NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights RD9, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon to take on the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium, with kick-off set for 2pm (AEST) in round nine.

The Rabbitohs head into this clash sitting in fourth position on the ladder with five wins from seven games, carrying a points differential of plus 72. South Sydney are riding a two-game winning streak after impressive victories in their last two outings. The Red and Green defeated the Melbourne Storm 48-6 away from home in round eight, before which they accounted for the St. George Illawarra Dragons 30-12 at Accor Stadium in round seven.

The last time these two sides met was in round nine of 2025, when the Knights ran out 30-4 winners at Suncorp Stadium. South Sydney will be looking to turn that result around and ensure a much more competitive showing this time around.

The Knights present a significant challenge on their home ground, particularly with the return of captain Kalyn Ponga at fullback. Newcastle sit in 11th position on the ladder with four wins and four losses from eight games. However, they come into this match on a three-game losing streak, having gone down to the Panthers, Roosters and Wests Tigers.

Cameron Murray will captain the Rabbitohs from lock, leading a side that boasts plenty of experience across the park. Latrell Mitchell at left centre and Cody Walker at five-eighth provide the creative spark, while Jamie Humphreys steers the ship from halfback. Campbell Graham, who is just two games away from 150 career NRL appearances, has been named on the wing.

Despite the Knights' recent struggles, South Sydney will not be taking anything for granted. Newcastle have shown they can score points this season, putting up 190 points for across their eight matches, and the return of Ponga, Bradman Best and Tyson Frizell significantly strengthens their squad. The Rabbitohs will need to bring the same intensity that saw them put 48 points on Melbourne last week if they are to come away from Newcastle with the two competition points.

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a strong side for the trip to Newcastle. Edward Kosi drops out of the squad, with Liam Le Blanc coming onto the interchange bench wearing jersey 17. Adam Elliott, Latrell Siegwalt and Moala Graham-Taufa have all been added to the extended squad as reserves and interchange options, providing additional depth in the forward pack.

For the Knights, it is a significantly bolstered line-up with five players coming into the side. Captain Kalyn Ponga returns at fullback, while representative centre Bradman Best slots back into the number four jersey alongside Dane Gagai. Greg Marzhew has been named on the wing in place of Asu Kepaoa, and experienced forward Tyson Frizell returns to the interchange bench. Dylan Lucas comes into the second row, with Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana also dropping out of the squad.

Match Details and Where To Watch

Fixture: Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Date: Sunday 3 May.

Kick-off: 2pm (AEST).

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.