Raiders v Knights NRL round 18 tips & betting preview | 7/7/24

Raiders vs Knights best bets

Round 18: Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights preview

Wrapping up round 18 of the NRL Premiership Season, the Raiders are looking to turn their form around as they host the Knights at GIO Stadium.

Despite playing on the road, the Knights enter as slight favourites for this clash at -126.58 with Boombet, while the Raiders are at $2.06 with Unibet. The line is just 1.5 points.

Last Saturday, the Raiders suffered their third successive defeat in a 10-point loss to the Storm. Besides a full field try from half-back Kaeo Weekes, there weren’t many highlights for Canberra, as they struggled to penetrate the Melbourne defence.

Dropping down to 12th on the ladder, top NRL bookmakers think a finals push is now highly unlikely for Canberra, who have odds of +500 to make the top eight.

It’s a new-look side for Ricky Stuart this week with Adam Cook at half-back, Albert Hopoate in the centres, Jordan Rapana on the wing and Kaeo Weekes at fullback. Forward Simi Sasagi is the only inclusion in place of Jordan Martin who was concussed against the Storm.

The Knights broke a three-match losing streak last Saturday, as they beat the Eels by eight points in Newcastle. In a high-scoring affair, it was the left side that did most of the damage, with Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew each scoring two tries.

In 11th on the ladder, Newcastle are also unlikely to make a finals appearance in 2024 at +350 with leading rugby league bookmakers.

There are plenty of changes for the Knights this week, headlined by the return of captain Kalyn Ponga. Leo Thompson and Jayden Brailey are also inclusions in the starting side, while Fletcher Sharpe fills the utility role.

Raiders v Knights R18 teams list

Canberra Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Albert Hopoate
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Adam Cook
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Danny Levi
15. Ata Mariota
16. Trey Mooney
17. Simi Sasagi

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Enari Tuala
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Will Pryce
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Adam Elliot
14. Fletcher Sharpe
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Brodie Jones
17. Dylan Lucas

Raiders v Knights Rd 18 betting predictions

Two of the most unpredictable sides in the NRL, it was Canberra who got the victory back in round one. However, the Raiders have lost their past three matches in Canberra by an average of over 28 points, while the Knights have won three of their past four matches on the road. As slight favourites, back Newcastle to secure the victory at -126.58 with Bet365.

Despite a low-scoring clash last week, the Raiders have gone over the total points line in four of their past five matches. Similarly, the Knights have gone over in three of their last five, so back this match to go over 48.5 points at -109.89 with PlayUp.

Since returning from injury in round 15, Knights centre Bradman Best has been unstoppable, with three tries and two assists in two matches. With the return of Kalyn Ponga at fullback, expect the Knights to be even more dynamic in attack, creating opportunities for the 22-year-old to get over. At +160 with Neds, Best offers great value as an anytime try-scorer.

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