The Canberra Raiders will be looking for a bounce-back win when they host the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The Raiders had their four-match winning streak ended in a 42-18 defeat to the Panthers last Saturday, leaving them four points outside the top eight entering Round 23. 

Canberra will hope to avoid its second loss this season to Newcastle after going down 32-12 early doors this year. 

Meanwhile, the Knights dominated the Broncos 30-6 on the road last Saturday. The victory snapped a three-match losing streak and lifted them two points clear of the ninth-placed Cowboys to begin the round. 

It’s a milestone match as Tyson Frizell will play and start in his 300th NRL game, with Cody Hopwood moving to the interchange. Harrison Graham has been named on the Knights' bench. 

The Raiders regain Simi Sasagi after his late withdrawal last week, with Sebastian Kris making way in Ricky Stuart's only change.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this crucial clash in terms of the makeup of the eight, check out our Raiders vs Knights tips and predictions below!

Raiders vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Knights will head to the nation’s capital on Sunday looking to sure up their finals standings when they face Raiders. 

Newcastle pulled two points clear of ninth last week with an impressive away win against defending premiers Brisbane, despite being without a host of stars. 

The return of main man Kalyn Ponga certainly played a massive part in the result, with the elusive fullback laying on a number of tries from his teammates.

Meanwhile, the Raiders recent revival came to a screeching halt last week at the hands of the Panthers. 

Even though they were comprehensively outplayed, it feels unjust to look too much into the loss, as most side’s struggle against the Penrith machine.

Prior to the defeat they’d won four in a row, and back at home, they’ll be looking to jump back into the winner’s circle and keep their slim finals hopes alive.

They’ll have to be at their best to overcome this resilient Newcastle side, but with young gun Ethan Strange in fine form and the surprise interchange impact of Daine Laurie coming to the fore, we’re backing them to get the job done here, just.  

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Raiders’ rookie sensation Ethan Strange is catching fire at the right time for Canberra as they mount a top eight charge.

Young Ethan has scored a try in each of Canberra's last two matches and while halves don’t usually cross for the opener, stranger things have happened. 

Betting tip: Ethan Strange.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Canberra's last four matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Newcastle has covered the line in six of their last seven away matches.

Betting tip: Knights (+0.5) line. 

Raiders vs Knights Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Fletcher Sharpe

Fletcher Sharpe has scored at least one try in each of his last six interstate appearances.

Simi Sasagi

Simi Sasagi has scored a try in each of Canberra's last three matches against Newcastle.

Greg Marzhew

Greg Marzhew has scored at least one try in six of his last seven appearances against Canberra.

Kaeo Weekes

Kaeo Weekes has scored a try in each of his three previous home appearances against Newcastle.

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in four of Newcastle's last five interstate matches.

Dane Gagai

Dane Gagai has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances at GIO Stadium Canberra against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Raiders vs Knights Teams 

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Jed Stuart

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Corey Horsburgh

9. Owen Pattie 

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Zac Hosking

12. Ata Mariota

13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling

15. Joe Roddy

16. Josh Papalii

17. Daine Laurie

18. Savelio Tamale

19. Matty Nicholson

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Dominic Young 

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Sandon Smith

8. Tyson Frizell

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham

15. Cody Hopwood

16. Lachlan Crouch

17. Thomas Cant

18. Fletcher Hunt

19. Brodie Jones

Raiders vs Knights Match Details 

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026. 

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.