{"id":92021,"date":"2026-09-30T10:51:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T00:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=92021"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:57:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T00:57:04","slug":"2026-nrl-grand-final-tips-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-nrl-grand-final-tips-predictions\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NRL Grand Final Tips &amp; Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Both Easts and Newcastle have taken the long route to an unlikely 2026 NRL Grand Final matchup but\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no denying either team, now\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newcastle\u2019s\u00a0defence\u00a0has been superb in the past\u00a0month;\u00a0twice overcoming\u00a0sin-bins\u00a0against top-tier opposition best captures how hard this Knights squad is working for each other right now.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Easts power game through the middle and attacking flair on the edges has made them the most dangerous offensive team in the NRL this year and in the post-season.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"NRL\" data-event=\"nrl-20261113110\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"rugby_league\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_bd99447d14e5f0ea39277de4704c17a4 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-10-04T08:30:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">NRL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">Accor Stadium &bull; Sunday 4th Oct<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#sydney-roosters\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Sydney Roosters <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.44<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#newcastle-knights\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Newcastle Knights <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.80<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">NRL odds correct as of 01\/10\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#sydney-roosters\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Sydney Roosters<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Newcastle Knights<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Sunday 4th October 2026 6:30 PM (Accor Stadium)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#newcastle-knights\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By the Numbers<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With just 34 points conceded across their past three games, the Newcastle Knights are the personification of \u2018defence\u00a0wins premierships\u2019 right now. Their ability to keep games tight has made every post-season game a battle of\u00a0moments\u00a0and the Knights are well equipped with moments players.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bradman Best has had two\u00a0linebreaks\u00a0for two clutch tries in the past fortnight. Sandon Smith is making a habit of putting Dane Gagai and Dom Young into scoring opportunities early or late in the count. Fletcher Sharpe consistently turns half chances into points and then of course\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0the main man at the back; Kalyn\u00a0Ponga.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Courtesy of their superstar No.1, we know Newcastle are lightyears ahead of the next best in terms of tries scored from the wrong side of halfway this year.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on the field they\u00a0score\u00a0their points is far more balanced.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Per\u00a0StatsInsider, the Knights\u00a0score\u00a038% of tries down the left edge, 24% through the middle and 38% on the right. Whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0KP tipping Best into a\u00a0linebreak\u00a0down the left edge or\u00a0Gagai\u00a0tirelessly putting Young down the touchline on the right, Newcastle\u00a0know\u00a0how to get the most out of their best players this year.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Similarly\u00a0the Roosters share the love across the park this season; 38% of tries on the left, 20% through the middle and 42% down the right. Two elite kick targets on either wing\u00a0has\u00a0seen Easts execute in both corners all year while the triple threat of Reece Robson, Victor Radley and James Tedesco sees the Roosters ask constant questions around the ruck (more below).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deciding Factors<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve\u00a0been waiting for Newcastle\u2019s middle to fall apart under the pressure and intensity of finals\u00a0footy\u00a0but the Knights continue to make a mockery of us.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tyson Frizell is as hard as ever at 34 years young while at the other end of the spectrum, a\u00a020 year old\u00a0Cody Hopwood is setting\u00a0a very high\u00a0bar for himself as an NRL front rower. With 88 tackles across three finals games\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for just three misses<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Hopwood has owned the Knights middle while their backline carries the ball out of trouble. His try saving cover tackle on Brian To\u2019o last week was a highlight reel moment that encapsulates everything good the Knights are doing right now.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0attack, this Knights team is playing without fear and full of confidence. Sandon\u00a0Smith\u2019s\u00a0try off the (not) quick tap last week is an exaggerated example of this; Justin Holbrook has coached his players to back themselves, take their looks in attack and defend any errors they make along the way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An extended period of\u00a0defence\u00a0on their own line against Penrith last week quickly turned into a\u00a0counter attack\u00a0as Newcastle shifted in yardage to put Best into the backfield.