Round 15 of the 2024 NRL Season concludes on Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle when the Knights play host to the Penrith Panthers, with the game carrying not just importance for the NRL season, but it could have ramifications when it comes to who will be picked for NSW in the second State Of Origin.
Given the current form of both teams, it should be an intriguing match and we have you covered with a full NRL betting preview for free below.
NRL Round 15 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers
McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 16th June – 4:05pm (AEST)
There was a period of time where Newcastle were one of the better defensive sides in the comp, but the last three weeks, they have leaked 92 points, notably last week in a block of the game against Melbourne, they gave up five tries, which just isn't going to cut it, especially now up against the premiership favourites. They need strike power with Ponga still on the sidelines and they get it via Bradman Best, who returns from a hamstring injury and will want to have a big game to have any real chance of taking the centre spot from Latrell Mitchell, who has found form the last couple of weeks and there is a big push from the media to get him in the side. The Knights do have a good record at home but that is not the case when it comes to taking on Penrith. They haven't beaten the Panthers at Newcastle in nearly ten years and in fact, the Knights have only won one of their previous 14 encounters against the Panthers.
The Panthers are still without Nathan Cleary but continue to go through the motions with purpose and despite margin being ten, they were dominant against the Sea Eagles last Sunday. Dylan Edwards returns, as does Liam Martin and Brad Schneider. The game is important for Edwards, who returns from a Quad injury. He was named to be fullback for NSW before getting injury and you'd assume that if Edwards gets through the game all sweet, then he will be wearing the Sky Blue. It's also an important game for Jarome Luai, who was good in Game l for NSW and has been outstanding in stepping up in a leadership role, taking more ownership of the Panthers attack with Cleary missing. Their record at Newcastle is incredible, as well as against the Knights in general, and their go forward is just about the best in the comp.
Match Prediction: It is hard seeing Newcastle threatening the Panthers given recent form and the fact that they have gone off the boil defensively, that could spell trouble for a Panthers attack that was humming last Saturday and has good room for improvement. I think the Panthers will cover the line.
Panthers -9.5
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Panthers -9.5: As stated above, I am keen on the Panthers and I don't think the 9.5 start is enough for the Knights. I think Penrith win and win quite well.
Under 44.5 Total Match Points: There has been significant rain hit Newcastle this week and there is chance of rain on game day. With that, I think this game has the potential to be a low scoring contest, and I can't see Newcastle scoring many points, if at all.
SGM Odds: $3.90 at BoomBet
