McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 17 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday June 27, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Odds
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Canberra’s climb up the ladder continues with a Friday night clash in Newcastle, where they’ll meet a Knights outfit desperate to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Raiders have quietly strung together five straight wins, most recently edging out the Tigers 16-12 in a gritty contest. The only change for Ricky Stuart’s side is the resting of Origin forward Hudson Young, with Simi Sasagi moving into the starting lineup.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are riding high after one of their most spirited performances of the season — a late surge saw them overturn the Dolphins in Perth, keeping their postseason hopes alive. However, that victory came at a cost: young gun Fletcher Sharpe is out injured, with Jackson Hastings stepping in at five-eighth. The return of Jacob Saifiti adds steel to the forward pack.
Canberra has had the edge in recent encounters, winning the last three against the Knights. But with confidence growing and home-ground advantage, Newcastle won’t be easy to roll.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Tip
We're tipping Canberra Raiders to win at $1.42 odds.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Teams
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. James Schiller 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Brodie Jones 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Elijah Leaumoana 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Fletcher Hunt 21. Greg Marzhew 22. Jack Hetherington
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Chevy Stewart 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders