Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 NRL Round 26 Match Preview

⏰ 27 August 2023 - 16:05 AEST

🏟 Stadium - McDonald Jones Stadium

The Newcastle Knights will host the Cronulla Sharks in an entertaining National Rugby League clash on Saturday 27 August 2023 at 4:05 pm AEST.

AusBetSites has compiled odds for the match from 3 different Australian bookies across 23 betting markets. The oddsmakers have installed the home side Knights as narrow favourites at $1.53 to defeat the visiting Sharks.

A cracking game is in store at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday as the red-hot Knights host the resurgent Sharks.

The Knights are on a remarkable seven-game winning streak - their longest since Andrew Johns led them to the 2001 premiership. From 14th just a couple of months ago, Newcastle have surged into seventh spot and are on the cusp of finals footy. Fullback Kalyn Ponga has been sublime during the streak, with centres Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Dominic Young also wreaking havoc out wide.

The Sharks have rebounded after a wobbly patch, notching three straight wins over the Rabbitohs, Titans and Cowboys. Sitting fifth, Cronulla are ready to pounce on the top four if Melbourne slip up.

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks Head-to-Head

The Cronulla Sharks have controlled their rivalry with the Newcastle Knights over the past 8 years, winning 9 of the 13 games played between the teams since 2015. The head-to-head record is lopsided in favor of Cronulla, who have managed 9 victories compared to just 4 wins for Newcastle in their last 13 meetings. There have been no draws in any of the recent matchups between the Sharks and Knights. With nearly triple the number of wins in the past 8 years, Cronulla have proven to be a difficult matchup for Newcastle. The Knights will need to find a way to reverse their fortunes against the Sharks given their poor head-to-head record. When these sides meet again, Cronulla will enter the contest boasting a commanding historical advantage. However, the Knights will be eager to buck this trend of Sharks dominance in the rivalry.

Newcastle Knights Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 The Newcastle Knights have hit a rich vein of form in their last 5 games, winning all 5 contests during this stretch. Out of their most recent matches, they have managed to secure victory in 100% of them, displaying great consistency and dominance. This excellent run of results shows the Knights have really hit their stride, finding ways to win week after week. Their string of 5 consecutive victories proves Newcastle are currently one of the hottest teams in the competition. The team will look to maintain this elite level of play and translate it into more wins going forward. While their form has been impeccable lately, the Knights cannot afford to become complacent. By staying focused and hungry, Newcastle will aim to keep their outstanding winning streak alive in upcoming games.

Cronulla Sharks Performance

🟥🟥🟩🟥🟥 The Cronulla Sharks have posted a mixed record of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 games. Out of their most recent matches, they were victorious 60% of the time, while being defeated on the other 40% of occasions. This indicates the Sharks have been moderately inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses lately. However, their current back-to-back victories show the team has started to find some good form. Securing 2 consecutive wins proves Cronulla have developed positive momentum despite their up-and-down performances. To maintain consistency, the Sharks will need to keep this winning habit going in upcoming games. While their overall form has fluctuated, the recent consecutive wins demonstrate Cronulla's potential when they are playing at their best. The team will aim to translate this into greater consistency as they pursue more regular triumphs.

📋 Players to watch:

• Ronaldo Mulitalo has crossed for 19 tries in his last 19 matches.
• Bradman Best has scored in his last six home games.
• Sharks centre Jesse Ramien has bagged four tries in his past five games at McDonald Jones.

⚡ Match Facts:

• The head-to-head over the last 8 years is close, with Cronulla winning 9 games and Newcastle winning 4. A slight edge to the Sharks.
• However, Newcastle are in red hot form, winning their last 5 games in a row. Cronulla have won 3 of their last 5. Momentum favors the Knights.
• The Knights sit higher on the ladder in 7th spot with a 12-9 record. The Sharks are 5th with a 13-9 record. The standings are tight.
• Home field advantage goes to Newcastle.

💡 Match Prediction:

The Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks are primed for a thrilling clash between two competitive clubs. Based on current statistics and trends, the Knights have emerged as solid favourites at home. The probability models give Newcastle a 69.8% chance of winning, compared to just 30.2% for Cronulla. This translates to fair odds of $1.43 for the likely Knights victory and $3.32 for the underdog Sharks.

The forecast predicts the Knights will prevail by 10 points. While Newcastle is expected to continue their strong run of form, the Sharks are capable of springing an upset, having won many close games against the Knights historically. However, the metrics point towards the inform Knights as likely victors in front of their home fans. But with the rivalry finely poised, either team could come away with the vital competition points when they meet on Saturday.

Knights v Sharks Score Prediction: 26-24 or Knights to win by 10 points