Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters Prediction, Tips & Odds

FORM: The sixth-placed Knights are coming off back-to-back two-point losses to the Rabbitohs and Sharks. They were largely outplayed in both before producing stirring late fight-backs.

The 12-5 Roosters have won four in a row, grinding out a 14-6 win over the Storm last Friday with a couple of Origin stars missing.

INS AND OUTS: Fletcher Hunt replaces Dane Gagai (calf) in Newcastle’s only change. The Roosters welcome James Tedesco and Robert Toia back, pushing Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala to the bench.

KEY MATCH-UP: Dylan Brown needs to start playing to his price-tag as the Knights’ season nears a crossroads, while Sam Walker’s marvellous first Origin campaign can be a springboard to taking the 2026 premiership by the scruff of the neck.

HISTORY: The Roosters have won 15 of their last 17 against the Knights, including the last five straight. Their Round 7 clash at Allianz Stadium finished 38-24 in the Tricolours’ favour.

KEY STAT: The clubs’ last three encounters in Newcastle were decided by margins of four points or less.

VERDICT: The Knights are at risk of being pulled right back into that midtable logjam with a third straight loss – and it’s no secret they need to start better. Defensively they have remained solid, but points are proving harder to come by as the NRL’s set restart crackdown has softened.

Continuing to fly under the radar, the Roosters are getting the job down without too much fuss – but still without any overwhelming conviction. The Knights have won five straight at McDonald Jones Stadium and are only slight outsiders, but the under shapes as a more enticing play.

Tip: Back Under 45.5 Total Points @ $1.98

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / SAM WALKER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / BRADMAN BEST ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DANIEL TUPOU ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DOM YOUNG ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $122.57