Sunday, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 3pm
Referee: Sean Hampstead

The Knights lose fullback Kurt Gidley to injury and hooker Danny Buderus and prop Ben Cross to Origin, at the same time as the Tigers - who are free of Origin commitments - welcome back back five-eighth Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, both from injury. Those key developments swing the game in favour of the Tigers, even though they have to go to Newcastle. The Knights are coming off a brutal game on the road against the Storm as well, while the Tigers are fresh from the bye, So, on paper at least, the odds are stacked against the Knights.

But both teams have win-loss records of 4-4 and are just the inside the top eight. The loser will certainly drop out, so it is a critical game, and, while the Tigers have the advantage in terms of the availability of key players, the Knights will be desperate, and their coach, Brian Smith, will no doubt come up with a plan aimed at trying to slow the Tigers down and reducing the effect of Marshall, Farah and fullback Brett Hodgson. The trouble is, it will take enormous concentration and a massive defensive effort to do that well enough to get a win. The Tigers will look to play the game at high speed out of dummy half. If they can do that, they will be headed for victory.

Late mail

Newcastle have no less than seven players in doubt to face Wests Tigers on Sunday; Jesse Royal, Danny Wicks (both quad), Cory Paterson, Adam MacDougall (both knee), Cameron Ciraldo (shoulder), Daniel Tolar (hamstring) and Cooper Vuna (corked thigh). Royal and MacDougall are the least likely to play, although all seven will be assessed today.

Michael Young is likely to replace suspended hooker Matt Hilder.

Former Test and Origin forward Steve Simpson has been cleared to play his first game since suffering a knee injury in round one, and may start the match.

The Tigers are likely to be "1-17", although Mathew Head may start.

KNIGHTS: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Adam MacDougall, Keith Lulia, Cooper Vuna, Chris Bailey, Jarrod Mullen, Danny Wicks, TBA, Jesse Royal, Chris Houston, Cory Paterson, Zeb Taia. Interchange: Scott Dureau, Cameron Ciraldo, Daniel Tolar, Steve Simpson, Junior Sau, Richard Faaoso. (two to be omitted)

TIGERS: Brett Hodgson, Taniela Tuiaki, Dean Collis, Chris Lawrence, Shannon McDonnell, Benji Marshall, John Morris, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Ben Te'o, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Liam Fulton, Danny Galea, Corey Payne, Mathew Head.