McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 17 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The game kicks off at 7:55 pm with South Sydney Rabbitohs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday July 8, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Odds
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview
South Sydney bounced back from its pre-rep round debacle against St George Illawarra to consolidate seventh spot with a 30-12 thrashing of Parramatta in Round 16. The Rabbitohs’ first win of 2022 against a top-six team was sparked by Latrell Mitchell’s return, the fullback’s presence taking pressure of under-fire halves Cody Walker and Lachlan Ilias.
As well as contributing Cameron Murray, Damien Cook and Jai Arrow to the Origin cause, the Rabbitohs have been rocked by injuries to Campbell Graham and Hame Sele. Taane Milne, Siliva Havili, Jed Cartwright and Mark Nicholls have been named in the starting side, while Blake Taaffe, Michael Chee-Kam and Davvy Moale have joined the bench.
The 5-10 Knights are still more likely to feature in the wooden spoon scramble than the Top 8 picture, but a 38-12 defeat of the struggling Titans was a very positive result for the NRL’s then-worst attacking side without offensive spearhead Kalyn Ponga, who will again be missing this week due to Origin.
Edrick Lee scored five tries and fellow winger Dominic Young three in the rout, while maligned spine trio Tex Hoy, Anthony Milford and Adam Clune shone with seven try-assists between them.
Newcastle also lose Dane Gagai to Queensland duty, but Bradman Best is back from an elbow injury and in another massive boost hooker Jayden Brailey (achilles) is set to make his first appearance of 2022.
Souths have won 11 of their last 13 against Newcastle, including a 46-20 qualifying final result in 2020 and a 24-10 in the sole clash last season.
The Knights need to forget all about their morale-boosting win over the hapless Titans. The fact remains they are conceding at almost 25 points per game in 2022, which is a huge concern with a marauding Mitchell warming back into form.
There’s enough depth in this Souths side to overcome their Origin and injury setbacks and grab a comfortable W.
Content provided by l
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping South Sydney Rabbitohs to win at $1.55 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Alex Johnston at $7.50.