Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers Prediction & Tips
Triple boost for Newcastle: Ponga, Lucas and McEwen all return. Tigers welcome Doueihi back but lose Herbert. McDonald Jones is a strong home venue. Our pick is Knights $1.42 H2H with Greg Marzhew to score.
4:05 PM · Sunday, 28 June 2026 · McDonald Jones Stadium
Match Preview
Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium and the Knights get a triple boost. Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas are back from being rested, and Jermaine McEwen returns from a club-imposed suspension. Fletcher Sharpe reverts to five-eighth, with Sandon Smith and Thomas Cant going to the bench. NSW Cup front-rower Lachlan Crouch is in line for an NRL debut off the bench.
The Tigers welcome back Adam Doueihi from a Round 9 shoulder injury at halfback, replacing Jock Madden (concussion). Lock Alex Twal is back from a knee injury, with Alex Seyfarth shifting to the bench. The bad news: Patrick Herbert is OUT with a shoulder, so Starford To'a pushes to centre and Jeral Skelton comes onto the wing. Latu Fainu is recalled on the bench.
The Knights are 5th on the ladder with three straight wins. The Ponga-Dylan Brown-Sharpe spine with Bradman Best returning to centres is a level above the Tigers' Doueihi-Luai pairing. McDonald Jones has been a strong home venue (5-2), and the Knights' middle with Saifiti, Mooney and McEwen is a forward pack the Tigers can't match. Knights $1.42 H2H. Greg Marzhew at left winger is the tryscorer - reliable finisher at home and a regular in the Knights' attack.
Odds - Knights vs Wests Tigers
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Wests Tigers +7.5 $1.98
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Our Tip
Knights have their best 17 on the park and are on a three-game win streak. Tigers' spine is improved with Doueihi back but still a level below the Knights. Newcastle win by 8+. Marzhew is a consistent winger try-scorer at home.
Casualty Ward & Team News
Knights
Triple boost - Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas back from rest, and Jermaine McEwen returns from a club-imposed suspension. Fletcher Sharpe reverts to five-eighth. NSW Cup front-rower Lachlan Crouch in line for an NRL debut off the bench.
Wests Tigers
Adam Doueihi returns from a Round 9 shoulder injury and takes over at halfback from Jock Madden (concussion). Lock Alex Twal (knee) back. Patrick Herbert OUT (shoulder) - Starford To'a moves to centre, Jeral Skelton onto the wing.
Official Team Lists
Confirmed Tuesday 23 June 4pm. Late changes possible up to 1 hour before kickoff.
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