Tigers vs Knights NRL Round 10 betting tips – Friday, May 14

The second edition of the NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will get underway at Friday 6pm as the Wests Tigers look to take down the Newcastle Knights for the second time this season. Newcastle overcame a 16-0 deficit last week to secure a much-needed win to get their season back on track, while Wests took a huge step back by conceding 36 points to the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Stadium. The Knights could get Hymel Hunt and Edrick Lee to return to their backline, whereas the Tigers may be tempted to ring in more changes as they try to spark a good performance.

Wests Tigers betting preview

The defence of the Tigers has been non-existent in 2021, giving up at least 30 points in six of their nine games this season. On that stat alone, taking overs on the total points line is almost a must if you aren’t confident of them getting a win. The left edge for the Tigers is where they stand the best chance to score points because of the rushing defence on the right for the Knights. Joey Leilua is a mercurial talent, but he might offer some value in this department, as could Luke Garner. The +5.5 line looks a little small to be taking on, the overs is the better chance at getting the $1.90 price.

Newcastle Knights betting preview

Newcastle bounced back in the second half last weekend and looked a lot stronger when they started to move the ball to the edges. They were able to open up room for Kalyn Ponga, and he gave punters an easy return when he scored a try, but it might be time to look at some other Knights backs. Bradman Best is a favourite in the anytime tryscorer betting, while Hymel Hunt is also worth a look if he takes his place in the side. The Tigers may have the worst defence in the league, but the Newcastle 1-12 margin is a safer option to take. The Knights are still trying to find their attacking identity with a third-string halfback.

Key matchup: Luke Brooks vs Phoenix Crossland

Luke Brooks has struggled to find his best form in 2021, and he is going to need to step up against the Newcastle Knights. Phoenix Crossland showed glimpses of a strong running game and scored a try against the Raiders, but Brooks has to believe and play like he is the best half on the field. The short kicking which netted him the Halfback of the Year award in 2018 has largely deserted him in recent times, but that aspect of his game is going to have to be much improved for the Tigers to consistently threaten the Newcastle try line. It’s a big reason behind their 14th-ranked attack, and whether their fans want to admit it or not, they need Brooks to dominate and show up Crossland.

Tigers vs Knights match predictions

Result: Newcastle Knights by exactly 12 points

The Knights will win by 12 points as Kalyn Ponga stars to kick off Magic Round. The Tigers will have periods where they defend well, but their inconsistency will still see them give up 28 points. Wests have only shown any glimpses of good attacking football when they get down by 20 or more points and the heat goes out of a game.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $17.25

Knights 1-12 with Kalyn Ponga and Joey Leilua to both score a try at any time gets you a tasty $17.25 return at Sportsbet.