NRL Round 5 preview: Bulldogs vs Knights NRL betting tips

Bulldogs vs Knights NRL R5 best bets

NRL Round 5: Canterbury Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights preview

The unbeaten Canterbury Bulldogs return to Accor Stadium for the first time in 2025 with a chance to make it five straight wins when they tackle the Newcastle Knights in NRL Round 5 this Sunday.

Canterbury have impressed with their grit, structure, and cohesion under Cameron Ciraldo, with their defence leading the way.

They’ve conceded just 14 points across their past two matches, and despite missing a few big names, their next-man-up mentality is proving effective.

The Knights, meanwhile, are coming off a bye and looking to rebound from a disappointing 30-10 loss to the Titans.

That extra week of preparation could help tighten things up, but they’ll need a complete performance to match the Bulldogs, with the top online bookmakers pricing them as $2.75 outsiders.

The Bulldogs will again look to their dominant back five, led by Connor Tracey and Stephen Crichton, who are creating time and space for edge weapons like Bronson Xerri and Blake Wilson.

Josh Curran shifts back to an edge role where he’s historically been more dangerous with ball in hand, while Jacob Preston continues to be one of the NRL’s most underrated workhorses.

Newcastle’s edge defence has been exposed early in the season and this shapes as a major concern again, especially with the Bulldogs’ outside backs in form.

Bulldogs v Knights Round 5 team news

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
11. Josh Curran
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Jack Todd
17. Kurtis Morrin

Sitili Tupouniua is suspended, allowing Kurtis Morrin to join the bench. Jacob Kiraz is listed among the reserves and is edging closer to a return, while Kurt Mann will play his 200th NRL game.

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. Thomas Cant
12. Tyson Frizell
13. Adam Elliott
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Jermaine McEwen
17. Mat Croker

Leo Thompson returns from injury to bolster the Knights’ pack, pushing Brodie Jones to 18th man. The spine remains unchanged, with Fletcher Sharpe and Jack Cogger retaining the halves spots.

• 

  Fast Payouts

Sea Eagles vs Storm NRL Rd 5 betting predictions

The Knights have quietly gone 2-1 this season and come into this clash fresh off the bye. Kalyn Ponga’s influence at the back, combined with a healthy forward pack, gives them the punch needed to knock off the ladder-leading Bulldogs. Canterbury have been excellent defensively, but their attack can be clunky, and the Knights’ firepower might just prove decisive at value odds with BetOnline.

Greg Marzhew remains one of the NRL’s most damaging finishers and looms as a major threat against a Bulldogs edge that has conceded tries out wide this season. He’s scored in three of his last five games and will get plenty of service with Bradman Best drawing defenders inside. If the Knights get good ball, expect ‘Greggy’ to barge his way over at $2.15 odds with BetOnline.

These sides have a strong over trend in recent meetings, including both matchups in 2024 sailing past 45 points. The Bulldogs have added some flair to their structured attack, while the Knights have pace and power across the park. With dry conditions expected at Accor, this one shapes up as a high-scoring affair, with the over 44 points at $1.90 with BetOnline looking likely.

Sports betting tips