Friday night returns to two fixtures, after one was moved to accommodate two fixtures on ANZAC Day. The first game will take place in Sydney’s west, with the Eels hosting the Knights. It has been an inconsistent start for both teams to begin the year and they will want to generate some winning form with a strong performance here. As always, Before You Bet will have you covered in all your sporting action across a big weekend!
Check out our best bets for Eels vs Knights below, and head over to our NRL Tips page for more Round 9 previews and betting tips.
NRL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights
Friday 28th April, CommBank Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
The Eels faced a 5-day turnaround and trip to Darwin for their ‘home’ game against the Broncos. There were some signs that it could be a positive performance for this squad, but it was anything but that, as they were defeated 26-16. They were out of the contest at HT, trailing 22-6 and seemingly unable to build pressure on their opponents. Their ball control was poor too, completing at just 68%. They were also let down in defence, missing 46 total tackles. Disappointingly, after a poor start to the season, the Eels failed to prove that they are better than their start to the year suggests.
The Knights were also defeated but they can take far more pride away from their 18-16 loss to the Cowboys on the road. Always expected to struggle, the Knights were again resilient throughout the match. The main difference in the outcome was their inability to produce a ‘strike play’ from a superstar player when the game was on the line. The execution was also poor in attack; they completed at just 66% and ran for significantly fewer metres across 80 minutes. This was a shame because they had more post contact metres and line breaks compared to the Cowboys. A greater display of poise in key positions could serve them well in coming weeks.
The Eels are favourites for this this game ($1.43 vs $2.85), but it should be far closer than this. As indicated on the NRL Power Rankings, perhaps there isn’t too much between these two sides. The fact that the depth of their outside backs will be further tested, on top of the loss of RCG at prop, brings the Knights into this contest. The home ground advantage (Eels 62% vs Knights 41%) does count for something but there is more to this game. The Knights haven’t defeated the Eels in the past 5 games, with their last coming back in Round 7, 2019.
If the Knights are to win, a lot will have to do with Ponga starting this game. He is named to do that here but last week was shifted back to the bench. For the Eels to win, they will need an improved defensive effort. Expect the Knights to target their vulnerabilities relentlessly and this scoring option brings them into calculation. Rather than take them outright (which is a possibility), use the line to your advantage.
Same Game Multi
Knights +12.5 and Total Points Over 41.5 @ $3.10 – 1 unit (TAB)
Knights +6.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
