McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 13 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Newcastle Knights heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday May 31, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
Newcastle comes off the bye aiming to square the 2024 ledger against Canterbury and plenty has changed since their last meeting just six weeks ago.
The Knights had won five of their last six against the Bulldogs including two victories by a combined 108-6 in the space of seven rounds late last season before being embarrassed 36-12 at Accor Stadium in Round 7 as Kalyn Ponga succumbed to injury.
That flashpoint paradoxically turned Newcastles season around: the Knights have gone on a four-match winning streak since then, beating the Dolphins, Warriors, Tigers and Titans by a converted try or less, with rookie David Armstrong starring at fullback.
Daniel Saifiti returns from suspension for the Knights, while Krystian Mapapalangi gets a run at centre with Bradman Best out injured.
The Bulldogs responded to a second-half collapse in a 24-20 Magic Round loss to the Raiders by overrunning the Dragons after the break last Thursday.
Trailing 12-6, Cameron Ciraldos side blitzed the tackle-shy Saints with seven unanswered tries in a 44-12 win.
Axed from the halves last week, Drew Hutchison replaces NSW camp member Matt Burton at five-eighth with Toby Sexton superb against the Dragons retaining the halfback duties.
Jacob Kiraz moves to centre with Stephen Crichton in the Blues line-up, giving Blake Wilson a chance on the wing.
Jacob Preston will start for the injured Viliame Kikau and Kurt Mann returns at lock.
The Bulldogs have won seven of their last nine in Newcastle, where the Knights have a 3-2 record this season.
Somewhat concerningly, the Bulldogs are winless away from their Accor Stadium and Belmore bases in 2024.
Canterbury has improved across the board this season, but the impact of losing leaders Crichton, Burton and Kikau will be keenly felt.
Newcastles gritty new persona bodes well for a fifth straight victory with a place in the Top 8 at the end of the weekend on the line.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Tip
We're tipping Newcastle Knights to win at $1.60 odds.
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Teams
Knights team: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Kai Pearce-Paul 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Daniel Saifiti 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Mathew Croker 20. Will Pryce 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Fletcher Sharpe
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Jacob Preston 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Poasa Faamausili 19. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jake Turpin 22. Harry Hayes 23. Jeral Skelton
