The 2024 NRL regular season concludes on Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle when the Newcastle Knights host the Dolphins, with Finals footy essentially coming early via this game, with the winner progressing to the Finals and the winner bowing out.
Adam Page brings us his preview, tips and same game multi for the match below!
And don't forget to head to our NRL tips page for previews of all of the NRL and NRLW matches this weekend!
NRL Round 27 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins Preview
McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 8th September – 4:05pm (AEST)
This is an early elimination final and it's fitting that is the last game of the regular season. It's actually been a great effort by Newcastle to be in the mix for Finals footy given they were without Kalyn Ponga for a fair chunk of the year and at times, they looked very sluggish. However their recent form has been pretty good, led of course by Ponga. The new halves combo of Cogger and Crossland has been working quite well and defensively, they have been rock solid. They are hard to beat at home, especially on a Sunday afternoon, and with a full house.
It's actually been remarkable that the Dolphins are in the mix for Finals. Second year in the NRL, the depth is thin in terms of their squad, but they are in the mix. That said, they would be disappointed they are not assured a start already given halfway through the year, they were top four and pushing hard to remain there. But, they come into this game sky high in confidence after spanking the Broncos last week in the Derby, making the 2023 Grand Finalists looking very second rate. Wayne has bad blood with Newcastle, well from the Knights side anyway, and you have no doubt they will be fired up once again.
Match Prediction
Reminds me of the old days where there was a sudden death playoff during the week. This is an elimination final with the winner to play Finals. Wayne Bennett did have the temptation to make changes with players returning, but how could he change the side that dismantled the Broncos last week. I think the Dolphins win if they minimise Kalyn Ponga. The Knights rely too much on him and if the Dolphins can stop him, or restrict his influence, they win, and I am sure Uncle Wayne will have a plan for that.
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Dolphins to Win: As stated above, I do like the Dolphins and think they are great value in what looks a very even contest.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 1+ Tries: Fascinating to see where Wayne plays him this week, whether it be fullback or at centre again, where he was man of the match last week against the Broncos. Either way, I am confident he'll score a try.
Combined Odds: $3.40 at Boombet
