Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The struggling Newcastle Knights host the Manly Sea Eagles to commence Round 14.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Newcastle Knights team news
Jackson Hastings has been named 18th man as coach Adam O’Brien contemplates yet another halves change. In a boost, Kalyn Ponga returns at fullback which sees Fletcher Sharpe move back to five-eighth and Jack Cogger to halfback. Tyson Gamble (thumb) is out, as is Leo Thompson (suspension) who’s place will be filled by Brodie Jones who starts in the front row. Second rower Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana will potentially make his NRL debut off the bench, while Greg Marzhew is named on the extended bench. Jack Hetherington (shoulder) is out.
Squad: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Jackson Hastings 19. Tyrone Thompson 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Wil Sullivan 22. Greg Marzhew
Manly Sea Eagles team news
Jake Trbojevic (concussion) returns but his brother Tom Trbojevic (thigh) is still another week away, so Lehi Hopoate will remain at fullback for at least another week. Jazz Tevaga moves to the bench and Matt Lodge drops off. Front-rower Josh Aloiai is out which sees Toafofoa Sipley earn a reprieve.
Squad: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Clayton Faulalo 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Corey Waddell 17. Nathan Brown 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Navren Willett 21. Chris Patolo 22. Matthew Lodge
Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles prediction
The Newcastle Knights (15th) suffered a 20-6 defeat against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 13 and have won only two out of their last five games. On the flip side, the Manly Sea Eagles (7th) recorded a convincing 34-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, their third win from their past five matches.
Fletcher Sharpe has been a bright spot for the Knights, leading the team with 8 tries in the 2025 season. He has bounced around positions and this week back in the halves look for him to run the ball when the opportunity arises.
Daly Cherry-Evans continues to be a creative force, registering 9 try assists and 10 line-break assists so far in 2025. With his 2026 future appearing to be solved he now seems intent on settling into the remainder of the season with the Sea Eagles and reminding all that he is still a player of the highest calibre.
In their most recent encounter (R19, 2024), the Sea Eagles dominated the Knights with a 44-6 victory. Manly has won 3 of the last 5 meetings. Historically, Manly holds the advantage with 36 wins to Newcastle's 23.
The hosts will be desperate for a win but they face a tough challenge against a Sea Eagles side that found strong attacking form last round and we think they can overcome a stubborn Knights team on the road.
Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles tip: Manly Sea Eagles to win
