The Newcastle Knights will look to snap a three-match losing streak when they visit the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Knights had another close loss, this time going down 23-22 to the Roosters last Friday. The result leaves them two points ahead of the ninth-placed Bulldogs entering Round 22. 

Meanwhile, the reigning premiers' top eight hopes are all but over after an 18-10 loss to the Cowboys last Saturday left them eight points and a significant point differential outside the top eight entering the round. 

Gehamat Shibasaki has been dropped to the Broncos’ reserves, with Deine Mariner shifting to the centres and Grant Anderson starting on the wing. Elsewhere, Va'a Semu replaces the injured Preston Riki at prop. 

Kalyn Ponga and veteran Dane Gagai both return for the Knights. However, Dylan Lucas and Dylan Brown suffered season-ending injuries last week, with Jermaine McEwan starting in the back row and Sandon Smith shifting to halfback. 

The Broncos have won six in a row against the Knights, most recently a 46-12 result late last season. Can they make it seven here?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Saturday night showdown, check out our Broncos vs Knights tips and predictions below!

Broncos vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Brisbane will be playing for pride and pride alone when they welcome the injury-ravaged Knights to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

The Broncos premiership defence ended with a whimper last week, as their 18-10 loss to fellow Queenslanders the Cowboys officially put finals footy beyond their reach for 2026.

Meanwhile, sitting seventh, the dream of finals footy is alive and well in the Hunter Valley, but a slew of cruel injuries have arrived at the exact wrong time for the Knights.

They’re down a double dose of Dylan, with Brown and Lucas both gone for the season after going down injured in their single point loss to the Roosters last week.

Main man Kayln Ponga missed that game with a quad injury and is still in doubt here. 

For all the Broncos recent shortcomings, with a full contingent at their disposal, at home and up against what will effectively be a second-string Newcastle side, they should be able to get the job done here. 

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

At home and with more firepower available to them we are more inclined to back an early Broncos try than a Newcastle one.

Brisbane centre Deine Mariner has a particularly impressive record against the Knights and has scored two tries in each of Brisbane's last two matches against Newcastle.

Betting tip: Deine Mariner.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Brisbane's last four matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in each of Newcastle's last eight matches.

Betting tip: Knights (+6.5) line. 

Broncos vs Knights Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in eight of his last nine appearances in Queensland.

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored at least one try in four of Brisbane's last five matches as a home favourite.

Fletcher Sharpe

Fletcher Sharpe has scored at least one try in each of his last five interstate appearances.

Greg Marzhew

Greg Marzhew has scored at least one try in four of Newcastle's last five matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Bradman Best

Bradman Best has scored at least one try in three of his last four interstate appearances.

Broncos vs Knights Teams 

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Deine Mariner

5. Grant Anderson

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds (c)

8. Va'a Semu

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Xavier Willison

12. Jordan Riki

13. Pat Carrigan

14. Billy Walters

15. Ben Talty

16. Jaiyden Hunt

17. Ben Hunt 

18. Luke Gale

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Dominic Young 

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Sandon Smith

8. Cody Hopwood

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham

15. Tyson Frizell

16. Thomas Cant

17. Brodie Jones

18. Fletcher Hunt

Broncos vs Knights Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:35pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.