<p>The Newcastle Knights will go searching for back-to-back wins for the first time since round 2, when they host the struggling Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.</p> <p>Newcastle returned to the winners list in emphatic fashion with a 30-4 thumping of the Rabbitohs during Magic Round last week.</p> <p>That snapped a five-match losing streak for the Knights, which coincidentally started with a 26-6 defeat against Gold Coast back in round 3.</p> <p>The Titans will be looking to snap a five-match losing streak of their own, which sees them plummet to 16th on the ladder.</p> <p>They’ll have to defy the odds to do so, as they have lost six straight against the Knights in Newcastle. However, in some good news for the embattled club from the Glitter Strip, livewire Jayden Campbell is set to return ahead of schedule to take over at halfback from Tom Weaver, who is out through concussion.</p> <p>Jojo Fifita also returns, moving Tony Francis to the reserves. For the Knights, it’s an unchanged 17 as they aim for two on the trot.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at how these two teams will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Knights vs Gold Coast prediction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Knights vs Titans Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Newcastle Knights</h3> <p>1. Kalyn Ponga</p> <p>2. James Schiller</p> <p>3. Dane Gagai</p> <p>4. Bradman Best</p> <p>5. Greg Marzhew</p> <p>6. Fletcher Sharpe</p> <p>7. Jack Cogger</p> <p>8. Jacob Saifiti</p> <p>9. Phoenix Crossland</p> <p>10. Leo Thompson</p> <p>11. Dylan Lucas</p> <p>12. Kai Pearce-Paul</p> <p>13. Tyson Frizell</p> <p>14. Jayden Brailey</p> <p>15. Mat Croker</p> <p>16. Adam Elliott</p> <p>17. Brodie Jones</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Titans</h3> <p>1. Jaylan de Groot</p> <p>2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira</p> <p>3. Brian Kelly</p> <p>4. Phillip Sami</p> <p>5. Jojo Fifita</p> <p>6. AJ Brimson</p> <p>7. Jayden Campbell</p> <p>8. Mo Fotuaika</p> <p>9. Sam Verrills</p> <p>10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard</p> <p>11. Klese Haas</p> <p>12. Beau Fermor</p> <p>13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui</p> <p>14. Chris Randall</p> <p>15. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui</p> <p>16. Arama Hau</p> <p>17. Josiah Pahulu</p>

<h2>Knights vs Titans Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>A week is a long time in footy they say. Seven days ago, the Knights were sitting near the bottom of the ladder. Now they are up in 12th place and back in the pack after thumping the Bunnies.</p> <p>Despite this, we still aren’t quite sure if we rate the Knights yet and we’re probably going to be none the wiser after this week too when they host the Titans at home under Friday night lights.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fletcher Sharpe has been a revelation at No.6 for the Knights; his run of form has been the highlight of their season to date.&nbsp;</p> <p>Expect to see him link with KP for some strong right-side carries, busting through an unsettled Titans defence.</p> <p>Things haven’t been so golden for Dessy and the boys on the Gold Coast this season. Things have gone so wrong that it prompted the veteran coach to drop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/highest-paid-nrl-players">million-dollar man</a> David Fifita last week. It was a bold move then, and even more puzzling now after the fact.</p> <p>We’re on the home side this week, but as we said, we’re still not sure if they are any good or not.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Newcastle Knights.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Try Scorer Prediction</h3> <p>As previously mentioned, we’re firmly on the Fletcher Sharpe bandwagon at the moment. His run of recent form has been mighty impressive as he has singlehandedly tried to drag the Knights out of their attacking rut.</p> <p>The winger turned five-eight has scored at least one try in three of Newcastle's last four matches and we’re backing him to be the first try scorer when his side take on the Titans.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Fletcher Sharpe.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under Prediction</h3> <p>They may have finally piled on the points last week, but we’re still not convinced of the potency of this Newcastle attack.</p> <p>Each of Newcastle's last six matches as a favourite have gone under the total match points line and we’re tipping that trend to continue here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Under total match points.</p>

<h2>Knights vs Titans Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, May 9, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 6:00pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> McDonald’s Jones Stadium, Newcastle.&nbsp;</p>