Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction: Knights to cut Titans down to size

Newcastle Knights have won just one of their last six matches in the NRL, but they are fancied to make it back-to-back victories with an edgy win over Gold Coast Titans in round 10 on Friday. (09:00 kick-off).

Alex Hilton provides his best bets in this Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans prediction piece, as well as the essential team news and match odds for this clash at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

Team News

Knights coach Adam O'Brien goes with the same squad that snapped a five-game losing streak with a victory over South Sydney in the Magic Round.

Tyson Gamble is in the reserves after returning from a broken nose in NSW Cup last weekend, while Thomas Cant is again the 18th man.

Titans winger Jojo Fifita is back on deck after missing Magic Round due to an arm infection, while Jayden Campbell (syndesmosis) also returns to take over at halfback from Tom Weaver (concussion).

Rugby League Odds

Campbell's return a couple of weeks ahead of schedule is a timely boost for the Titans, who have lost five on the trot.

Back-rower David Fifita is unavailable for a recall as he seeks further medical advice for an ongoing ankle complaint.

Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans Odds

Newcastle have won their last five home meetings with the Titans and are 1/2 to extend that run having got back to winning ways last week.

The handicap is set at six points with the Knights 10/11 to cover. The Titans have lost their last five matches and are 13/8 to bounce back with a victory.

The points total is set at 47.5 and five of the past six meetings have beaten that mark. It's 5/6 that 48 points or more are scored this time around.

Newcastle Knights to win by one to 12 points @ 23/10

Neither of these sides are in particularly good shape, with the Knights just four places and two points above the 16th-placed Titans courtesy of last week's much needed victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs.

That win ended a five-match losing streak for Newcastle, but it is hard to be too bullish about their chances this Friday, as Souths were severely understrength for that Magic Round encounter in Brisbane.

One thing that does fall in the Knights' favour is their recent home record against Gold Coast, as this week’s hosts have won the last five such encounters.

Four of those have come with some hefty scorelines, but backing a more modest margin of victory looks the best play in this contest, so a Newcastle win by no more than 12 points appeals.

Adam O'Brien's side have scored just 60 points across their last five matches, and it is hard to see them cutting loose despite the Titans' own issues.

Gold Coast Titans total match points between 17.5 and 20.5 @ 9/2

Gold Coast Titans are being kept off bottom spot only by the hapless Eels at the start of round 10, but that could change this week, and backing the Titans to score between 17.5 and 20.5 points in Newcastle looks another sound wager.

That outcome would have paid out in their last three outings and they are averaging just over 20 points per game across their eight league matches this term.

With the Knights also only conceding at an average of 18.75 points per game, the 9/2 about the Titans scoring between 17.5 and 20.5 points stands out.

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