The Newcastle Knights will return to McDonald Jones Stadium to host the Sydney Roosters on Friday night. 

The Knights have lost back-to-back contests on the road, most recently falling 20-18 to the Sharks last Friday, making it seven straight matches decided by six points or less. 

Despite consecutive losses, they remain four points clear of ninth-placed Manly. Meanwhile, the Roosters have won four in a row after beating the Storm 14-6 last Friday. 

They remain in third, holding a four-point buffer over the fifth-placed Dolphins. The Tri-colours regain Origin stars James Tedesco and Robert Toia, with Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala dropping to the interchange. 

For the Knights, Fletcher Hunt replaces Dane Gagai in the centres, with Cody Hopwood included on the extended bench. 

The Roosters defeated the Knights 38-24 in Round 7 after piling on 26 unanswered second-half points, extending their winning streak in this fixture to five matches.

Can they make it six? For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this one, check out our Knights vs Roosters tips and predictions below!

Knights vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Friday’s NRL Round 21 action gets underway with a clash that will have huge bearings on the race for the top four.

Both the Knights and the Roosters have been touted as top four contenders for a large chunk of the season, and the Chooks are certainly living up to that billing. 

They have a two-point buffer in third and are still right in the minor premiership race as well. 

Meanwhile, back-to-back two-point losses have somewhat derailed the Knights quaddie hopes, and we’re backing the Roosters, who are set to welcome back reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco this week, to land a nearly fatal blow to those aspirations this week. 

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

This man just continues to defy logic when it comes to scoring tries. Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in 10 of his last 11 appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder and that’s just one of the main reasons why he is one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. A self-explanatory first try scorer tip here. 

Betting tip: Daniel Tupou. 

Over/Under Prediction 

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

Betting tip: Under (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Newcastle has covered the line in each of their last four matches against teams on a winning streak.

Betting tip: Knights (+2.5) line. 

Knights vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Dylan Lucas

Dylan Lucas has scored at least one try in each of his last four home appearances.

Billy Smith

Billy Smith has scored at least one try in each of Sydney's last four matches.

Fletcher Hunt

Fletcher Hunt has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances against teams on a winning streak.

Bradman Best

In each of Sydney's last three matches at McDonald Jones Stadium, the opposition's starting left centre has scored a try.

Knights vs Roosters Teams 

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Dominic Young 

3. Fletcher Hunt

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Dylan Brown

8. Tyson Frizell

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Sandon Smith

15. Cody Hopwood

16. Lachlan Crouch

17. Thomas Cant

18. Harrison Graham

Sydney Roosters Team List 

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte 

9. Reece Robson

10. Spencer Leniu

11. Nat Butcher

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Hugo Savala

15. Salesi Foketi

16. Egan Butcher

17. Connor Watson 

18. Cody Ramsay

Knights vs Roosters Match Details 

Date: Friday, July 24, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST. 

Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.