The Newcastle Knights are gearing up for what is undoubtedly their most critical match of the season—a do or die showdown against the Dolphins that will determine which team secures a coveted spot in the NRL finals. Both teams find themselves in a precarious position, sitting just outside and inside the top 8, with the Knights in 9th place and the Dolphins clinging to 8th. This weekend, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, only one team will advance, while the other will see their finals hopes shattered.
For both teams, this is more than just a regular-season game—this is a fight for survival. The Knights have clawed their way through the season, winning crucial games to keep their finals dreams alive. However, after a few setbacks, they find themselves needing one more big win to break into the top 8. The Dolphins, too, have had a season of ups and downs, and this match could make or break their first-ever finals appearance in their debut NRL season.
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