NRL Round 6 action begins on Thursday night with an intriguing clash between the Knights and Roosters. The exciting start to the season is set to continue with each team desperate to capture a win and climb up the competition ladder. Both teams have experienced a mixture of results this season and punters will be confused as to what lies ahead in this match. Don’t worry, Before You Bet has you covered with a comprehensive look at this NRL fixture.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 6 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters
McDonald-Jones Stadium – Thursday 10th April – 7:50pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Knights prevailed in horrendous conditions over the Dragons last Friday. Their 30-10 victory was a much-needed result, especially in front of their home fans and for their high hopes of success moving forward. A strong first half established the result, scoring 4 tries led to a 24-10 lead. From there, they shut the Dragons attack down. They did well to manage just 25 missed tackles and pressured their opponent’s defensive structure with 6 line breaks. While not completely convincing, they will take confidence away from that performance.
The Roosters could only dream of such a result; their poor showing against the Bulldogs resulted in a 30-26 defeat. In a brutal game, they trailed 26-nil at HT. While a fightback in the second half added some respect to the result, it was hardly a performance which matches their talent on paper. They were their own worst enemy too; completing at just 69% with 48% possession, they ran for fewer metres and spent majority of the game with 12 players after Young was sent off. They will be out to bounce back from this performance, their second disappointing result in consecutive weeks.
Match Prediction
The Knights are well placed to succeed in this match. They have an unchanged line-up from last week and will look to build pressure on a Roosters team which is missing a host of players. Forced changes in the backs has seen Tedesco (concussion), Walker (concussion) and Young (suspension) omitted. Losing 3 key players out of any team is difficult to deal with let alone here, when they desperately to break a run of poor performances.
The Roosters are justifiably outsiders ($1.58 vs $2.40) with the line interestingly set at 4.5 points but underestimate the Roosters at your own peril. The visitors have a strong overall record over the Knights and will have no issue traveling; they hold a very strong 73% win record here (55% for the Knights). In fact, the Knights have won just 2 of the past 14 games between these two sides and 1 of the past 6 at home against the Roosters.
The points total also favours the Roosters; they average a higher number of points scored in attack (17ppg vs 24ppg) and have conceded a fewer amount (18ppg vs 17ppg). The Knights are vulnerable and should not be as short as they are in most betting markets. This means the preferred option is to ‘play it safe’ and invest on other, more likely results, this weekend. There is every chance the Roosters could come out and cause an upset. Use this bet (extended line) to anchor a multi or slightly increase your investment on the match.
Roosters +8.5
$1.55 (1.5 Units)
