Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks NRL tips & preview | 27/8/23

Knights vs Sharks Round 26 NRL tips

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles match preview

In a highly anticipated showdown to wrap up NRL Round 26, the Newcastle Knights are set to host the Cronulla Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium. The clash between these two teams promises an exhilarating match as they each vie for a crucial victory.

The Newcastle Knights have been on an incredible seven-game winning streak, a feat they haven’t achieved since their 2001 premiership-winning season under Andrew Johns. From a 14th-place ranking just a few months ago, the Knights have surged to seventh, edging closer to securing a spot in the finals. Their recent success can be attributed to the outstanding performances of key players like fullback Kalyn Ponga, whose brilliance has been pivotal during their winning streak. The likes of Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, and Dominic Young have also excelled, wreaking havoc on the edges.

On the other side, the Cronulla Sharks have rebounded from a shaky period and secured three consecutive wins against tough opponents—the Rabbitohs, Titans, and Cowboys. Situated in fifth place on the ladder, the Sharks are keen to capitalise on any opportunity to break into the top four, should the Melbourne Storm falter.

Analysing their head-to-head history, the Sharks have dominated the rivalry over the past eight years, winning nine out of 13 matches since 2015. However, the Knights’ recent surge in form, including a remarkable five-game winning streak, has shifted the momentum in their favour. Home-field advantage further bolsters Newcastle’s position.

Key Matchup: Bradman Best vs Ronaldo Mulitalo

Bradman Best vs Ronaldo Mulitalo

Key players to watch include Ronaldo Mulitalo, who has scored 19 tries in his last 19 games, and Bradman Best, who has scored six tries in his past six home games, ensuring an impactful offensive presence. These players are set to play pivotal roles in the outcome of the matchup between the Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks.

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Knights vs Sharks NRL betting prediction

In terms of predictions, the experts favour either team to win by a 1–12 margin, given the competitiveness of the matchup.

The statistics and trends align in favour of the Knights, with a forecasted probability of around 69.8% for a Newcastle victory, compared to 30.2% for Cronulla. This translates to fair odds of $1.46 for a Knights win and $2.83 for a Sharks upset with the top bookmakers. The predicted margin of victory for the Knights is between 1-12 points. While the Sharks have historically been able to secure close wins against the Knights, the current form and metrics suggest that the Knights are likely to come out on top in front of their home crowd.

In conclusion, all signs point to a thrilling encounter as the red-hot Knights face off against the resurgent Sharks. With both teams eyeing crucial wins, fans can expect a tightly contested match, with the Knights holding the edge in form, home advantage, and recent head-to-head success. The stage is set for an enthralling clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.

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