NRL R6: Knights v Roosters betting picks, top odds & predictions

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters best bets

Knights v Roosters NRL R6 match preview

Round six of the 2024 NRL Premiership kicks off in Newcastle with the Knights hosting the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Roosters suffered their second loss in a row in round five in a bloodbath against the Bulldogs where two players failed head-injury assessments and a third was sent from the field for a careless high tackle. Meanwhile, the Knights beat the Dragons by 20 points in torrential rain to win their second home game of the season in a row.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson will be without his captain and fullback James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker (both concussion) as well as winger Dominic Young (suspension). Joseph Manu will play at fullback, with Michael Jennings named in the centres and Fetalaiga Pauga on the wing. Connor Watson has been named to start at five-eighth, with Luke Keary as captain and halfback with Zach Dockar-Clay named on the bench as utility.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has named an unchanged line-up following the win in round five. However, Greg Marzhew has been named in the reserves to return from injury and could be a late inclusion on the wing.

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters predictions

Newcastle have been backed from +140 into -188.68 with the confirmation that Tedesco, Walker and Young will spend time on the sidelines for the Roosters. The Knights have won eight of their last nine home matches, and dry weather predictions for Thursday should suit their high-pace style of play. Newcastle should kick off round six of the NRL Premiership with a win over the Roosters at -188.68 with Bovada.

Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has been in phenomenal form over the last fortnight. Despite losing to the Warriors in New Zealand, Ponga had a try assist, two line breaks and seven tackle breaks in 169 run metres before scoring a try with two line breaks and eight tackle breaks in just 117 run metres against the Dragons. The superstar fullback has scored a try in 10 of his last 15 matches for the Knights as favourites at McDonald Jones Stadium, so +145 for him to cross against the Roosters looks like great value.

Dylan Lucas has been named to start in the second row again for the Knights to replace the injured Tyson Frizell. In his second 80-minute performance for the season against the Dragons last weekend, Lucas scored a try from a line break, with three tackle breaks in 116 run metres. With more time on the field with the new halves pairing of Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger, Lucas should see more opportunities to score as a +230 chance with online bookmakers.

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