Newcastle Knights v Dolphins: NRL Thursday Preview

Newcastle Knights get the chance to start the 2025 NRL campaign with back-to-back victories when they host the Dolphins on Thursday night.

The Knights began the season with a hard-fought win over Wests Tigers, and now back on home soil, will be targeting another two points.

Newcastle have set their sights on making the top eight again this season, and these are the games they need to win to achieve their goal.

The Dolphins were disappointing as they slipped to a Round 1 defeat at the Sydney Rabbitohs, and will be keen to bounce back.

The build up to the Rabbitohs loss was disruptive to say the least, and should be smoother as they head to McDonald Jones Stadium.

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins betting preview

Ponga key for Knights

Kalyn Ponga will once again be a massive player for the Knights as they look to have a strong 2025 campaign.

Ponga was again at the centre of things as the Knights began the season with a tight, 10-8 win at the West Tigers, kicking a conversion.

Considering all the buzz surrounding the new-look Tigers, it was a big win at Campbelltown Stadium, but they need to back it up on home soil.

Fletcher Sharpe lived up to his name, looking razor sharp against the Tigers, and capped a fine performance with a try.

Greg Marzhew got the other try and will be a big threat once again on Thursday night.

Newcastle have beaten the Dolphins on three out of the four occasions they have met.

The last two wins have been very tight however, with no more than eight points in it.

Newcastle are priced at 3.10 to win by 1-12 points on this occasion.

Dolphins look to bounce back

The Dolphins had a week to forget as they slipped to a 16-14 loss against the Sydney Rabbitohs.

The game was due to be played on home soil, but due to the threat of Cyclone Alfred, was switched to Sydney at the last moment.

It meant the preparation was far from ideal, and no real surprise that they came unstuck against the Bunnies.

They may be on the road again, but with some better preparation, will feel they can get the job done.

Jamayne Isaako was the main man for the Dolphins when scoring two of the three tries, but his kicking let him down.

Isaako kicked just one of the three conversion attempts, which in a tight game, could have been the difference.

The second-half fightback may have given the Dolphins a lift as they look to beat Newcastle for just the second time.

They can be backed at 3.50 to do it by 1-12 points.

Read more rugby league previews on site.

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins odds

Newcastle Knights - 1.65
Dolphins - 2.25

View the full market and more odds for Newcastle Knights v Dolphins on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.