Newcastle Knights name team for crucial round 18 NRL clash with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Accor Stadium

The centre, who made six errors in Newcastle's 20-12 loss to Penrith on Saturday, has reportedly suffered a foot injury.

Enari Tuala will take his place against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

Meanwhile, Lachlan Fitzgibbon has been named to make his return from a week lay-off.

Off-contract Fitzgibbon, who is in the sights of multiple Super League clubs for next season and beyond, missed the trip to Penrith after suffering a concussion the week prior.

He will resume his spot on the left edge.

Dylan Lucas, who has started the past three NRL games in the back-row, has dropped out of the side.

The Knights, placed 14^th and five points outside the top eight, are reaching the must-win stage if they hope to make the finals.

They will likely need to win seven of their remaining nine games to be a chance of reaching the play-offs.

The Bulldogs, who are 15^th and a single competition point behind Newcastle, have lost their past three games.

Two of their five wins this season have come at Accor Stadium.

NSW representatives Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton both return to the side.

Knights (vs Bulldogs)

1. Kalyn Ponga (C)

2. Dom Young

3. Enari Tuala

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Tyson Gamble

7. Jackson Hastings

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Leo Thompson

11. Tyson Frizell (C)

12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

13. Adam Elliott

14. Kurt Mann

15. Jacob Saifiti

16. Jack Hetherington

17. Mat Croker

18. Dylan Lucas

19. Brodie Jones

20. Lachlan Miller

21. Jack Johns

22. Adam Clune