\u00a0Trytime, Francis Manuleleua.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And\u00a0again\u00a0to start the second half; down a man and with a 40-minute grind ahead of him, Smith rolls the dice on fifth tackle and Dom Young earns Newcastle a lead to defend through to fulltime.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As brave as Newcastle\u2019s defensive effort was on Sunday, the opportunities were there for Penrith around the ruck in the final quarter. Where Mitch Kenny and an injured Isaah Yeo &amp; Dylan Edwards\u00a0failed to\u00a0capitalise\u00a0on those looks though, Easts profile far better to take advantage of them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">James Tedesco does his best work between the tram lines while Reece Robson, Victor Radley and Sam Walker showed as recently as last week that they are adept at attacking spaces around the ruck.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If they have no joy through the middle third, the\u00a0Roosters will know they take a huge advantage on fifth tackle into Sunday\u2019s decider.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mark Nawaqanitawase and Daniel Tupou are two of the best kick targets in the NRL right now.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Up against two rival wingers hardly known for their defensive prowess under the high ball,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a lot to like about what Easts might do on fifth tackle when they work into\u00a0good-ball.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Verdict<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s\u00a0difficult to deny the fairytale in Newcastle right\u00a0now\u00a0but I\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0tip against Easts experience in the big dance.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Knights struggled to match Penrith in yardage last\u00a0week\u00a0and they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0profile any better against Easts here. Assuming the Roosters attack proves a little more potent inside-twenty than the Panthers did last Sunday, I think the Chooks will simply have too much possession and field position to play with.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips<\/strong>: Sydney Roosters 13+ @ $2.65<\/p>\n<p><strong>Anytime Tryscorer:<\/strong> Mark Nawaqanitawase @ $1.83, Daniel Tupou @ 1.95, James Tedesco @ $2.65<\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-event-id=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"align wp-block-entain-sports-next-to-go\"><div data-league=\"NRL\" data-sport=\"rugby_league\" class=\"sport-next-to-go wp-block-entain-sport-next-to-go-block_e064b8193a325feb5d018700ed36bfca sport-data\"><div class=\"sport-next-to-go_wrapper\">            <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card\">\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__header\">\n                                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__badge\">3 days<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                <hr class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__divider\" \/>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__teams\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#sydney-roosters\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n\n                    <h4 class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__title\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\">Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights<\/a><\/h4>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#newcastle-knights\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__odds\">\n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Sydney Roosters<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">1.44<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    \n                    \n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Newcastle Knights<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">2.80<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div><p class=\"sport-next-to-go__disclaimer\">NRL odds correct as of 01\/10\/2026 and subject to change. <\/p><\/div><\/section>\n\n<div class=\"align wp-block-entain-bet-ticker\">                 <div class=\"block block-entain-bet-ticker\" id=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"theme-dev \">\n                        <div class=\"content-inner\">\n                                                            <h2 class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-title\">NRL Grand Final Big Bets<\/h2>\n                                                                                    <section class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bets display-row\">\n                                                                                                        <!