McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 5 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. Manly Sea Eagles game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday April 7, 2022 at 7:50 pm

Where: McDonald Jones Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview

Newcastle and Manly both head into Round 5 with 0.500 records, but the Knights are suddenly staring down the barrel of three straight losses while the Sea Eagles are chasing three consecutive wins after a slow start.

Manly are reeling from an MCL injury to Tom Trbojevic suffered in his dominant display in last Saturday’s 25-6 win over Canberra. Gun rookie Tolutau Koula moves into the fullback hot-seat, while fellow tyro Christian Tuipulotu has been named at centre despite Brad Parker coming out of COVID protocols.

The unchanged Knights came out of their 38-20 loss to Penrith with 12 men in a positive mindset but were shut out 18-0 by Cronulla last Friday. Kalyn Ponga is coming under scrutiny following an ineffective performance amid injuries and contract speculation. The Knights’ in-form backline was outmuscled and outclassed.

The Knights have won their last three against the Sea Eagles, including a gritty 18-10 home victory in the teams’ sole 2021 clash.

‘Turbo’s’ absence is a blow for Manly, but the Sea Eagles have won four of their last five without the reigning Dally M Medal winner. There’s more than enough firepower in the Sea Eagles’ ranks and Daly Cherry-Evans has returned to his influential best against the Raiders.

It’s far from panic stations at Newcastle, however. Arguably the most impressive team of the opening two rounds, Adam O’Brien’s side needs to forget about last week and keep it simple to regain their confidence.

A fascinating match-up that should go down to the wire, with the Knights narrow favourites at home.

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