The Canterbury Bulldogs will host the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium on Saturday afternoon, playing at home for the first time this season as they look to maintain their unbeaten start.

The Bulldogs edged past the Raiders 14-10 in a scrappy contest last week, showcasing the elite defence that saw them finish 2025 inside the top four.

Meanwhile, Newcastle suffered their first loss of the season last week, falling 38-12 to the surging Warriors. The absence of playmakers Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown proved detrimental to the Knights’ attack.

The visiting side does regain Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth, pushing Tyson Gamble to the extended bench, while Tyson Frizell will start in place of the suspended Trey Mooney.

The Bulldogs have lost Sam Hughes to suspension, with Sitili Tupouniua elevated to starting prop, while Harry Hayes is out through concussion.

Canterbury has won the past three meetings between these teams, including a 20-0 shutout victory around this time last year.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this one, check out our Bulldogs vs Knights tips and predictions below.

Bulldogs vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs host a Newcastle Knights side that is undergoing a fascinating transformation under new coach Justin Holbrook.

The Knights are looking significantly better in 2026; they appear fitter, more committed, and are playing with a defensive resolve that was missing in previous seasons.

There is a clear sense that the squad is genuinely enjoying their footy again, but good vibes only go so far when the injury ward is full.

The loss of key personnel has dealt a massive blow to the Knights' chances, with superstars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown both sidelined, Newcastle has lost a staggering amount of strike power.

This was evident in their recent struggle against the Warriors; while the effort was there, they simply lacked the attacking spark they needed to break down the Warriors defence.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have been traveling nicely and remain one of only three undefeated teams entering Round 4. With a healthy squad and plenty of momentum, Canterbury should be too good for a depleted Newcastle outfit in this one.

We expect the Dogs to maintain their winning streak and cement a position in the top four.

Betting tip: Canterbury Bulldogs.

First Try Scorer Prediction

We are absolute suckers for a try scoring forward, particularly when it comes to this market.

Bulldogs second rower Jacob Preseton must have been a winger in a past life, because he simply cannot stop finding the line, despite playing in the forwards.

He’s on a serious roll right now and has scored a try in each of Canterbury's last three matches, so that’s why we're backing him for first try scorer here.

Betting tip: Jacob Preston.

Over/Under Prediction

Five of Newcastle's last six matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (47.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Newcastle has failed to cover the line in each of its last seven matches against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Betting tip: Bulldogs (-13.5) line.

Bulldogs vs Knights Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Greg Marzhew 

Greg Marzhew has scored a try in each of Newcastle's last five matches.

Jacob Kiraz

In six of Canterbury's last seven home matches, their starting right wing has scored at least one try.

Bradman Best 

Bradman Best has scored at least one try in five of his last six appearances against Canterbury.

Marcelo Montoya

In four of Newcastle's last five away matches, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Fletcher Sharpe

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

Enari Tuala

Enari Tuala has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances in Sydney.

Dane Gagai

Dane Gagai has scored two or more tries in two of his last three appearances at Accor Stadium.

Stephen Crichton

Stephen Crichton has scored a try in three of his last four home appearances against Newcastle.

Bulldogs vs Knights Teams

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Enari Tuala

4. Stephen Crichton (c)

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Sitili Tupouniua Samuel Hughes

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Josh Curran

16. Lipoi Hopoi

17. Sean O'Sullivan

18. Jonathan Sua

Newcastle Knights Team List

1. Fletcher Hunt

2. Dominic Young

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Sandon Smith

8. Jacob Saifiti (c)

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Tyson Frizell

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Jermaine McEwen

13. Mat Croker

14. Thomas Cant

15. Pasami Saulo

16. Cody Hopwood

17. Francis Manuleleua

18. Tyson Gamble

Bulldogs vs Knights Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Kick-off: 3:00pm AEDT.

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney.