McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 20 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers. 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. Wests Tigers game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday July 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Where: McDonald Jones Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers Odds

Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers Preview

Newcastle had the bye after carving out a club-record victory over Canterbury in Round 18 – and the 14th-placed Knights are eyeing off another battler as they strive to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

As speculation around coach Adam O’Brien swirled, the Knights produced a remarkable 66-0 obliteration of the Bulldogs with Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best running roughshod. They are three points adrift of the Top 8 and have had their full allocation of byes.

Newcastle’s only change from that line-up sees Dane Gagai return from injury for Enari Tuala, while Best and Jacob Saifiti will be on a 48-hour turnaround from State of Origin if they play.

It’s been a swift decline for Wests Tigers since a 3-1 run culminated in a 66-18 win over the Cowboys, before almost upsetting Canberra. The last-placed Tigers are now on a five-match losing streak that was highlighted by a historic 74-0 defeat to the Cowboys in Townsville.

There was admirable spirit on show last Thursday against Cronulla as the Tigers fought from 12-0 down to level the scoreboard at halftime, but they were ultimately overrun 36-12 and are clearly lacking leadership and direction.

Api Koroisau’s return from a broken jaw is a major bonus for the embattled side, while Alex Twal is also back from a one-week suspension.

The Knights have won their last three against the Tigers – all producing totals of 30 or less – including a gutsy 14-12 victory at Leichhardt Oval in Round 2 after having Daniel Saifiti sent off in the first half. The Tigers have won four of their last six in Newcastle but went down 26-4 there early last season.

With just three wins from their last 10 games, the Knights are less than reliable – but there’s a fair bit at stake for them here and they have won four of their last six at home. A potent backline should have a field day against a Tigers side that has leaked 166 points in their last four games.

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