Knights v Dolphins NRL betting tips & predictions | Rd 27 preview

Knights v Dolphins round 27 best bets

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins NRL match preview

The Knights and the Dolphins are set to face off in a blockbuster clash this Sunday afternoon in Newcastle, as they fight for eighth spot in the final match of the 2024 NRL home and away season.

With a simple equation ‘win or go home’ these two sides sit eighth and ninth on the ladder respectively, separated by just points difference. With the home ground advantage, the Knights are slight favourites for this clash at $1.73 with Unibet, while the Dolphins are at $2.15 with Neds. The line is set at 2.5 points.

Last Sunday, Newcastle kept their season alive with an impressive 22-point win over the Titans. After a quiet first half, the Knights put their foot down in the second, scoring five tries.

This is now three wins in the last four weeks for the Knights, who have come from 12th place back in round 22 to emerge as the favourite to make the finals.

Back-rower Tyson Frizell and utility Tyson Gamble have both been named to make their returns this week. Brodie Jones slides to the bench, while Will Pryce and Thomas Cant make way.

The Dolphins were also successful last round, beating the Broncos by 34 points in a dominant display. With all seven tries coming from the backline, it was a demolition job in attack, while the defence kept their local rivals to just six points.

Despite spending most of the season inside the top eight, Wayne Bennett’s side have crumbled late in the season, winning just two of their last seven matches.

In a major boost, Queensland forward Felise Kaufusi was cleared at the judiciary during the week, while Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima also return. Kenny Bromwich moves into the starting side in place of Mark Nicholls, as Isaiya Katoa and Lachlan Hubner drop out of the side.

Knights v Dolphins R27 team lists

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Fletcher Sharpe
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jack Cogger
7. Phoenix Crossland
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliot
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Brodie Jones

The Dolphins

1. Trai Fuller
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Jake Averillo
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Max Plath
10. Tevita Pangai Junior
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Kenneath Bromwich
14. Jeremy Marshall-King
15. Ray Stone
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Kodi Nikorima

Knights v Dolphins free betting strategy

Each of the three matches between the sides has been decided by four points or less and with a finals spot on the line, expect this match to be another close affair. The Knights are the more in-form side, particularly at home, winning three of their last four. The Dolphins are known for their struggles in NSW, winning just two of their past nine in the state, so back the Knights to win by less than 13 points at $3.35 with leading NRL bookies.

Knights winger Fletcher Sharpe has been an excellent find for the Knights this season, scoring 10 tries in 10 appearances. However, over the last four weeks, the 20-year-old has taken his game to another level, with eight tries including a hattrick last Sunday. At $1.70 with PlayUp, Sharpe looks a safe bet to get over.

Another player who is in excellent form is Dolphins player Jake Averillo. Despite a quiet first half of the season, the 24-year-old has had a strong finish to the season, with five tries in his last four matches. Moved from centre to five-eighth last week, he added a double, so back him to get over once again at $3.25 with leading rugby league bookmakers.

Best NRL bookmakers

Neds Code GETON

1

Take It To The Neds Level

Neds

Only orange bookie!

Check Out Neds Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? "GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms.

2

It Pays To Play

PlayUp

Aussie-owned horse racing specialists!

Check Out PlayUp Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms.

Bet365 Signup Code GETON

3

Never Ordinary

Bet365

World Favourite!

Visit Bet365 Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms.

Recommended!

Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING

4

Say Hey to the social bet!

Dabble

You Better Believe It

Join Dabble Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms.

5

Next Gen Racing Betting

pickleBet

Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.

Join Picklebet Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms.

6

Bet With A Boom

BoomBet

Daily Racing Promotions - Login to view!

Join Boombet Review

18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms.

7

By Players, For Players

UniBet

Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only

Join Unibet Review

18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms.

Sports betting tips