NRL Sunday: Knights v Cowboys betting tips, prediction & odds, round 15, 2020

Welcome to our Newcastle v North Queensland match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, on Sunday, August 23.

This is the second NRL match on Sunday, with the earlier matching a battle between also-rans Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium at 2pm.

The Knights have lost five of their past six meetings with the Cowboys, including less than two months ago when they were beaten 32-20 in Townsville. But the good news is that last year in Newcastle, the Knights ran rampant to win 42-6 at this ground, with stars Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce both bagging two tries.

Also, the Cowboys have not won since that round seven victory against the Knights, though they look a much more dangerous side with playmaker Michael Morgan back from a long-term shoulder injury.

This is an important match for the Knights, who are in sixth place on the ladder and only one behind fourth-placed Sydney Roosters heading into this round.

The Cowboys are out of finals contention and playing for pride, though many players are also playing for positions on the roster next season.

---

READ: NRL match betting previews and tips
Round 15 NRL title odds update and fixture
NRL Saturday: Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles betting preview, tips

---

The Knights have lost boom prop Daniel Saifiti (knee) to injury and he is replaced in the starting side by his brother Jacob. Young prop Pasami Saulo comes onto the bench.

Cowboys hooker Jake Granville drops off the bench, with 21-year-old Reuben Cotter coming in, while centre Justin O’Neill (knee) could be a late inclusion.

Read on for our Knights v Cowboys tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Sunday, August 23.

---

Knights v Cowboys odds

Kick-off: 4.05pm local time
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Sydney
Head to head odds: Newcastle $1.33, North Queensland $3.30
Line betting: Newcastle (-8.5 points) $1.93, North Queensland (+8.5 points) $1.87
Match total: 45.5 points: over $1.87, under $1.93

---

Knights v Cowboys free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Newcastle v NQ betting tips.

Knights to win/match total under 45.5 points

This option is at $2.65 with Unibet Australia. While there has been strong support for the overs in the total betting, the weather forecast does not look great to us, with high winds and rain expected. Check closer to match time if you are considering betting on this option.

David Klemmer to score a try

The Newcastle giant has not scored a four-pointer this season but that is not to say he has not been in great form. Klemmer has more offloads than any other player in the comp this season and we think it’s time he cashed in on his hard work by crashing over. He’s due and the Cowboys can be exploited up the middle. This option is for Klemmer to score at any time during the match.

---

Newcastle Knights v NQ Cowboys prediction

The Knights just have too much on the line to let this one slip, though it won’t be easy against a Cowboys side who were desperately unlucky in a 31-30 loss the Rabbitohs last weekend. The home-ground advantage told when the Cowboys beat the Knights earlier this year and we think it will count again in a win for the home team Knights. Our Knights v Cowboys prediction: Knights by eight points.

---

Knights v Cowboys lowdown

Relevant news