NRL Round 2 preview: Knights v Dolphins betting tips | March 13

Knights v Dolphins NRL R2 best bets

NRL Round 2: Knights v Dolphins preview

The Newcastle Knights will be looking to build on their gritty NRL Round 1 win when they host the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.

Both teams experienced tight two-point games in their season openers, but while Newcastle clinched victory over the Tigers, the Dolphins were edged out late by South Sydney.

With Kalyn Ponga steering the ship, and with a dominant forward pack, the Knights have enjoyed success against the Dolphins, winning their last three meetings — all in low-scoring affairs.

They also boast an impressive home record, winning 17 of their last 25 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, have struggled on the road, losing six straight away games.

However, they welcome back key players this week — including Kodi Nikorima and Mark Nicholls, who sat out due to the late relocation of the clash with the Rabbitohs. Their challenge will be breaking through Newcastle’s defence, which allowed just one try in Round 1.

Newcastle’s attack wasn’t particularly sharp against the Tigers, but Greg Marzhew remains a constant threat on the wing, scoring 19 tries in 22 games at home.

The Dolphins’ defensive lapses on the edges — where they leaked two tries against the Rabbitohs last week — could see Ponga and Marzhew combine to exploit that weakness again.

With both sides displaying defensive grit in Round 1 of the NRL season, this match has the makings of another tight, low-scoring battle.

The Knights are deserved $1.55 favourites with the top online bookmakers, but don’t expect a blowout.

Knights v Dolphins Rd 2 team news

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Adam Elliott
17. Mat Croker

Adam Elliott return to the bench, replacing Brodie Jones in the only change for the Knights.

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Junior Tupou
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Oryn Keeley
12. Max Plath
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Josh Kerr
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Ray Stone

The Dolphins regain Kodi Nikorima and Mark Nicholls, but they lose Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion) and Connelly Lemuelu (eye-socket fracture).

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins betting predictions

The Knights’ strong home record combined with the Dolphins’ travel struggles makes them a solid bet to cover the small line of -4.5 with the top rugby league betting sites. With Ponga’s playmaking and their edge attack clicking late against the Tigers, Newcastle should have enough firepower to edge this one by at least a converted try. The Dolphins’ reinforcements will help, but losing Lemuelu weakens their back-row defence.

Kalyn Ponga loves attacking down the left edge, linking up with Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew to create scoring chances. While Marzhew is the logical finisher with odds of $1.72, the value lies with Ponga himself crossing the line at $2.20 odds with BetOnline. His explosiveness close to the line and ability to slice through tired defenders make him a prime tryscoring threat in this matchup.

Both teams showed strong defensive structures in Round 1, with their respective games producing 24 and 30 total points — well under this total. With cooler conditions in Newcastle, defensive discipline should remain a priority. Three of the last four meetings between these sides have also gone under 46.5 total points, so that looks like the obvious play at $1.90 with BetOnline.

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