The expanded NRLW competition concludes this weekend with a blockbuster clash between the Knights and Titans. The action this season has set a new standard for the competition moving forward, with fans being beneficiaries of exhilarating on field accomplishments. Each side carries momentum into this contest for vastly difference reasons. As always, BeforeYouBet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action and hopefully lead you into a winner to add to your viewing enjoyment.
NRLW Grand Final Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans
Accor Stadium, Sunday 1st October, 4:55pm (AEST)
The Knights prevailed 30-24 in a thrilling back-and-forth match against the Broncos. Each side was evenly matched by scoring 5 tries and were separated only by superior goal kicking from Knights halfback Jesse Southwell. With the standard of play high, the Knights were forced to produced something special. They trailed in key areas like possession (48%), total metres and line breaks but overcame this with a superior completion rate (82%) which allowed them to build pressure. They also missed fewer tackles (55 v 44) but will want to improve upon that ahead of this match.
The Titans caused an almighty upset by defeating the Roosters 12-nil on the road. Outsiders for the match, their disciplined play limited their opponents’ chances. With a greater share of possession (55%), they completed at 78%, ran for more metres, had more post contact metres and made more line breaks. Defence was also a cornerstone of their effort, missing just 25 tackles and allowing just 3 line breaks. On that effort, they deserve a spot in the Grand Final and will be out to emulate a similar performance in this match.
The Knights head into this game as favourites ($1.48 vs $2.60) but just like last week, you cannot underestimate the Titans. They have a knack of grinding out victories and dragging opponents into an arm wrestle, whereby they play disciplined rugby league and give away few chances. Unlike other sides, the Knights will be better at taking those chances. They have shown on numerous occasions this year that their attack is dangerous from anywhere on the field. In equal measure, they are not without their mistakes; they have trailed teams during matches and been able to pull out a victory when most had doubted them. They will want to minimise the opportunities given to the Titans in this respect. Both teams head into this game as strong as they were last week, with an outside chance that Taliah Fuimanono could take the field as she as listed as the 18th player for the Titans. The Knights halves pairing of Roach and (Jesse) Southwell have a calm, yet young approach with troubles opponents. History is also in favour of the Knights; these two sides met back in Round 4 for a 22-10 victory their favour.
It will be tight, the Titans will look like a chance of winning too, it is just a matter of where or not they can maintain this standard for 70 minutes. This is where the Knights have an edge; they appear better equipped across the park to maintain a consistently high standard. The Titans lead (or sit high) in most areas of forward play, with their total metres, post contact metres and line breaks impressive across the season. The line is well set at 4.5 points and as good as the Titans have been, the Knights have shown each week that they can score plenty of points. This appears suitable to take on in these circumstances, as this game promises to be a thriller.
Knights -4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
This game is expected to be tight, hence the margin selection but in equal measure, the Titans scoring history this season suggests that the total points will be kept low. Roache has scored 6 tries for the season (equal leader for the Knights) and is always a threat when she gets her hands on the ball.
Leg 1: Knights 1-12
Leg 2: Total Points Under 42.5
Leg 3: Gallagher to Score
SGM Odds: $11 at TAB
