The first game NRL on Friday night heads to Newcastle as the rejuvenated Knights host the struggling Titans. With just a total of 5 wins combined for the year between these two sides, things are getting desperate if they wish to maintain touch with the Top 8. A victory here would go a long way to improving their chances. This sets the stages for an exhilarating game of rugby league. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans
Location: McDondald Jones Stadium - Newcastle
Date: 9th May
Time: 6pm (AEST)
Odds: Newcastle Knights $1.48 vs Gold Coast Titans $2.65
Line: Knights -6.5
Points: 47.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Knights broke a 5-game losing streak with a promising 30-4 defeat of the Rabbitohs. Their struggling attack was ignited early, scoring 3 tries inside 12 minutes to jump to an 18-nil lead. That was somewhat expected with their opponents suffering a horror injury toll, nevertheless, their execution was remarkably improved. The victory was established on the back of strong running (10.6m per carry), and exciting attacking play (11 line breaks). They still have their flaws though; a 73% completion rate, and 29 missed tackles will haunt them against better opponents.
The Titans promised plenty in their match against the Bulldogs but delivered another flat display, comprehensively defeated 38-18. Hoping to improve upon recent weeks, they controlled the ball (83% completion rate) but struggled to build pressure on their opponents. Making 574 fewer metres, having just 1 line break and missing 38 tackles highlights their shortcomings.
The Knights performance last week has drastically changed their narrative. Suddenly, they have rediscovered their attack. Great consistency is needed though for it to become a regular habit. The strong record of the Knights at home compared to their opponents (55% vs 27%) should also count for something considering that the home team has won 15 of the past 16 matches between these two sides. It does overlook the fact that the Titans welcome back Campbell and Jojo Fifita to the team. Their inclusion is key for their attack and is somewhat underestimated in betting markets. If this game comes down to defence, the Knights are well placed to succeed. They have a superior defensive record (18ppg vs 31ppg) as the Titans leak plenty of cheap points.
Ideally, this should be a match best avoided. The two teams cannot be trusted and there are better options this weekend available to punters. If you must have a bet, the value lies in the visitors who have proven against better teams this season that they can display a strong effort.
Titans +6.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Same Game Multi
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Leg 1: Total Points Over 47.5 – the average total in their past 5 matches is 53.6 points with 4 being by 50 or more. Their defensive records in 2025 suggest a similar trend is ahead.
Leg 2: Schiller to score – he has crossed for 4 tries this season and lead the Knights until Sharpe’s hat-trick last week. Always a threat, Schiller has poise when with the ball. He just needs to get more of it in positive field position.
Leg 3: Jojo Fifita to score – he has crossed for 4 tries this season which is second for his team (even with time out of the game). Look for him to again be looming up in support, jumping high in the air or speeding towards the line to finish an attacking movement.
SGM Odds: $5.75 at BoomBet
