Sunday, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 2pm
Referee: Tony Archer

The Knights got back into the top eight by beating the Cowboys on the road last weekend, but that middle section of the table is so tightly packed that one loss can see a team drop two or three places, so this is a another crucial game for them. The Roosters will be doubly motivated to win, after meekly giving up their round-six clash with the Knights, in Gosford. The Roosters led well into the second half, but the Knights scored four tries in the last 12 minutes to win 34-20. The Roosters lost again the following week, to the Dragons, but have since recovered to be solid in the top four, their only recent hiccup coming when they were without their State of Origin stars and the Sea Eagles flogged them.

The Knights are in a rebuilding phase and have had their ups and downs. Wins at their last two starts have put them back in the race for a finals spot and with their key players all fit for this game they should be very competitive at home, where they will be looking to a packed house to spur them on. It will be tough up front and much will depend on how well the rival fullbacks - Kurt Gidley, for the home side, and Anthony Minichiello - can return the ball from kicks to give their respective sides some breathing space at the start of sets. This game should be a ripper.

LATE MAIL
Newcastle have five players in doubt but are hopeful all will play against the Roosters. Prop Ben Cross (thumb) will see a specialist today and remains a strong chance of playing pre-Origin selection. A decision is likely to be made today on whether bench player Dan Tolar (rib cartilage) plays. Cooper Vuna (calf), Adam MacDougall (calf) and Chris Houston (knee) will have fitness tests, although they are not expected to be forced out.

The Roosters are expected to be 1-17.
Glenn Jackson

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, Wes Naiqama, Adam MacDougall, Cooper Vuna, Chris Bailey, Jarrod Mullen, Steve Simpson, Danny Buderus (capt), Jesse Royal, Chris Houston, Cory Paterson, Zeb Taia. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Daniel Tolar, Richard Fa'aoso, Danny Wicks, Ben Cross, Mark Taufua (two to be omitted)

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Amos Roberts, Setaimata Sa, Sia Soliola, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Braith Anasta (capt), Mitchell Pearce, Mark O'Meley, Riley Brown, Nate Myles, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon. Interchange: David Shillington, Lopini Paea, Sam Perrett, James Aubusson, Brent Grose, Anthony Cherrington (two to be omitted).