-- <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\"> -->\n                                        <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet bet-now-btn noaff track-me\" href='https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0' alt='Multi' data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-event-id=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" >                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--left\"><\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--right\"><\/span>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--header\">\n                                            <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--icon\">\r\n<svg id=\"bet-ticker-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 1500 1500\">\r\n    <path d=\"M1401.3 1002.5c0 116.2-47.2 221.8-123.7 298.1-76.5 76.3-181.9 123.4-298.8 123.4H391c-20.7 0-31.9-24.2-18.5-40l181.1-212.6c14-16.4 34.5-25.9 56.2-25.9h328.4c48.4 0 93.8-26.4 115.5-69.6 48.2-96.1-14.2-215.1-124.8-215.1H692.5c-26.5 0-51.7 11.5-69.1 31.4L256.7 1313c-25.2 28.8-64.2-5.5-53.4-38.4 0 0 53.9-253.6 76.5-337 6.7-24.8 25-76.8-30.3-76.8h-78.2c-50.3 0-85.4-49.8-68.1-97 46.2-126.1 122.6-330.2 122.6-330.2 4.8-13 16.4-21.6 29.4-21.6h251.6c23.6 0 39.5 27.4 29.8 52.3l-42.7 89.6c-6.1 12.8 3.3 27.6 17.5 27.6h394.5c63.6 0 109.5-82.7 109.5-137.3 0-79.1-64.8-142.1-142.4-142.1H315.3c-36.2 0-59.6-38.3-43-70.3L327 126c15.9-30.7 47.7-50 82.3-50h576.9c146.8 0 282.6 87.7 333.5 225 51.3 138.4 22.5 272-55.1 367-6.5 7.9-5.8 19.1 1.7 26 83 77 135 186.9 135 308.5z\" \/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--titles\">\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--title\">Multi<\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--sub-title\">11 Legs<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--odds\">\n                                                                                                    @ 31.49                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--body\">\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--descriptions\"><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Match Betting @ 1.44<\/div><\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake\"><span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_title\">STAKE<\/span> <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_value\">$1000<\/span><\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/a>\n                                                                                                        <!-- <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\"> -->\n                                        <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet bet-now-btn noaff track-me\" href='https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0' alt='Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights' data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-event-id=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" >                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--left\"><\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--right\"><\/span>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--header\">\n                                            <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--icon\">\r\n<svg id=\"bet-ticker-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 1500 1500\">\r\n    <path d=\"M1401.3 1002.5c0 116.2-47.2 221.8-123.7 298.1-76.5 76.3-181.9 123.4-298.8 123.4H391c-20.7 0-31.9-24.2-18.5-40l181.1-212.6c14-16.4 34.5-25.9 56.2-25.9h328.4c48.4 0 93.8-26.4 115.5-69.6 48.2-96.1-14.2-215.1-124.8-215.1H692.5c-26.5 0-51.7 11.5-69.1 31.4L256.7 1313c-25.2 28.8-64.2-5.5-53.4-38.4 0 0 53.9-253.6 76.5-337 6.7-24.8 25-76.8-30.3-76.8h-78.2c-50.3 0-85.4-49.8-68.1-97 46.2-126.1 122.6-330.2 122.6-330.2 4.8-13 16.4-21.6 29.4-21.6h251.6c23.6 0 39.5 27.4 29.8 52.3l-42.7 89.6c-6.1 12.8 3.3 27.6 17.5 27.6h394.5c63.6 0 109.5-82.7 109.5-137.3 0-79.1-64.8-142.1-142.4-142.1H315.3c-36.2 0-59.6-38.3-43-70.3L327 126c15.9-30.7 47.7-50 82.3-50h576.9c146.8 0 282.6 87.7 333.5 225 51.3 138.4 22.5 272-55.1 367-6.5 7.9-5.8 19.1 1.7 26 83 77 135 186.9 135 308.5z\" \/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--titles\">\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--title\">Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights<\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--sub-title\">Same Game Multi<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--odds\">\n                                                                                                    @ 5.88                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--body\">\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--descriptions\"><div class='bet-ticker-description'>4 Legs<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Over 42.5 &#8211; Total Points<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters) &#8211; Anytime Try Scorer<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters to win by 13+ &#8211; Winning Margin (Incl ET)<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters &#8211; 1st Half Match Betting<\/div><\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake\"><span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_title\">STAKE<\/span> <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_value\">$1000<\/span><\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/a>\n                                                                                                        <!-- <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\"> -->\n                                        <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet bet-now-btn noaff track-me\" href='https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0' alt='Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights' data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-event-id=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" >                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--left\"><\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--right\"><\/span>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--header\">\n                                            <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--icon\">\r\n<svg id=\"bet-ticker-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 1500 1500\">\r\n    <path d=\"M1401.3 1002.5c0 116.2-47.2 221.8-123.7 