McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 1 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 6:00 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. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday March 12, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
There’s no mistaking the uncertainty that has swept over Newcastle of late.
After receiving a touch-up at the hands of the Rabbitohs in last year’s Elimination Final, the Knights returned a very disappointing effort in their only preseason trial two weeks ago in another blowout loss to the Storm.
To make matters worse, Newcastle is set to open the season without star fullback Kalyn Ponga and talented winger Edrick Lee on Friday night, leaving the bulk of the work in the hands of Bradman Best, Mitchell Pearce, and new recruit Tyson Frizell.
Fortunately, the Knights are taking on a rebuilding Bulldogs club, but this does shape up to be one of the most likely upsets on the Round 1 card.
The Dogs have been busy all offseason signing talent under new head coach Trent Barrett, most of which we should see take the field this week.
Former Raider Nick Cotric looks likely to play through an ankle injury, while the Dogs will also be boosted by the inclusion of Dylan Napa and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
Trends wise, the Dogs should also feel pretty good about themselves knowing they defeated Newcastle 18-12 when they met last July.
Lastly, Canterbury has proven their worth against Newcastle covering in each of their last three games as the away underdog.
With the Knights missing their top two playmakers and the Dogs riding some momentum following a preseason win over the Sharks, don’t be surprised if this game turns out close.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Tip
We're tipping Newcastle Knights to win at $1.54 odds.
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs Teams
Knights team: 1 Tex Hoy, 2 Starford To’a, 3 Enari Tuala, 4 Bradman Best, 5 Gehamat Shibasaki, 6 Kurt Mann, 7 Mitchell Pearce, 8 David Klemmer, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Daniel Saifiti, 11 Tyson Frizell, 12 Mitch Barnett, 13 Connor Watson 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones
Bulldogs team: 1 Corey Allan, 2 Nick Meaney, 3 Will Hopoate, 4 Nick Cotric, 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6 Jake Averillo, 7 Kyle Flanagan, 8 Ofahiki Ogden, 9 Sione Katoa, 10 Jack Hetherington, 11 Adam Elliott, 12 Corey Waddell, 13 Josh Jackson 14. Bradley Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Dylan Napa