NRL action begins on Friday this week, with two blockbuster matches. The first appears to be a dour battle between the Knights and the Eels, but this is just the type of game that will turn out to be an exciting contest. Both have plenty to play for as they sit outside the Top 8 and their desperation to push their way into Finals contention should bring out the best of them.
We bring you our preview and best bet for the Knights vs Eels below, with odds courtesy of Ladbrokes – a global betting giant. You can join Ladbrokes via this link to follow our expert NRL tips across the 2025 season.
Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels
Location: McDonald Jones Stadium
Odds: Knights $1.82 vs Eels $2.00
Match Preview
Following a positive performance at Magic Round, the Knights returned home to host the Titans and were dealt a reality check. Suddenly, their poor form returned as they were defeated 24-20. This was an upset, as they headed into the game as favourites yet couldn’t hold onto a 20-nil inside 30 minutes. With just 46% possession and a 75% completion rate, they made fewer meters and half the number of line breaks (4 vs 8). They were loose defensively, missing 32 tackles.
The Eels suffered a similar fate, defeated 20-16 at home by the Dolphins. Unlike the Knights, they had a greater share of possession (77%), made more line breaks that their opponents (7) and missed fewer tackles (33 vs 37) but were equally as poor when it came to completing sets (77%). When it mattered, they couldn’t find the right play to break open their opponent’s defensive structure.
This game should see both teams go into this contest as even money chances. Perhaps the home ground advantage (54% vs 30%) sways opinion towards the Knights. It is a big occasion for the Knights, with Gagai reaching his 300th match; they would hate to drop a game for a milestone occasion. The other factor to remember is that with Origin teams picked at the beginning of next week, players like Ponga, Moses & Lomax (just to name a few) may produce their best football. You cannot rely solely on that factor though. The Eels have momentum, winning 6 of the past 7 against the Knights. Despite having a superior attacking record (13ppg vs 19ppg), the Eels have struggled defensively in 2025 (19ppg vs 30ppg).
There is minimal to separate the two sides. Form says the Eels on the simple fact that they have shown greater desire in 2025. There appears to be issues surfacing at the Knights. The safer option though is investing on this game being a tight contest and letting the contest unfold.
Either Team by 10.5 Points
$1.85 (2 units)
Same Game Multi
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To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Total Points Under 45.5 – despite the average total in the past 5 matches sitting at 49.5, the attacking record of each team this season suggests points are hard to come by.
Leg 2: Best to score – he has been a forgotten man with the form of other players leading into Origin. He’s scored 3 tries already this year and is devastating on the left edge; a timely reminder appears to be on the horizon.
Leg 3: Addo-Carr to score – he has scored 7 tries already this season, overcoming the fact that his team struggles to score points. His speed allows for numerous attacking opportunities over 80 minutes.
