After Cyclone Alfred kept some of their starters stuck at home, the Dolphins will be back to full strength for this game against the Knights.
For Newcastle, this will be the first game they play since news broke that Parramatta No.6 Dylan Brown has agreed to terms to join them on the biggest contract in NRL history.
The record-breaking contract will see the Kiwi international take home a cool $1.3 million a year for the next decade, making him the highest paid player in the NRL from 2026 onwards.
From one highly paid superstar to another, there are early signs that Ponga could be in for another big year, as he already finds himself atop of the Dally M leaderboard.
Do the Phins have what it takes to contain Newcastle’s main man? Or will Kalyn lead his side to back-to-back wins to open the season?
Let’s find out. It’s time to have a look at how both these sides will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Knights vs Dolphins prediction and preview.
Knights vs Dolphins Round 2 Teams
Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Adam Elliott
17. Mat Croker
The Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Junior Tupou
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Oryn Keeley
12. Max Plath
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Josh Kerr
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Ray Stone
Knights vs Dolphins Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Both of these sides were on opposite ends of a two-point margin last week, with the Knights victorious 10-8 against the Tigers and the Phins going down 16-14 to the Bunnies.
Both teams have plenty of grind in them it seems, but Newcastle just have a splash more attacking flair for us, namely Kalyn Ponga who has already shot to the top of the Dally M leaderboard.
His influence should be enough to see Newcastle home here in another close one.
Betting tip: Newcastle Knights.
First Try Scorer Prediction
In six of the Dolphins’ last seven away matches, the opposition’s starting left winger has scored at least one try.
On Thursday night, the man lining up on the left flank for Newcastle will be the rampaging Greg Marzhew.
We’re backing him to not only continue this trend by finding the line, but to find it first before anyone else.
Betting tip: Greg Marzhew.
Over/Under Prediction
Both teams were involved in absolute grinds last week that registered in the under total points category.
Add to this the fact that each of Newcastle’s last four matches have gone under the total match points line of 46.5 and it becomes a bit of a no brainer for us.
Betting tip: Under total match points.
Knights vs Dolphins Match Details
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.
Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.