Knights v Titans betting tips and predictions | NRL Rd 26 preview

Knights v Titans R26 best bet tips

Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans Rd 26 match preview

Newcastle Knights fight for a finals position continues against Gold Coast Titans in the penultimate round of the NRL season at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.

The Knights have opened as short-priced -285.71 favourites with bookmakers, while the Titans are outsiders (+230) and have little to play for, with their finals hopes dashed.

The Knights suffered a controversial one-point loss to the Sharks a fortnight ago, but have won two of their last three matches with dominant victories over the Rabbitohs and Tigers. Now, just one win behind the Dragons, who are eighth, the home side will need a big win to continue climbing the ladder and secure a finals spot.

The Titans are out of finals contention having lost their last three matches in a row to the Sharks, Dragons and Roosters. With a side ravaged by injury, the club will be hoping to finish the season strong and begin putting pieces in place for next year.

Des Hasler has made two changes to his side with AJ Brimson out with injury, (groin) and Keenan Palasia dropped. Phillip Sami will start in the centres and Josiah Pahulu has been added to the interchange bench.

Adam O’Brien has also been forced to make changes to his Knights side after Kai Pearce-Paul (leg) and Tyson Frizell (concussion) suffered injuries last weekend. Bradman Best (hamstring) will return in the centres, allowing Dylan Lucas to partner Brodie Jones in the second row, with Thomas Cant promoted to the interchange bench.

Knights v Titans Rd 26 teams list

Newcastle Knights

1. Kayln 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. Dylan Lucas
12. Brodie Jones
13. Adam Elliot
14. Will Pryce
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Thomas Cant
18. Kyle McCarthy

Gold Coast Titans

1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Kieran Foran
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall
14. Josiah Pahulu
15. Isaac Liu
16. Erin Clark
17. Kleese Haas
18. Tannah Boyd

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Knights v Gold Coast betting tips and strategy

Newcastle have won four of their last five clashes with the Gold Coast, and each of their last six home games. The Titans have lost each of their last three matches by 13 points or more, while at the same time, the Knights’ last two wins have been by similar margins. The best bet to take in this match is backing the Knights to put on a strong performance in front of their home fans to win by 13 points or more at +125 odds with top NRL bookmakers.

Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has struggled through injuries this season which has reduced his typically strong try-scoring ability. While he has only scored one try this season, he has found the in goal area in each of his last three appearances against the Titans. Look for his form against the opposition to continue with another try here (+115).

Knight Brodie Jones has started off the bench all season in limited minutes, but has been promoted to the starting side to defend the much bigger Titan, David Fifita. Although he’s not scored in several weeks, this will be Fifita’s easiest assignment in some time, and with an one-on-one opportunity, he should be able to score for the Titans (+240).

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