The Newcastle Knights will look to keep pressure on the top four when they host the Wests Tigers to conclude Round 17 on Sunday afternoon. 

The Knights eked out a 22-20 win against the last-placed Dragons last weekend but will look to reverse their 42-22 loss against the Tigers from earlier in the season. 

The Tigers went toe-to-toe with the Dolphins for most of the contest but ran out of gas and lost 36-22 last Saturday. 

Jock Madden and Patrick Herbert will miss this contest, but the Tigers do regain Adam Doueihi, who slots in at halfback. 

Starford To'a moves into the centres to replace Herbert, with Jeral Skelton returning on the wing, while Alex Twal rejoins the starting side. 

The Knights regain main men Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas, while Jermaine McEwen returns after serving a club-imposed one-game ban. Thomas Cant and Sandon Smith have been moved to the bench.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the final game of NRL Round 17, check out our Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers Dragons tips and predictions below.

Knights vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Knights host a Wests Tigers side depleted with injuries left, right and centre.

Despite this, Benji Marshall’s men continue punching well above their weight and refuse to die as a finals chance. Are they ready for the chaos that the Knights attack can provide though?

Kalyn Ponga continues to be Newcastle’s most dangerous weapon, and his influence on this contest could be decisive.

Home advantage should tip the scales in Newcastle’s favour, with the Knights expected to do enough to keep their finals charge rolling into the second half of the season.

Betting tip: Newcastle Knights. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Despite a disappointing outing in the Origin arena, the return Dylan Lucas is still capable of packing a punch at club level. 

He has scored two tries in each of his last two home appearances, which is not something to scoff at for a forward and also makes him a very interesting value pick for first try scorer in this one. 

Betting tip: Dylan Lucas. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Ten of Newcastle's last 11 matches as a favourite have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (51.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The favourites have covered the line in each of the Wests Tigers' last eight matches.

Betting tip: Knights (-6.5) line. 

Knights vs Tigers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Adam Doueihi

Adam Doueihi has scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances against Newcastle outside of Sydney.

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances against the Wests Tigers.

Greg Marzhew

Greg Marzhew has scored at least one try in five of his last six home appearances.

Jahream Bula

Jahream Bula has scored a try in five of his last six away appearances.

Taylan May

Taylan May has scored a try in four of his last five appearances in New South Wales.

Knights vs Tigers Teams 

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Dominic Young 

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Dylan Brown

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Jermaine McEwen

13. Mat Croker

14. Sandon Smith

15. Tyson Frizell

16. Cody Hopwood

17. Thomas Cant

18. Lachlan Crouch

Wests Tigers Team List 

1. Jahream Bula

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Taylan May

4. Starford To'a

5. Jerel Skelton

6. Jarome Luai (c)

7. Adam Doueihi

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. Tony Sukkar

12. Sione Fainu

13. Alex Twal

14. Josese Lanyon

15. Bunty Afoa

16. Alex Seyfarth

17. Latu Fainu

18. Heamasi Makasini

Knights vs Tigers Match Details 

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.