298.1-76.5 76.3-181.9 123.4-298.8 123.4H391c-20.7 0-31.9-24.2-18.5-40l181.1-212.6c14-16.4 34.5-25.9 56.2-25.9h328.4c48.4 0 93.8-26.4 115.5-69.6 48.2-96.1-14.2-215.1-124.8-215.1H692.5c-26.5 0-51.7 11.5-69.1 31.4L256.7 1313c-25.2 28.8-64.2-5.5-53.4-38.4 0 0 53.9-253.6 76.5-337 6.7-24.8 25-76.8-30.3-76.8h-78.2c-50.3 0-85.4-49.8-68.1-97 46.2-126.1 122.6-330.2 122.6-330.2 4.8-13 16.4-21.6 29.4-21.6h251.6c23.6 0 39.5 27.4 29.8 52.3l-42.7 89.6c-6.1 12.8 3.3 27.6 17.5 27.6h394.5c63.6 0 109.5-82.7 109.5-137.3 0-79.1-64.8-142.1-142.4-142.1H315.3c-36.2 0-59.6-38.3-43-70.3L327 126c15.9-30.7 47.7-50 82.3-50h576.9c146.8 0 282.6 87.7 333.5 225 51.3 138.4 22.5 272-55.1 367-6.5 7.9-5.8 19.1 1.7 26 83 77 135 186.9 135 308.5z\" \/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--titles\">\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--title\">Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights<\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--sub-title\">Match Betting<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--odds\">\n                                                                                                    @ 2.8                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--body\">\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--descriptions\"><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Newcastle Knights<\/div><\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake\"><span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_title\">STAKE<\/span> <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_value\">$650<\/span><\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/a>\n                                                                                                        <!-- <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\"> -->\n                                        <a class=\"block-entain-bet-ticker-bet bet-now-btn noaff track-me\" href='https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/sydney-roosters-vs-newcastle-knights\/357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0' alt='Multi' data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" data-tr-event-id=\"357d84d0-de39-47b8-bace-a3094819b5b0\" >                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--left\"><\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"semi-circle semi-circle--right\"><\/span>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--header\">\n                                            <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--icon\">\r\n<svg id=\"bet-ticker-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 1500 1500\">\r\n    <path d=\"M1401.3 1002.5c0 116.2-47.2 221.8-123.7 298.1-76.5 76.3-181.9 123.4-298.8 123.4H391c-20.7 0-31.9-24.2-18.5-40l181.1-212.6c14-16.4 34.5-25.9 56.2-25.9h328.4c48.4 0 93.8-26.4 115.5-69.6 48.2-96.1-14.2-215.1-124.8-215.1H692.5c-26.5 0-51.7 11.5-69.1 31.4L256.7 1313c-25.2 28.8-64.2-5.5-53.4-38.4 0 0 53.9-253.6 76.5-337 6.7-24.8 25-76.8-30.3-76.8h-78.2c-50.3 0-85.4-49.8-68.1-97 46.2-126.1 122.6-330.2 122.6-330.2 4.8-13 16.4-21.6 29.4-21.6h251.6c23.6 0 39.5 27.4 29.8 52.3l-42.7 89.6c-6.1 12.8 3.3 27.6 17.5 27.6h394.5c63.6 0 109.5-82.7 109.5-137.3 0-79.1-64.8-142.1-142.4-142.1H315.3c-36.2 0-59.6-38.3-43-70.3L327 126c15.9-30.7 47.7-50 82.3-50h576.9c146.8 0 282.6 87.7 333.5 225 51.3 138.4 22.5 272-55.1 367-6.5 7.9-5.8 19.1 1.7 26 83 77 135 186.9 135 308.5z\" \/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--titles\">\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--title\">Multi<\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--sub-title\">13 Legs<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--odds\">\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--body\">\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--descriptions\"><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Sydney Roosters<\/div><div class='bet-ticker-description'>Match Betting @ 1.44<\/div><\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake\"><span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_title\">STAKE<\/span> <span class=\"bet-ticker-bet--stake_value\">$500.95<\/span><\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/a>\n                                                            <\/section>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Both Easts and Newcastle have taken the long route to an unlikely 2026 NRL Grand Final matchup but\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no denying either team, now\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0here.\u00a0\u00a0 Newcastle\u2019s\u00a0defence\u00a0has been superb in the past\u00a0month;\u00a0twice overcoming\u00a0sin-bins\u00a0against top-tier opposition best captures how hard this Knights squad is working for each other right now.\u00a0 On the other hand, Easts power game through the middle and attacking flair on the edges has made them the most dangerous offensive team in the NRL this year and in the post-season.&nbsp; By the Numbers\u00a0 With just 34 points conceded across their past three games, the Newcastle Knights are the personification of \u2018defence\u00a0wins premierships\u2019&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":92022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-92021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugby-league"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"30\/09\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92021"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92021\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92045,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92021\/revisions\/92045"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92021"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=92021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}