The rest of the NRL season gets underway this weekend following a tremendous debut in Las Vegas last Sunday. If the action in the first two matches is anything to go by, the 2024 season is going to be a blockbuster one. Following a long, arduous off-season, it is time for players to do the talking on the field.
The weekend action begins on Thursday night with the Knights hosting the Raiders. After a positive end to 2023, the Knights will be hoping to start the season off on a positive note. The Raiders were knocked out by the Knights in Week 1 of the Finals and will be out for revenge.
Get ready, the NRL is set for an exhilarating start in Australia. As always, Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at all matches, as well as a host of other sporting action from around the globe this weekend.
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
NRL Round 1 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders
McDonalds Jones Stadium, Thursday 7th March, 8pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Knights were bundled out in the second week of the Finals last season in a comprehensive defeat by the Warriors. Despite a positive finish to the year, it highlighted their shortcomings and what areas they will need to improve on if they wish to be competitive with the leading teams in the competition.
The Raiders scraped into the Finals and pushed their opponents in Week 1 but were narrowly defeated in Golden Point. They were brave and had the usual Stuart-inspired toughness which has been a staple of their club in recent years. This year marks the first without Jack Wighton and while some of their trial form has been impressive, we are about to see just how valuable he was for this club. So too is Kaylan Ponga, who is vital to the success of the Knights; if he is on the field, they are a remarkably better team.
Match Prediction
The Knights head into this game as strong favourites, with the home field (55% vs 26%) a large indicator of how this match is expected to play out. They will be without regular starting hooker and club captain Jayden Brailey, with Phoenix Crossland named to start at hooker. The Raiders have named Ethan Strange (remember the name – he is dynamite) at 5/8 with Seb Kris (suspension) covered at fullback by Jodran Rapana; they are also without Elliott Whitehead.
The odds are a true indication of how the match should play out; the Knights are the stronger team, but the Raiders have been underrated. Their forwards are a powerful pack that will look to capitalise on the speed of play through the middle; the loss of Brailey will hurt their opponents in several areas, including defence. The line (7.5) is enticing too. The average margin of their past 5 games is 8.4 points, with 3 decided by 6 points or less (4/5 have been by 10 points or less). This suggests that if a side is victorious, it will be by less than 2 converted tries.
As for most games this weekend (and likely next), lower your investment. It is better to gauge where teams are placed to begin the year and build confidence in your investment as the season progresses.
Raiders +7.5
$1.96 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
The case is made above for the selected margin. The average points in the past 5 games is 43.6, with two others going very close to this number. Marzhew is a threat on the edge too and scored 4 tries in 3 games against the Raiders last season.
Leg 1: Knights 1-12
Leg 2: Total Points Over 41.5
Leg 3: Marzhew to Score
SGM Odds: $8.50 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
