Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
McDonald Jones Stadium is the venue for a crucial Saturday clash, with the Newcastle Knights hosting a Sydney Roosters side also battling for consistency.
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
Head Coach Adam O’Brien has been forced into recalling Jackson Hastings after running low on options in the halves. But with Kalyn Ponga (Maroons) and Tyson Gamble (thumb) both unavailable and Fletcher Sharpe moving to fullback to cover his skipper, Mat Croker starts at prop in place of Tyson Frizell who is sidelined with concussion and Matt Arthur joins the bench.
Squad: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Mathew Croker 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Tyrone Thompson 20. Mason Teague 21. Brock Greacen 22. Wilson De Courcey
Sydney Roosters team news
Halfback Sam Walker has been named for his first NRL game since rupturing his ACL in Round 26 last year after a successful return to the field in NSW Cup last weekend. Dom Young comes in on the wing with Mark Nawaqanitawase shifting to centre to cover for Robert Toia who is on Origin duty. Naufahu Whyte (knee) and Nat Butcher (knee) are back on deck in a timely boost, while EganButcher joins the starting side for Angus Crichton, who is on Blues duty. Zach Dockar-Clay comes onto the bench with Connor Watson in NSW camp.
Squad: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher 18. Ethan King 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Taylor Losalu 21. Tom Rodwell 23. Delasalle Vaa
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters prediction
The Newcastle Knights (15th) are coming off a thrilling 26-22 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles, a much-needed result to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
The Roosters (10th) fresh off the bye, will be burning after a narrow 26-24 loss to the Canberra Raiders in R13. They have won three of five.
Fletcher Sharpe has scored nine tries in nine games. Daniel Tupou has scored 13 tries in his last 14 games against Newcastle.
The Roosters have historically dominated this matchup, leading the head-to-head 34-14. In their only H2H last season, Sydney beat Newcastle by 2 points in a nail-biter at this venue.
The Knights showed immense character to win last week but will find it tough without their marquee player. The Roosters have been inconsistent but possess the class to punish any side if they can click.
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters tip: Sydney Roosters to win & Daniel Tupou to score a try
