Knights vs Roosters Prediction: Roosters can put Knights to the sword

The Sydney Roosters will be looking to continue their impressive record against the Newcastle Knights when the two sides clash in the NRL on Saturday morning (08:30, Sky Sports+) at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Below are my Knights vs Roosters predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Newcastle.

Team News

Both teams have key players away on State of Origin duty, so their strength in depth will be put to the test this weekend.

The Knights go with a pack that contains Mat Croker, Jayden Brailey, Brodie Jones, Dylan Lucas, Kai Pearce-Paul and Phoenix Crossland.

In the backs, Newcastle start with Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Greg Marzhew, Dane Gagai, James Schiller and Fletcher Sharpe.

Rugby League Odds

As for the Roosters, they go with a pack of Naufahu Whyte, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Siua Wong and Victor Radley.

In the back division, it’s Sam Walker, Hugo Savala, Dominic Young, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Billy Smith, Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco who get the opportunity to impress from the off.

Knights vs Roosters Odds

Newcastle Knights are the 2/1 underdogs to win on home soil, implying a 33.3% probability, while Sydney Roosters are 2/5 to head home with the victory.

A draw on Saturday morning is available at 20/1, while the Roosters to be leading at both the half-time and full-time whistle is 5/6.

Roosters -8 handicap @ 11/10

The rivalry between these sides in the NRL has been a very one-sided affair, with the Roosters winning 17 of their last 20 encounters with the Knights.

McDonald Jones Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Roosters over the years, as they have not lost at this venue since back in 2019.

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has particularly enjoyed this fixture, scoring 13 tries in his last 14 games against the Knights.

Expect the Roosters veteran, and fellow winger Dominic Young, to cause this Newcastle defence real problems on Saturday.

The Knights did impress in their last outing to battle back from 16-0 down to beat the Manly Sea Eagles, but they will be missing the hero of that game, skipper Kalyn Ponga, this weekend.

Ponga, on the back of his score to earn the golden point victory against the Sea Eagles, is away with Queensland ahead of their next battle with New South Wales in the State of Origin.

His absence at full-back will be missed on Saturday, and Fletcher Sharpe has big shoes to fill in the No.1 jersey.

The Roosters come into the match off a bye and, with three wins in their last five games, they should be feeling fresh and in decent form going into this trip to Newcastle.

With the strength in depth they have available to them, the Roosters to win and cover the handicap is the way to go.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.