NRL Super Saturday returns this week and begins in Newcastle as the Knights host the Eels. Few would have predicted that there would be such a disparity between these two sides on the competition ladder at this stage of the season. It is unlikely to impact the action though, with each viewing this as an important game for their 2026 hopes. With anything possible, Before You Bet is here to help guide you through what promises to be an exhilarating NRL match.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Knights vs Eels Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 13 2026
Second half delight
It was worrying times for the Knights in their Magic Round game against the Titans. After a tight first half, they were locked at 6-all at HT. Needing to lift, the Knights did just that in the second half and kicked into another gear that their opponents couldn’t match. Scoring 6 tires, they powered to a 36-12 victory. Looking to improve, they could’ve done a better job controlling possession (51%) and completing their sets (79%) to build pressure on their opponents consistently. This scoreline could’ve been larger considering they averaged 10.3m per carry, made 7 line breaks, and missed just 26 tackles. That consistency and improvement will matter most towards the end of the season.
Down on luck, quality, and patience
Tight in the first half against the Storm, the Eels fancied their chances of upsetting their opponents as they trailed 10-4 at HT. Unfortunately for them, they lacked quality execution in the second half to give themselves a chance, eventually losing 34-8. Having a host of players unavailable through injury is hurting them; consistency will continue to elude them the longer this goes. They can also take responsibility for the result; with just 48% possession, they completed at 77% and averaged 8.3m per carry. The negatives came defensively, allowing 8 line breaks and missing 47 tackles hurt their chances. These effort areas must be improved to drag them from the bottom half of the ladder.
Stats that matter
- The Knights have won 8 of the past 10 matches against the Eels. Interestingly, the Eels still have a 40% strike rate at this ground. The Knights win 53% of matches played at home.
- Blowout margins are normal in recent matches between these two sides. Only once has the margin been below 22 points in the past 5 matches, with the average sitting at 30.8 points. The average total points during that same time frame is 53.2 points.
- The Knights are superior on both sides of the ball in 2026 compared to their opponents. They score an average of 28ppg in attack and concede 25ppg in defence; the latter is a statistic which they will want to improve upon. Th Eels score just 21ppg and concede 34ppg, an area they will want to improve upon.
One way traffic ahead as the Knights flex their muscle
We saw just what they were capable of in their last match. Once they gain confidence, the Knights are a difficult team to stop. With the Eels struggling, their weaknesses look set to be exposed. The withdrawal of Moses will cause further issues and his replacement, Pezet, is a liability defensively. It would take a monumental effort for the visitors to turn the tide of this game; unfortunately, the task of winning is beyond them. The decision then comes down to which betting option to take. Recent history, combined with the season averages, suggests the visitors will also struggle to score points. Relying solely on their defence to keep them in the game is a dangerous level of trust at this level. The Knights, regardless of whether their Origin stars feature or not, should have enough firepower to produce plenty of points, while limiting what their opponents throw at them over 80 minutes. The only factor which may upset this outcome is heavy conditions but even then, that will impact the Eels just as much.
Knights -14.5
$1.90 (2 units)
Knights vs Eels Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 53.5 – see above for justification, along with expected wet conditions.
Leg 2 = Greg Marzhew to score – there was a temptation to take him to score a double given his recent form. Still, his form at home along has been terrific. He has scored 7 tries in his past 5 matches here and will again be a threat to the Eels on the edge.
Leg 3 = Sharpe to score – he returned to the try scorers list in his last match with a double and will again be a threat in this game as he might shift to fullback to cover for Ponga. Regardless of where he plays, he will be a threat and look to cross the line for his team.
Knights vs Eels Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 30th May
Location: McDonalds Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Time: 3pm (AEST)
Odds: Knights $1.22 vs Eels $4.25
Line: -14.5
Points: 53.5
Where to Watch Knights vs Eels
Watch the Knights vs Eels match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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