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July 2 2024, 12:15 · Ash Wheldon

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season

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Canberra Raiders have fallen by the wayside of late with them going from top four prospects to battling to even make the top eight. This is a crucial game with Newcastle Knights with the pair locked on 18 points apiece with a loss set to be very damaging for either side.

START DATE/TIME: UK - Sunday 7th July, 2024 - 7:05a / AUS - 4:05p / US EST - 2:05a / US PST - Saturday 6th July, 2024 - 11:05p

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Action in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Nine in Australia / This match will not be broadcast live in the US

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports and 9Now in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US

CANBERRA RAIDERS FORM: THREE STRAIGHT LOSSES FOR RAIDERS

Canberra fell to top of the ladder Melbourne Storm last week as their losing run was extended to three matches and the pressure will be on here if they want to stay within touching distance of the teams above them.

LAST FIVE: LWLLL

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS FORM: KNIGHTS END LOSING RUN AT THREE

Newcastle got back to winning ways with a solid showing against Parramatta Eels. That success ended their three-game losing streak and they will be desperate to build on that victory.

LAST FIVE: WLLLW

CANBERRA RAIDERS TEAM NEWS: MASS CHANGES FOR RAIDERS

Ricky Stuart has opted to make some big changes with a new-look backline for this clash. Kaeo Weekes gets the nod at fullback while Adam Cook comes in at halfback in what are the two most eye-catching alterations as the head coach aims to find the right formula for his side.

Starting 13: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Adam Cook 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Simi Sasagi Reserves: 18. Sebastian Kris 19. Zac Woolford 20. Emre Guler 21. James Schiller 22. Hohepa Puru

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS TEAM NEWS: PONGA BACK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

In what is a huge boost for the Knights, Kalyn Ponga is back in the side sooner than anticipated after recovering from a foot injury. He will start at fullback with Will Pryce retaining his spot in the #6 jersey after a try-scoring debut last week.

Starting 13: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Dylan Lucas Reserves: 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jack Cogger 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Thomas Cant

CANBERRA RAIDERS VS NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS PREDICTION

Canberra Raiders desperately need to find a way to get back to winning ways as they take on Newcastle Knights. The pressure is building as their top eight hopes fade and that has resulted in a huge shake-up of their side this week. The Knights come into this on the back of a win and will hold no fear here and they make real appeal to come out on top once again.

CANBERRA RAIDERS VS NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS TIP: NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS TO WIN