Knights vs Roosters Preview: Sydney Set to Dominate Again
The Sydney Roosters will aim to extend their strong record against the Newcastle Knights when the two teams square off this Saturday morning at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. The Roosters have consistently had the upper hand in this fixture, and they’re looking to make another strong statement as the NRL season rolls on.
This weekend’s clash will see both teams grappling with depleted squads due to player commitments in the State of Origin series. Despite this, Sydney’s greater squad depth might prove crucial as they look to assert their dominance once more.
Team News and Line-ups
With Origin selections removing key players from both sides, this game will be a test of depth and resilience. For the Knights, forwards Mat Croker, Jayden Brailey, Brodie Jones, Dylan Lucas, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Phoenix Crossland will make up the pack. In the backs, Newcastle lines up with Jack Cogger and Jackson Hastings in the halves, supported by Greg Marzhew, Dane Gagai, James Schiller, and Fletcher Sharpe.
On the other side, the Roosters field a solid forward group consisting of Naufahu Whyte, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Siua Wong, and Victor Radley. Their backline includes Sam Walker and Hugo Savala in the halves, while the outside backs feature Dominic Young, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Billy Smith, Daniel Tupou, and captain James Tedesco.
Match Odds and Betting Markets
Heading into this encounter, the Roosters are firmly installed as the favorites. Priced at 2/5 for the win, their implied probability of victory stands at 71.4%. Meanwhile, the Knights are available at 2/1, suggesting only a 33.3% chance of a home win. A draw, considered highly unlikely, is being offered at 20/1.
One of the more popular bets heading into the match is for the Roosters to win with a -8 point handicap, currently priced at 11/10. Given their historical superiority in this match-up and recent form, this bet offers strong value for punters.
Why the Roosters Are Favored
The Roosters’ dominance over the Knights in recent years has been unmistakable. Sydney has triumphed in 17 of the last 20 meetings between these two clubs, showcasing a clear pattern of superiority. Even more telling is their success at McDonald Jones Stadium, where they haven’t lost since 2019.
One player who consistently shines in this fixture is veteran winger Daniel Tupou. He has a remarkable record of 13 tries in his last 14 games against Newcastle, underlining his effectiveness in exploiting the Knights’ defensive weaknesses. Alongside him, Dominic Young provides additional firepower on the edge, making the Roosters’ wide play a major threat for the home side.
Knights Missing Their Star Man
Newcastle showed great spirit in their last outing, coming from 16 points down to defeat the Manly Sea Eagles in a thrilling golden point finish. Skipper Kalyn Ponga played the hero in that game, but his absence this weekend due to State of Origin duties for Queensland will be a huge blow for the Knights.
Ponga’s influence at full-back can’t be overstated. He not only brings attacking flair but also provides a calming presence at the back. Replacing him is Fletcher Sharpe, who has potential but will face a stern test against the Roosters’ potent attacking unit. This positional change could leave Newcastle vulnerable, especially when under pressure from the Roosters’ experienced playmakers and powerful runners.
Form and Preparation
The Roosters are coming into this contest off a bye, which has given them time to rest and prepare. With three wins from their last five matches, they’ve shown decent form and now benefit from a fresher squad than their opponents. The added rest could be crucial, especially considering the physical demands of back-to-back NRL fixtures and the ongoing drain from Origin commitments.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are trying to build consistency but have been hit hard by the unavailability of key players. The team will need to rely on a mix of youth and experience to compete with the Roosters, who are arguably better equipped to handle the disruptions.
Betting Insight: Roosters -8 Handicap
Given the Roosters’ past record in this fixture, the -8 point handicap looks a very achievable margin. With attacking threats like Tupou and Young, alongside a solid spine anchored by Tedesco and Walker, Sydney has the tools to pull away on the scoreboard. Their ability to start quickly and apply sustained pressure makes them likely candidates to lead at both halftime and fulltime, a bet available at 5/6.
Newcastle will have to work hard to keep pace, particularly without Ponga’s creativity and leadership. While players like Dane Gagai and Jackson Hastings have the experience to steady the ship, it may not be enough to overcome the Roosters’ class and cohesion.
Conclusion: Sydney Set for Another Strong Showing
All signs point toward another win for the Sydney Roosters. Their track record against the Knights, better squad depth, and fresher lineup make them favorites for good reason. While Newcastle showed resilience in their last game, the loss of Kalyn Ponga and the overall disparity in squad depth could make this a long day at the office for the hosts.
Back the Roosters to not only win but to cover the -8 handicap. They’ve done it before, and with the talent at their disposal, they’re well-positioned to do it again.
