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Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL Round 23 Tips - Knights To Edge GIO Grind

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: Wed 05 Aug 2026 10:24

This expert preview for the Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL Round 23 2026 clash suggests a grinding, low-scoring battle. The recommended bet is Newcastle to win by 1-12 points, driven by their recent defensive form and success at GIO Stadium. With four of the last five matchups staying under 45.5 points and both sides favouring tactical play, the under is a solid play. Greg Marzhew is tipped as the player's prop for anytime and first tryscorer, reflecting his impressive record against Canberra.

Ryan Tucker 3 hours ago
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  • Newcastle tipped to win by 1-12 points at GIO Stadium.
  • Under 45.5 total points recommended as both teams favor defense.
  • Greg Marzhew picked as top anytime and first tryscorer bet.
  • Kick off is at 2:00 PM (AEST) on Sunday, 9th August at GIO Stadium
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, Round 23 2026 - Expert Prediction


Newcastle 1-12 is the best bet at GIO Stadium, with the Game Total Under 45.5 also in play and Greg Marzhew backed in both the anytime and first tryscorer markets.

This has all the makings of a grinding Sunday game. Canberra have won 3 straight at home, but the Knights have won 2 of the last 3 between these sides at GIO Stadium, and their defensive profile travels.

Newcastle were stuck in close-game hell before last week, playing in 8 straight games decided by 6 pts or less before blowing Brisbane away 30-6. That kind of pattern is exactly why the 1-12 margin is the better angle than a straight head-to-head. They know how to sit in the arm wrestle.

The under fits the same story. Four of the last 5 matchups have stayed under this total, and both sides are more comfortable when field position, kicking and defensive sets decide the tempo. Canberra's attack has improved, but Newcastle rank sixth for linebreaks conceded and eighth for points allowed.

Marzhew is the tryscorer lean. He has scored six tries in his last five games against Canberra, scored twice against Brisbane last week and is named on the wing again with Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith inside him.

Take Newcastle 1-12 and the Game Total Under 45.5. Greg Marzhew is the top player prop for anytime and first tryscorer.

  • Newcastle had played in 8 straight games decided by 6 pts or less before last week's win, which makes the 1-12 margin the right way to attack this matchup.
  • The Knights have won 2 of their last 3 games at GIO Stadium and can lean on a defence that just kept Brisbane scoreless in the first half.
  • Four of the last 5 games between Canberra and Newcastle have stayed under 45.5 points, and both sides are comfortable grinding through field position.
  • Greg Marzhew scored twice last week and has six tries in his last five games against the Raiders.

Head to Head Stats


Canberra have won 3 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings, but Newcastle won 32-12 earlier this season and have had success at GIO Stadium. The last five meetings have produced mixed results, but 4 of the last 5 have stayed under this week's total.

The current numbers point toward another tight game. Canberra's kick metres give them territory upside, but Newcastle's defensive rankings and recent close-game profile make them a genuine 1-12 winning chance.

Raiders Atk RankKnights Def RankStatKnights Atk Rank
Raiders Def Rank
118Points711
1010Run Mts911
136Linebreaks511
86Compl %1314


Canberra Raiders Form Analysis


Canberra were in strong form before last week, winning 4 straight and scoring 154 points across that run. Penrith brought them back down with a 42-18 loss, but even in that defeat the Raiders had moments early and led 6-0 through Matthew Timoko.

The issue was control. Canberra conceded five straight tries in the first half and trailed 30-6 at the break, then still found some late attack through Matty Nicholson and Ethan Strange. Their last-five scoring average is 34.4, but that is inflated by a couple of big wins and this Knights defence is a different type of test.

Newcastle Knights Form Analysis


Newcastle's 30-6 win over Brisbane was the circuit-breaker they needed after 3 straight losses by a combined 5 pts. The Knights kept Brisbane scoreless in the first half, turned defence into attack, and closed the game with Fletcher Sharpe's 50-metre untouched try.

Marzhew scored twice, Sharpe also scored twice, and Kalyn Ponga was heavily involved after returning from his quad injury. Across their last five the Knights have averaged 21.4 points scored and 17.4 conceded, which is the exact profile for a narrow road win rather than a shootout.

Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights Team News & Team Lists


Team News and Lists are in our dedicated Round 23 Team List Article.

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL 2026 Round 23 FAQ’s

  • How to livestream Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL 2026 Round 23?

    You can livestream the Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL 2026 Round 23 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchNRL app is the perfect solution.

  • How to buy tickets to Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL 2026 Round 23?

    To buy tickets to the Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights NRL 2026 Round 23 game check the NRL website or the official Canberra Raiders site.

Verdict

Take Newcastle 1-12 and the Game Total Under 45.5. Greg Marzhew is the top player prop for anytime and first tryscorer.
Best Bet1: Newcastle 1-12 Winning Margin $3.40 at OnlyBets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Under 45.5 Game Total $1.90 at Marantellibet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Greg Marzhew Anytime Tryscorer $2.05 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Greg Marzhew First Tryscorer $8.50 at Neds - 1 Unit
Newcastle 1-12
Winning Margin
$3.40 - 1 Unit
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Under 45.5
Game Total
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Greg Marzhew
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$2.05 - 1 Unit
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Greg Marzhew
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