Bulldogs v Knights betting tips | NRL Magic Round | 13/5/22

NRL Magic Round kicks off in Brisbane at 6pm Friday Night when the Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Newcastle Knights in what is a must win clash for both clubs. The Bulldogs have made one change following their loss to the Raiders in our nation’s capital, while the Knights welcome back Adam Clune, Mitch Barnett and Sauaso Sue to the side.

Markets have flipped upside down since team lists were announced on Tuesday afternoon. Newcastle opened as $1.65 favourites, with Canterbury sitting at $2.25. Prices have now flipped entirely following heavy support for Canterbury with the top bookmakers.

Of 40 clashes the Bulldogs have won on 20 occasions, with one draw also on the record. Neither side has been impressive of late, despite the Bulldogs beating the Roosters a fortnight ago. In tri-bet markets, a great starting point is for either team to win this contest by less than 6.5 points.

Both these teams have significant issues when it comes to their spines and leadership on the field. Although current captains are Josh Jackson and Kalyn Ponga, they’re not the types who can change the game off their own bats. Pair this with weather not befitting of the “Sunshine State”, as rain is predicted all weekend, and points will be both difficult to come by and at a premium. Expect this clash to be well and truly below the 35.5 total match points.

While each team will be working to make amends for poor starts to their season, they will be looking for leaders to stand up. Josh Addo-Carr has been one for the Canterbury Bulldogs in recent weeks, bringing the same relentless mentality from the Melbourne Storm to his new club.

Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga had a hand in everything positive the Newcastle Knights did last weekend against the Cowboys. Both men will be standing up again on the big stage this weekend, and at $2.15 and $3.15 respectively to score at any time, both are smart plays as any time try scorers.

KEY MATCH UP: JEREMY MARSHALL-KING V CHRIS RANDALL

The battle of the hookers Friday night will be an important one as many aspects of each player’s game will be a factor in deciding the outcome of this match. Jeremy Marshall King’s running and kicking game has been impressive so far this season, sharing the load of responsibility of his halves. Randall on the other hand has started the season with Jayden Brailey missing through injury and taken his opportunity with both hands. Not only is his defence impressive, but his ability to find the try line at crucial points is enormous for Newcastle.

Both hookers will also have the important job of straightening up their forward packs in attack to direct their sides best around the park. Whoever can play into their strengths better will be pivotal to their side’s success.

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