The second game on Friday night heads to Newcastle with a desperate Knights team hosting the Roosters. Both sides have had their challenges this year but on vastly different levels. The Knights are only 4-points away from the spoon and while pressure is building on everyone in the club, the coach is firmly under the spotlight.
The Roosters sit 2-points outside of the Top 8 and will not want to leave their run too late. This NRL Betting Preview will aim to find a winner ahead of a bumper weekend of sporting action. As always, stay tuned to Before You Bet as the tipsters preview a range of sports for your benefit.
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters Betting Tips
McDonald Jones Stadium, Friday 22nd July, 7:55pm (AEST)
Squads
Newcastle Knights
1. Kayln Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Brodie Jones 18. Leo Thompson
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchinson 17. Terrell May 18. Lachlan Lam
Match Preview
It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Knights since their Round 16 win over the Titans, conceding 40+ points in each game and failing to be competitive for 80 minutes. Most recently, the Sea Eagles comprehensively defeated them 42-12. Even with Ponga playing well, their defence was frail.
The Roosters will capitalise on that if their 54-26 victory last week over the Dragons is anything to go by. After an even first half (trailed 14-12 at HT), they clicked into gear in the second half with some brilliant attacking play against some questionable defence. More importantly, it broke a 4-game losing streak and keeps them in touch with the Top 8.
They are the superior team here in every way. Keary returns in the halves after a long absence, and he adds another dimension to their attack; his presence and experience reduces pressure on other key players in the team. The Knights have issues on both sides of the ball and while they will fancy themselves here after an upset 20-6 victory over the Roosters in Round 1, will need a lift in several performance areas to replicate that achievement.
This is reflected in betting markets with the Roosters strong favourites ($1.28 vs $3.70). With a spot in the Top 8 still alluding them, expect the Roosters to make another statement with their performance in this game. If the Knights are not careful, this could get ugly and pile further pressure on the future of their coach.
Alternate Bets:
Roosters -11.5/Over 44.5 ($3.30) 2 Units
Suaalii 2+ Tries ($3.60) 1 Unit
Roosters 13+
$2.05 (2.5 Units)
