Preview from:
www.bulldogs.com.au
Round 3: Knights v Bulldogs
Venue: Energy Australia Stadium
Referee: Steve Clark
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Gates Open: 3:35pm
Broadcast: 9:30pm - Channel 9
Last Met: Knights 28 - Bulldogs 13, Rd 22, 2005
Total Games: 25, Won: 14, Lost: 10, Drawn: 1
Home Games: 12, Won: 8, Lost: 3, Drawn: 1
Away Games: 12, Won: 5, Lost: 7, Drawn: 0
Energy Australia: 11, won: 5, Lost: 6, Drawn: 0
Total Points For: 584
Total Points Against: 447
Biggest Crowd: 26,234 - Bulldogs 48 - Knights 14, Telstra Australia, Rd 17, 2003
The Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs will travel to Newcastle for Friday night's big clash against the Knights at Energy Australia Stadium.
Both teams are coming off impressive victories with the Bulldogs defeating defending premiers the Wests Tigers 47-12 as winger Hazem El Masri notched up a club record 34 points in front of 32,578 people, while the Knights took care of the Raiders 70-32 in the nations' capital last Sunday.
With the NRL judiciary deciding Willie Mason is free to take the field after being cleared of a grade one careless high tackle charge, the 'Dogs head into the game almost full strength as Nate Myles replaces Jon Green on the interchange bench after a week on the sidelines through suspension.
The Knights will be without winger Anthony Quinn after he was suspended for 2 weeks after being found guilty of a dangerous throw at the NRL judiciary.
Quinn failed to beat a grade one dangerous throw charge and is likely to be replaced by Brad Tighe.
The Bulldogs are becoming more and more renowned for their physical forward pack and last weeks display against the Tigers certainly boosted that reputation.
Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus says that his side will not be shy of the potentially earth-shuddering impact:
"It's a game of chicken I suppose - you throw yourself in front of them. They're big boys and Mason's just playing well and so is Mark O'Meley." Buderus said.
The match will be more than just a battle up front as Brent Sherwin faces off with the worlds best halfback in Andrew Johns while Willie Tonga will look to come out on top of Matthew Gidley in the battle of the centres.
Meanwhile extra measures are being taken by Newcastle Knights management to ensure Energy Australia Stadium remains a safe family environment.
"I had nothing but praise for the behaviour of Bulldogs fans at last year's fixture; in fact, I telephoned Malcolm Noad personally to pass on our congratulations." Knights CEO Ken Conway said.
The Bulldogs will also have their own security presence at Energy Australia Stadium, personnel who attend every match and are familiar with the club's supporters.
So everyone let's get out their and support the boys as they look for their second straight victory in season 2006.
KNIGHTS:
Milton Thaiday, Brian Carney, Matthew Gidley, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Kurt Gidley, Andrew Johns (c), Craig Smith, Danny Buderus, Josh Perry, Steve Simpson, Kirk Reynoldson, Reegan Tanner
Interchange: Adam Woolnough, Daniel Tolar, Riley Brown, Todd Lowrie
BULLDOGS:
Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Andrew Emelio, Willie Tonga, Matt Utai, Daniel Holdsworth, Brent Sherwin, Chris Armit, Corey Hughes, Roy Asotasi, Willie Mason, Andrew Ryan (c), Tony Grimaldi
Interchange: Reni Maitua, Mark O'Meley, Adam Perry, Nate Myles
