In arguably the biggest upset in NRLW history, one-win Parramatta stunned the unbeaten Sydney Roosters and now have a date with destiny against a Newcastle team that improved out of sight in 2022.
Best Bet
Outside of Parramatta, there would be no team happier than Newcastle about the Eels’ defeat of the Sydney Roosters. The Knights went from about a 25% chance to win the NRLW premiership to about a 70% hope.
This is a remarkable matchup. The Knights went winless last season. The Eels also missed the finals last year and scraped in this season with just a single victory.
Newcastle spent up to build a premiership team and it has worked. They recruited Dally M Medal winning prop Millie Boyle, superstar fullback Tamika Upton and sublime five-eighth Kira Dibb, as well as 17yo prodigy Jesse Southwell.
The Eels were outstanding last week but it would take a remarkable performance to repeat that. The battle up front is the biggest worry for the Eels as they don’t have the pack to contain the likes of Millie Boyle and Caitlin Johnston.
The Knights are scoring at 22.4 points per game v the Eels’ 17.2 while they are conceding 13.6 against the Eels’ 21.2.
Newcastle won just 18-16 when these teams met but after a good loss to the Roosters and two demolition jobs of the Saints they look set for a big Grand Final win.
Same Game Multi
Tamika Upton is the greatest tryscorer in NRLW history after scoring a double last week. She has 11 tries in 16 games including four in four games.
Kiana Takairangi has scored in her last two games and the Eels have a worrying left-edge defence.
Value Bet
Powerful Knights prop Millie Boyle is a true big-game player and she is not averse to scoring. She has five tries in her last 15 games including last week against the Dragons in one of the most remarkable four-pointers of the season.
