers don’t lie. Newcastle’s attack has been the weakest in the league — averaging just 13 points per game. Unless Ponga can produce something truly special, the Sea Eagles may leave Newcastle with the win they’ve already started to circle in ink.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy. 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell . 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul . 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen. 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Jackson Hastings 19. Tyrone Thompson 20. Matthew Arthur. 21. Wil Sullivan 22. Greg Marzhew
Out: Tyson Gamble (halfback), Leo Thompson (front row), Jack Hetherington (bench)
In: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Jermaine McEwen (bench), Elijah Salesa leaumoana (bench)
Changes: Fletcher Sharpe (fullback to five-eighth), Jack Cogger (five-eighth to halfback), Brodie Jones (bench to front row)
Jake Returns, Aloiai Out: Manly Shuffle the Pack Ahead of Knights Clash
Manly’s forward pack will have a familiar heartbeat again this Thursday night, with co-captain Jake Trbojevic returning to action after a two-week layoff due to concussion. His presence brings not only leadership and work rate, but also a sense of calm to the Sea Eagles’ middle third — a much-needed boost ahead of their trip to McDonald Jones Stadium.
Jake’s return triggers a reshuffle, with Jazz Tevaga moving back to the bench in a utility role and Matt Lodge making way entirely. However, the Sea Eagles have been dealt a blow with the loss of enforcer Josh Aloiai, who has been sidelined by a shoulder injury. Stepping into the void is Toafofoa Sipley, recalled to the starting front row after several solid showings in reserve grade.
While the squad regains one cornerstone, others remain just out of reach. Superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic is still working through a thigh issue, veteran prop Siua Taukeiaho is managing a calf strain, and winger Jason Saab is recovering from illness — all three are tracking well and are expected to be fit for next week’s showdown with the Titans on the Gold Coast.
Thursday night’s clash isn’t just about ladder positions or building momentum. On the line is the Malcolm Reilly Trophy, a symbol of the historic rivalry between the Sea Eagles and Knights. Currently in Manly’s possession, the silverware adds extra motivation for both clubs in what’s shaping up as a high-stakes encounter in Round 14.
Manly
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Clayton Faulalo 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick . 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor. 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic. 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Corey Waddell . 17. Nathan Brown 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Navren Willett . 21. Chris Patolo 22. Matthew Lodge
Out: Josh Aloiai (front row), Matt Lodge (bench to reserve)
In: Toafofoa Sipley (front row), Jake Trbojevic (lock)
Changes: Jazz Tevaga (lock to bench)
Key Stats
The Knights have won only one of their past five games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored five tries in five games against the Knights.
The Knights have lost their last four games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored eight tries in his past nine games.
Knights winger Greg Marzhew has scored six tries in six games against the Sea Eagles.
Referees: Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Prediction
The Knights went back to struggling last week against the Dragons, while the Sea Eagles continued their up and down season with a big win at home against the Broncos. I have no confidence in the Sea Eagles, their complete lack of consistency has proven costly to tippers, but against the Knights they should be able to run up back-to-back victories.
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