NRL: Knights and Dolphins battle for top-eight finish

The stakes could not be higher for Newcastle Knights and Dolphins on Sunday, with the winner taking eighth spot on the NRL ladder and a place in finals.

After a long and hard regular season, it comes down to one game at what is sure to be a packed-out McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Knights can be backed at 1.72 to make the top eight, while the Dolphins are available at 2.15.

In Sunday’s other game, Cronulla Sharks, who will finish fourth on the ladder no matter what, entertain Manly Sea Eagles.

A win for the Sea Eagles will see them jump into sixth spot on the ladder and will mean a home final for them in week one.

So, the stakes will also be high at 4 Pines Park as the curtain comes down on the regular season.

Knights hope to use home comforts

. What: Newcastle Knights v Dolphins
. Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
. When: 16:05 (AEST), Sunday 8th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 9
. Odds: Newcastle Knights 1.72, Dolphins 2.15

There is little to choose between the two sides heading into the clash and Newcastle will be hoping a packed McDonald Jones Stadium can help to get them over the line.

They have won their last two at home, including a 36-14 win over the Titans last week that moved them to 28 points, level with the Titans.

Newcastle won 18-14 when the two sides met at Suncorp Stadium in Round 8 and they can be backed at 3.50 to win by 1-12 points on Sunday.

Fletcher Sharpe has been in great form for the Knights, scoring eight tries in the last five games and he is 1.87 to grab the first on Sunday.

The Dolphins do not have a great record in New South Wales but have been handed a massive boost with the return of Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima.

They can be backed at 3.60 to win by 1-12 points.

Manly eyeing up home final

. What: Manly Sea Eagles v Cronulla Sharks
. Where: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
. When: 14:00 (AEST), Sunday 8th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo
. Odds: Manly Sea Eagles 1.82, Cronulla Sharks 2.00

The Sea Eagles are guaranteed a place in finals, but will earn a home one if they can beat the Sharks on Sunday.

They will fancy their chances of doing just that as 4 Pines Park has been a fortress for them this season.

Manly have won eight of their last nine games at the venue and are 3.50 to triumph by 1-12 points on Sunday.

It will be far from easy though against a Sharks side who are locked into the top four and have won on their last two trips to Manly.

The Sharks are boosted by the return of Ronaldo Mulitalo from injury and the star winger is 8.50 to grab the first try and 2.10 to score at anytime.