McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 21 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 22, 2023 at 5:30 pm

Where: McDonald Jones Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm Preview

Newcastle Knights are clinging to a finals dream after putting a couple of battlers to the sword in the past fortnight, but they are $3.25 outsiders to keep the roll going at home against a heavyweight Melbourne Storm side that has dominated this rivalry in recent years.

The Knights have an 11-match losing streak against the Storm to overcome, with the last nine decided by double-digit margins.

Melbourne won 48-4 on the Gold Coast in 2021 and 50-2 in Newcastle in 2022 with Xavier Coates grabbing a hat-trick in the latter.

After winning just two of their previous nine games, the Knights have rallied to 10th spot – three points outside the Top 8 – with a 66-0 obliteration of the Bulldogs and a comfortable 34-18 defeat of the Tigers, their first back-to-back victories of 2023.

Kalyn Ponga has been in electrifying touch at fullback, while blockbusting centre Bradman Best has come of age and should only get better on the back of his memorable NSW Origin debut.

The third-placed Storm continue to cruise along under the radar.

Though a 34-16 loss to the Panthers at home in Round 18 prior to their last bye was jarring, they have won four of their last five and are accounting for all the teams they should.

Coates crossed for a brilliant hat-trick in Saturday’s 30-16 defeat of the Roosters at the SCG, a result that was more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

Newcastle’s only change sees Dane Gagai return for Enari Tuala – a switch that was originally slated for last week before the veteran withdrew. The Storm’s 17 is unchanged.

Interestingly, four of the Storm’s six losses this season were to teams outside the current Top 8.

The Knights have lost their last six to the teams currently above them, but only three of their nine losses in 2023 were by more than eight points.

The visitors should find a way to the two competition points, but the Knights have picked up some elusive momentum and are 4-3 at home with two losses by two points or less – evidence enough to consider backing them with a juicy start.

Content provided by Ladbrokes