The Newcastle Knights will look to consolidate their top-eight spot when hosting the Manly Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Knights moved closer to cementing a finals position with a 36-26 win over the Titans on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles’ season has unravelled over the past two months, with the side now on a six-match losing streak after falling 22-0 to the Dolphins last Friday. 

Despite that poor run, the Sea Eagles enter the round within four points of the eighth-placed Cowboys with three matches to play. 

Bradman Best returns for the Knights, replacing Dane Gagai, who is out with a hamstring injury. Jacob Saifiti is back, although Francis Manuleleua misses with concussion symptoms. 

Tom Trbojevic returns at fullback for the Sea Eagles, with Clayton Faulalo shifting to five-eighth for the injured Joey Walsh. 

Caleb Navale is on the bench after recovering from an ACL injury, while Ben Trbojevic returns from concussion. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this clash, check out our Knights vs Sea Eagles tips and predictions below!

Knights vs Sea Eagles Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Knights will be looking to mathematically sew up a top eight spot in NRL Round 25 when they welcome the struggling Sea Eagles to McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Two wins ahead of eighth, they are all but guaranteed to be playing finals footy, but a win against Manly will put any fears of a slew of shock slip ups to bed. 

It was a case of double trouble for the Knights in their win over the Titans last week, but the good kind, with Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew and Fletcher Sharpe all crossing for two tries apiece. 

No doubt they’ll all fancy their chances of crossing the stripe again this week, against a Sea Eagles side whose season has well and truly gone off the rails. 

They’ve lost six in a row, they’re playing away from home here and they were kept scoreless last start. Unsurprisingly, we won’t be tipping them to topple the Knights in this one. 

Betting tip: Newcastle Knights. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

After the Sea Eagles were held scoreless last start, we’re not too crash hot on any of their troops for first try scorer, so our attention turns to the Knights team list.

Fletcher has been looking mighty Sharpe for Newcastle lately and has scored at least one try in four of Newcastle's last five home matches against teams on a losing streak.

After he scored twice last week, we’re more than happy to have him as the first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Fletcher Sharpe. 

Over/Under Prediction 

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

Betting tip: Under (51.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in each of Newcastle's last 11 matches.

Betting tip: Sea Eagles (+8.5) line. 

Knights vs Sea Eagles Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Lehi Hopoate

Lehi Hopoate has scored at least one try in each of Manly's last four away matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances against Manly.

Haumole Olakau'atu

Haumole Olakau'atu has scored a try in six of Manly's last seven matches against Newcastle.

Kalyn Ponga

Kalyn Ponga has scored a try in four of his last five appearances against Manly.

Tom Trbojevic

Tom Trbojevic has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances with Manly as an underdog.

Fletcher Hunt

Fletcher Hunt has scored a try in three of his last four home appearances.

Knights vs Sea Eagles 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. Sandon Smith

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Tyson Frizell

13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham

15. Cody Hopwood

16. Lachlan Crouch

17. Thomas Cant

18. Pasami Saulo

19. Toby Winter

Manly Sea Eagles Team List 

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolo Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Clayton Faulalo

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Simione Laiafi

9. Brandon Wakeham

10. Nathan Brown

11. Haumole Olakau'atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin

15. Nicholas Lenaz 

16. Corey Waddell

17. Caleb Navale

18. Josh Feledy

19. Fletcher Baker

Knights vs Sea Eagles Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026. 

Kick-off: 3:00pm AEST. 

Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.