Titans vs Knights NRL betting predictions – Round 5, 2021

The injury-riddled Newcastle Knights face a tough task this Saturday afternoon as they cross the Tweed to challenge the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium in round five of the 2021 NRL Premiership.

Newcastle’s last three visits to the Gold Coast have resulted in some shocking performances, and it has no doubt played a role in the long $3.40 head-to-head price with online bookmakers. They are currently in the midst of one of the worst injury crises ever seen in the NRL era, but they will be buoyed by the return of star fullback Kalyn Ponga when they travel to the Gold Coast. Missing as many as 11 regular first-graders, it would be one of the more memorable wins in their history if they were to get the chocolates.

The Titans were outclassed by the Raiders last start, but the $1.36 price is screaming that this game is a gimme. Even though they’ve been a cellar dweller for a long time, there is healthy expectation that the NRL’s youngest club can do the job this week – so much so that they are just $2.20 for a 13+ win. Many punters put their cash on the Titans to be a top-eight side in 2021, and this is one of those lucky breaks where they must make hay while the sun shines.

Key matchup: AJ Brimson vs Kalyn Ponga

Kalyn Ponga makes his return to NRL action after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and he will match up against the man who replaced him in the Queensland team, AJ Brimson. Such was Brimson’s form in 2020 and his debut for Queensland, some even questioned if Ponga would make it back into the Maroons team. Newcastle still have a strong forward pack for Ponga to play behind, but with a revamped engine room at the Titans, Brimson has shown just how good he can be as their first-choice fullback. Ponga is going to have to produce an outstanding performance for the Knights to get enough points to win, but rest assured he will be motivated. Whoever gets the points decision in this bout decides the contest.

Gold Coast Titans betting info

Phil Sami and AJ Brimson were the star performers when these two clubs last met, and they could exploit a Knights left edge that has had moments of indecision near the goal line. Both are going to be among the best-backed anytime tryscorer options, but we like the $11 on offer for Brimson to get the first of the afternoon. The Gold Coast Titans have been given an -8.5 start, which is a mile longer than it might have been had the Knights been able to field a stronger lineup, but they’ve shown enough across the first month to suggest they can get the 13+ margin. David Fifita at $14 to score first is also worth a dabble, as he will be running at the underdone duo of Gehamat Shibasaki and Blake Green.

Gold Coast Titans

1. AJ Brimson
2. Phillip Sami
3. Brian Kelly
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Corey Thompson
6. Tanah Boyd
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Kevin Proctor
12. David Fifita
13. Tyrone Peachey
14. Moeaki Fotuaika
15. Sam Lisone
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Erin Clark

Newcastle Knights betting info

One thing the Newcastle Knights showed in a brutal contest where they finished the game with just 13 players is that they have a ton of courage amongst the entire squad. To not have the score blow out to double digits with all that went against them might be enough to convince punters to take them at the +8.5 line. With a second-choice spine, the Knights will struggle to score points and are going to have to rely on Jayden Brailey’s improvement around the ruck for that to be a source of tries. It could bring Kalyn Ponga in as an anytime scorer at $2.80, or the skipper Daniel Saifiti at $7. The Titans allowed a few soft tries to the Canberra forwards on the line, so watch for Saifiti close to the line.

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Starford To’a
3. Enari Tuala
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Hymel Hunt
6. Connor Watson
7. Blake Green
8. David Klemmer
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Mitch Barnett
13. Sauaso Sue
14. Chris Randall
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Josh King
17. Brodie Jones

Titans vs Knights betting prediction

The Titans will win despite a gallant effort from the Knights. We saw enough determination from the Knights to suggest they won’t give up a 13+ margin, so the Titans by 1-12 at $3.10 is where the cash should go.

Titans vs Knights same game multi

Kalyn Ponga to score anytime and the Titans 1-12 for an easy $8.25 price with Sportsbet could kickstart a fun Super Saturday.