Injury updates: The Dolphins will play with 16 for the rest of the contest, with Kenny Bromwich failing his HIA and ruled out. Knights forward Jed Cartwright is also in pain with an ankle concern and is being assessed.

Trai time: Trai Fuller has been outstanding for the Dolphins. The crafty fullback is keeping his side in this fight after they well and truly had their backs against the wall for much of the opening half. The late-blooming 27-year-old went within a whisker of scoring in the shadows of halftime, only to be held up by desperate defence over the line. Fuller has been quick to identify offside markers and has probed with every carry - ending the first 40 minutes with 137 running metres and two linebreaks.

Back to basics: Newcastle have not sought to be too flashy or flamboyant, but simply do the fundamentals well. It has put them in good stead thus far, completing 21 of 21 sets and missing few tackles in the process. Rookie fullback David Armstrong has been outstanding, scoring a try on debut and almost conquering another in the final minute of the half, kicking through for himself only to be pressured by Fuller and unable to reel it in.

Dolphins: 6 Knights: 10