Newcastle’s season went south with an unnecessary elbow from Mitch Barnett and recapturing the magic from the opening two weeks may not be possible.
Best Bet
Over 38 ($1.90)
Cronulla are an underrated attacking outfit and can open this one right up in a game with a low total. The Sharks have posted at least 18 in all three games and were highly impressive running in 36 in torrential conditions last Thursday.
Cronulla sit 2nd in scoring and this is a prime over spot for them. The over hits at 65% when the Sharks play at night, 62% when they are off a win and 61% when they are favoured. It has hit in 11 of 16 when they are off a win of 13-plus and 10 of 13 when they are off conceding 12 or less.
These two have a recent history of high scoring games with four of the last six reaching at least 48 points.
Both teams get attacking weapons back, notably the Knights seeing Kalyn Ponga back after two weeks absence. The total in this game seems very low even with rain forecast.
Same Game Multi
Cronulla Win/Nicho Hynes Try ($4.33)
Newcastle have won the last four against Cronulla but the Sharks have not lost with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm (he was absent in the opener) with Cronulla winning the last four at Shark Park against the Knights.
Hynes has nine tries in 25 games as a starter including two in four starts at halfback. He runs direct and will push for double digit tries this season.
Value Bet
Teig Wilton Anytime Try ($5.50)
Bullocking backrower Teig Wilton has scored in three of his last five games including both starts this year. He scored the matchwinner against the Eels before sitting out last week due to suspension. He certainly will be used close to the Newcastle line.