Adam MacDougall's return from injury adds some much needed experience to the Knights's lineup.
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Monday, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 7pm
Referees: Shayne Hayne, Gerard Sutton
Head to head: Knights 23, Rabbitohs 6
Last clash: Rabbitohs 22 bt Knights 12 at Bluetongue Stadium Gosford (Rd 3, 2009)
TAB Sportsbet: Knights $1.40, Rabbitohs $2.90
FootyTAB: Rabbitohs +7.5 points

The Knights had to wait until round 15 to get their first bye, and they really looked like they needed a break by then. After a tremendous run of six wins in seven games, they had lost three out of four. They have had significant injury problems all season, but while they are still affected by the unavailability of some quality players, at least they get centre Adam MacDougall back for this game. They have badly missed MacDougall's experience during their recent run of poor form, and he is bound to steady things in defence out wide as well as add some tackle-busting potential in attack.

The Rabbitohs are coming off a bye as well - their second of the season - and judging by their recent form they also needed the time off. The Rabbitohs have lost three in a row. They were poor against the Raiders and Cowboys, before improving to lead the Storm with 20 minutes to go before getting run over in the closing stages. The Knights are still in the top eight, at sixth, while the Rabbitohs are two points outside of it, in 10th. In a tight competition, teams can move up or down the ladder dramatically, through just one result, so this is a huge game for two teams that have been out of sorts recently.

Who will win? The Rabbitohs have got a chance, but the Knights certainly look the pick at home. They have won five out of six home games this season, while the Rabbitohs have a poor record in Newcastle, winning on only one of their last 10 trips there. The Rabbitohs have named Craig Wing at hooker, but he remains in doubt because of a hamstring injury that kept him out of the NSW side for Origin II.

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley (capt), Keith Lulia, Junior Sau, Adam MacDougall, Akulia Uate, Ben Rogers, Jarrod Mullen, Mark Taufua, Isaac DeGois, Chris Houston, Steve Simpson, Zeb Taia, Matt Hilder. Interchange: Wes Naiqama, Marvin Karawana, Richie Faaoso, Danny Wicks, Shannon McDonnell (one to be omitted)

RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Jamie Simpson, Colin Best, Ben Lowe, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Scott Geddes, Craig Wing, Roy Asotasi (capt), Luke Stuart, David Fa'alogo, Michael Crocker. Interchange: Issac Luke, Eddy Pettybourne, David Kidwell, Jaiman Lowe, Shannan McPherson, Garret Crossman (two to be omitted)