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Newcastle Knights can force their way into the top eight but need to improve on last week’s effort if they are to do so. This is a pivotal matchup with a Brisbane Broncos side that have lost their last six with plenty of work to do for the losing team.
START DATE/TIME: UK - Saturday 20th July, 2024 - 8:30a / AUS - 5:30p / US EST - 3:30a / US PST - 12:30a
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League in Australia / This match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS FORM: KNIGHTS FAIL TO GO THREE STRAIGHT
It was a poor showing from Newcastle last week as they were on the end of a hammering by Manly Sea Eagles. They will aim to bounce back here and if they do, it would make it three wins from their last four matches.
LAST FIVE: LLWWL
BRISBANE BRONCOS FORM: BRONCOS SUFFER SIXTH LOSS IN-A-ROW
Things went from bad to worse for the Broncos as they were defeated for the sixth contest in succession. St. George Illawarra Dragons were the latest side to get the better of them and another loss here would leave their season hanging by a thread.
LAST FIVE: LLLLL
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS TEAM NEWS: KNIGHTS BOOSTED BY ORIGIN STARS
The Knights will be able to call upon the services of Origin trio Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai, providing all pull up well following Wednesday’s brutal matchup.
Starting 13: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Krystian Mapapalangi 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Dylan Lucas Reserves: 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Mathew Croker 20. Thomas Cant 21. Fletcher Sharpe 22. Thomas Jenkins
BRISBANE BRONCOS TEAM NEWS: SAME 17 FOR BRONCOS
Despite suffering yet another loss last time out, Keven Walters has opted to retain the same 17 for this game. However, with their season on the line, he could well make some late changes with his Origin stars listed among the reserves while Adam Reynolds is also in contention to return.
Starting 13: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Joshua Rogers 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 15. Tyson Smoothy 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau Reserves: 18. Vaa Semu 19. Cory Paix 20. Reece Walsh 21. Selwyn Cobbo 22. Patrick Carrigan 23. Payne Haas 24. Adam Reynolds
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS VS BRISBANE BRONCOS PREDICTION
Newcastle Knights were extremely poor last week as they were blown away by Manly Sea Eagles but if they can get back on track here, they would boost their hopes of forcing their way into the top eight while simultaneously damaging the chances of their opponents. Brisbane Broncos have lost their last six and have seriously fallen by the wayside with some lacklustre efforts. This one could go either way, especially if Brisbane can name their Origin stars but the hosts still make appeal here with a start on the handicap.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS VS BRISBANE BRONCOS TIP: NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS +8.5