NRL Friday betting, free Knights vs. Roosters try-scorer tips
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Newcastle Knights vs. Sydney Roosters
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MATCH UP STATS
Newcastle Knights vs. Sydney Roosters
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Season record:
Newcastle Knights: 1-5Sydney Roosters: 4-2 -
Line betting:
Newcastle Knights: +10.5 ($1.92 @ Crownbet)Sydney Roosters: -10.5 ($1.92 @ Crownbet) -
1-12 margin lines:
Newcastle Knights: $5.25Sydney Roosters: $3.15
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Friday, April 14, 8pm. McDonald Jones Stadium.
THE Knights season has gone to script according to most NRL punters, but there’s new-found confidence in the club after some pleasing efforts.
It’s no secret that the club is struggling on and off the field – with only one win from six games this season, but losing to the Sharks by one point and staying in the contest against the Bulldogs has punters thinking the Knights are knocking on the door of a rare win.
Playing on Friday night will set the occasion for the Knights which more frequently play on Sunday afternoons. The bright lights could give the team momentum as they prepare to face the Sydney Roosters, which have been struggling in recent times.
The season couldn’t have started any better for the Roosters after going 4-0, but the train has derailed with back-to-back losses coming into this key Friday night fixture.
The Roosters found it easy playing against the likes of the struggling Panthers and Rabbitohs, but facing the Sea Eagles and the Broncos in consecutive weeks brought out some glaring worries for Roosters fans.
The Broncos cut through its defence with ease last week and the outside backs for the Knights could have a field day. The bookmakers don’t think this will happen, with the Knights getting a sizeable points start, but the Knights will come to play and give their season a much-needed shot in the arm on Good Friday.
Knights confirmed team and first try-scorer tips
1. Brendan Elliot – +2000
2. Ken Sio – $14
3. Dane Gagai – $18
4. Peter Mata’utia – $21
5. Nathan Ross – $12
6. Brock Lamb – $31
7. Trent Hodkinson – $46
8. Jack Stockwell – $91
9. Danny Levi – $36
10. Josh Starling – $91
11. Sione Mata’utia – $34
12. Jamie Buhrer – $46
13. Mitchell Barnett – $41
The player putting in the most effort for the Newcastle Knights is Queensland representative Dane Gagai.
The rangy centre scored his first try of the season against the Bulldogs and he’s starting to show why he’s considered one of the best backs in the game.
It’s not easy to carry a back line that doesn’t include any star power, but Gagai has the experience to put the Knights on his back and we think the odds for him to score first are generous.
CrownBet is offering $18 for Gagai to get the Knights off to a solid start and that’s worth taking.
Nathan Ross has stepped up his game this season, having scored five tries from five games. The lovable Knights winger has been the benefactor from some good halves play and he has an uncanny ability to finish tries in stylish fashion.
Ross is the current $12 favourite to score first for the Knights and that’s worth taking.
Call us crazy, but the $91 for Jack Stockwell shouldn’t be overlooked. The prop has scored twice already this season and there’s plenty to like about the +9000 on offer at Sportsbet.com.au.
Roosters team list and try-scoring tips
Latrell Mitchell is out for the Roosters which has made room for Joseph Manu. The centre will play his third game this season having remained relatively quiet to date.
1. Michael Gordon – $15
2. Daniel Tupou – $8.50
3. Joseph Manu – $13
4. Blake Ferguson – $11
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall – $9
6. Luke Keary – $17
7. Mitchell Pearce – $31
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – $36
9. Jake Friend – $36
10. Isaac Liu – $31
11. Boyd Cordner – $15
12. Mitchell Aubusson – $18
13. Aidan Guerra – $26
The Roosters score many of their tries from kicks and that’s why Daniel Tupou is the hot favourite to score first.
The winger gets a lot of action out wide with cross kicks from Mitchell Pearce and he usually capitalises on the opportunities. Tupou is always a safe bet for first try-scorer punters and we think he’s a good chance once again.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall has had an interesting season to say the least. The New Zealand international has a high error count, which is standard for him, and he hasn’t lit the try-scoring ranks alight.
The winger does a lot of work in the middle of the field which is vital for the Roosters, but we think he should focus on crossing the white strip this Friday night. We expect the Roosters coach to have a word in his ear about limiting his mistakes and he could pay punters off with a try,
The $9 to score first is indicative of how punters are feeling this Friday night against the Knights.
Knights vs. Roosters game tip
The Roosters boast a strong team on paper and it’s tough to overlook such a quality side, but there’s something about the Knights in this situation.
The Roosters are vulnerable after losing back-to-back games and despite the Knights having lost four straight, there were some good signs against the Sharks and Bulldogs.
It’s Good Friday, it’s the Knights vs. Roosters and we’re tipping the big upset, but we’ll happily take the +10.5 points on offer at Sportsbet for some added insurance.
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