The Newcastle Knights and the Manly Sea Eagles will face off in Round 14 of the 2025 NRL season at McDonald Jones Stadium. This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their positions on the ladder and regain form. The Knights have struggled at home recently and are eager to bounce back, while the Sea Eagles are hoping to maintain their strong run.
Newcastle welcomes back star fullback Kalyn Ponga, which is a significant boost for the team’s attack. Manly also sees the return of Jake Trbojevic, who missed the last game due to a head knock. Both sides are nearly full-strength, making this a highly anticipated encounter.
Key Player Updates and Team Changes
The Knights have made some key adjustments. Kalyn Ponga is back in the starting side after resting in Round 13. His return is expected to strengthen the team’s playmaking and kicking game. Greg Marzhew is also back from injury and will add pace and power on the wing. James Schiller moves to centre, and Thomas Cant joins the starting forward pack.
On the other hand, the Sea Eagles will be without Tom Trbojevic, who is still recovering from a thigh injury, though he is likely to return next week. Jake Trbojevic is fit again and will start at lock. Jazz Tevaga shifts to prop, while Toafofoa Sipley moves to the bench.
Form and Head-to-Head Stats
Newcastle’s recent record at home hasn’t been great—they’ve lost four in a row at McDonald Jones Stadium. They’ve also won just one of their last five meetings against the Sea Eagles. However, with key players returning, they’ll be aiming to turn things around in front of their home crowd.
The Sea Eagles, on the other hand, have shown more consistency. They’ll rely on their defensive structure and players like Tolu Koula, who’s been in top try-scoring form with eight tries in his last nine games. Greg Marzhew, on Newcastle’s side, has also had success against Manly, scoring six tries in six past encounters.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
This match carries a lot of weight for both teams. The Knights need a home win to regain confidence and stay in the finals race. Having Ponga and Marzhew back gives them a much-needed boost. A win could shift momentum back in their favour for the second half of the season.
For the Sea Eagles, consistency is key. They’ve been building quietly and want to show they can win away from home without relying on Tom Trbojevic. Jake Trbojevic’s return adds leadership to the forward pack, and a win here could push them higher on the ladder.
Where and How to Watch
The match kicks off at 7:50 PM AEST on Thursday at McDonald Jones Stadium. Fans can watch the live coverage on Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, and WatchNRL for international viewers.
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