Friday night NRL action returns with two exciting matches of rugby league. The first heads out to Campbelltown as the Tigers host the Knights. Both teams are an interesting watch in 2025. Plenty of doubt surrounds their chances this season and one team will have the opportunity to silence the noise. Exhilarating on field action ensure that this game is a must-watch spectacle and Before You Bet is here to assist with a comprehensive look at the match ahead.
Also, don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights
Location: Campbelltown Sports Stadium – Sydney
Date: Friday, 7th March
Time: 6:00pm AEDT
Odds: Tigers ($2.25) vs Knights ($1.65)
Line: Knights -2.5
Points: 43.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Tigers have again recruited well in key positions, with the hope of dragging themselves off the bottom of the competition ladder. Luai is the most vital inclusion to a roster which needs a star player to lift on and off field standards. Now is the time for others to rise also and take responsibility for the performance (or lack thereof) of this team.
The Knights are a team which is difficult to get a read on. Blistering trial form transformed the thought that they may be set to miss the Top 8. A lethal attacking performance suggests stability in the spine has served them well over the off-season and it is time to produce that in the regular season. Pressure is set to mount on the losing team following this match so expect both sides to be desperate in this contest.
The Tigers will struggle in this contest without Bula and Koroisau. When they performed well last season, these two players were heavily involved. While he will likely relish the challenge, it leaves Luai with a lot more to do. This has seen the Tigers listed as outsiders ($2.20 vs $1.67), as the Knights are at full-strength. There are questions lingering about their halves combination of Sharpe and Cogger but their trial form was solid; being given a Round 1 start should positively impact their confidence.
It will be an uphill battle for the Tigers early in the season and their recent history isn’t kind against the Knights either. They have won just 2 of the past 10 matches against their opponents, with their last victory coming in Round 10, 2021. They’ve been close matches though; the average margin of victory in the past 5 games is 8.8 points. The visitors also hold a superior record at this ground (41% vs 46%).
Given it is early in the season and uncertainty surrounds both sides, it is best to invest around this game being won by either team, but by less than the average margin which has recently been displayed. At the very least, each will be desperate to display a strong defensive performance to start their campaign.
Either Team by 10 points or less
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bet
We’re going something a bit different here as there looks to be some genuine value for Fletcher Sharpe to score a try on Friday night. He was on fire the last time these two teams met, scoring 4 tries. While he was filling a spot on the wing, there is no doubting his talent. He will fancy himself again and getting closer to the ball at 5/8 will offer plenty of opportunities to take on the line.
Fletcher Sharpe to score a try
$3.50 (0.5 Units)
