Knights vs Dragons Prediction & NRL Betting Preview

Just six weeks on from handing the NRL Premiership’s bottom club a pasting, the Newcastle Knights get another dig at the St George Illawarra Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday (8pm local, 11am BST, Watch NRL).

Justin Holbrook’s Knights were 44-10 winners in Wollongong in May and are huge favourites again in their home fixture. Below are my Knights vs Dragons predictions, with Betfred’s match odds and the latest team news.

Knights vs Dragons Betting Tips

Knights Over 34.5 Points @ 7/5
Dylan Lucas Anytime Tryscorer @ 6/5

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Knights vs Dragons Odds

Newcastle are massive 1/4 favourites with Betfred, implying an 80% probability. The Dragons can be backed at 3/1, while it’s 16/1 about a draw in 80 minutes.

Team News

The Knights’ big news is the return of Bradman Best following a hamstring issue which has kept him out since the win over the Dragons six weeks ago.

Fletcher Hunt makes way but is kept among the bench options, while Phoenix Crossland is named despite having been carried off against the Storm last time out.

Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas are both named despite being on Origin duty this week, with Thursday set to be decision time on their full involvement.

Jermaine McEwen is out after breaching club protocol, so in comes Thomas Cant.

Rugby League Odds

Luciano Leilua is recalled for the Dragons, so takes a spot on the bench in place of Jaydn Su’A.

Su’A is unavailable due to a pectoral issue, but Christian Tuipulotu could get a late call after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Knights Over 34.5 Points @ 7/5

Newcastle are quite the prospect under Holbrook, with real threat in their backs and edge forwards helping to back up some sneaky quality in the middle.

They’ve already pulled the Dragons’ pants down once this season, and I don’t see this one being particularly close either.

With 28 or more points recorded in each of their last five games, it seems a safe shout to suggest they’ll register at least six scores against the competition’s worst team.

Dylan Lucas Anytime Tryscorer @ 6/5

With the caveat that he played 80 minutes in New South Wales’ punishing Game II Origin loss to Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday, Lucas will be a real threat if he is given the nod to back up on Friday.

He’s crossed seven times in 11 games already this season for the Knights, with the edge attack being one of the keys behind their improved returns under Holbrook.

Six of his tries have come in his last five club games, and I think that’s a trend that can continue on Friday.

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New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.