Knights v Rabbitohs preview

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Will the Knight-mare finally end on Old Boys Day?

After 16 straight losses, the Knights have the chance to finish the season with a win at home on Old Boys Day. On a day celebrating the past players of Newcastle, the Knights will be looking to turn back the clock and send retiring captain Jeremy Smith out a winner in his final appearance at Hunter Stadium. In the wake of their 26-6 loss to the Titans, coach Nathan Brown has been able to field a side with mixed results. Sione Mata'utia and Jarrod Mullen return after missing out last week with injury, however energetic speedster Nathan Ross will miss the match after accepting a one-match ban, in his place youngster Cory Denniss returns to the first grade squad. In the only other change, Pat Mata'utia has been named on the bench in place of Mickey Paea, who will miss the rest of the season with a syndesmosis injury. Holding an impressive record of 20 wins in their final home game since 1988, the Knights will be looking to use the occasion as motivation for a strong finish to a season of immense pain.

Returning to Newcastle for the first time since 2012, the Rabbitohs have rediscovered their prime form with three weeks of much-improved performances. Having been humiliated by the Raiders a month ago, coach Michael Maguire has brought the best out of his squad with two solid wins and an extra time loss in Melbourne. Fielding the same side that defeated the Sharks on Monday night, the premiership winning coach has also included Cameron McInnes, David Tyrell and Zane Musgrove on an extended bench as cover given the short turnaround. Holding a strong record over the Knights in recent seasons with six consecutive wins, South Sydney will be hoping to continue their strong finish to the season and will be wary of the occasion having come away with a win and a loss in two previous Old Boys Day meetings.

Last meeting: Round 2 2016 - Rabbitohs 48 Knights 6

Who to watch: As the clock winds down on an illustrious career, Jeremy Smith will be hoping to finish off his time at Newcastle with a win on Old Boys Day. Joining the Knights in 2013, the 36-year-old warhorse has been a tower of strength in a tumultuous season, with his leadership on and off the field proving invaluable to the young side. Having achieved premiership glory and international success, a consecutive wooden spoon finish is hardly befitting the New Zealand lock, but with the chance to give loyal fans a much sought win, look for Smith to play a leading role for the home side.

Playing a starring role in the Rabbitohs demolition of Newcastle early in the season, Sam Burgess will be looking to replicate his punishing performance as Souths fight to heap further pain on the Knights. Enduring a trying return to the NRL from English rugby union, the 27-year-old forward has toiled away for the Rabbitohs this season, regularly starring in a frequently beaten side. Statistically among the competition's best forwards, the Clive Churchill Medalist will be out to inspire his side as they look to finish the season on a positive note.

The favourite: Having shown improvement in recent weeks, the Rabbitohs are expected to rise above the occasion and come away with two points.

My tip: In a season of heartache for Newcastle supporters, look for the Red and Blue to deliver on Old Boys Day. Knights by 4.

1. Jake Mamo 2. Cory Denniss 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Brendan Elliott 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 14. Josh King 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Pat Mata'utia 23. Dylan Phythian

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Aaron Gray 5. Joe Burgess 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 16. Angus Crichton 17. Nathan Brown 17. Zane Musgrove

Referees: Henry Perenara, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Dave Ryan, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea