Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL Round 16 Tips - Back against the Dragons’ attack

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Tue 16 Jun 2026 14:00

Jeremy Darke 1 hour ago

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Knights predicted to win by 13+ with strong attack.
Dragons average just 14 points per game & have worst defense.
Back Knights 13+, Dragons under 16.5, Bradman Best to score.
Kick off is at 8:00 PM (AEST) on Friday, 19th June at McDonald Jones Stadium

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL Round 16 Tips

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Round 16 2026 - Expert Prediction

Newcastle look primed to post another comfortable victory over St George Illawarra, with the Knights capable of winning by 13+ and keeping the Dragons' struggling attack well below their team total.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Round 16 2026 - Expert Prediction
Head to Head
Newcastle Knights Form Analysis
St George Illawarra Dragons Form Analysis
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons Team News & Team Lists
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16 FAQ’s

The Dragons have scored just 14.0 points per game this season and have managed more than 16 points only twice in their past 13 matches. They arrive in Newcastle sitting last on the ladder with a 1-13 record and carrying the second-worst defensive numbers in the NRL.

Newcastle have won four of their last five games and demolished the Dragons 44-10 when these sides met in Round 10. The Knights are averaging 36.0 points across their last five matches and should have too much firepower again, especially with Bradman Best returning from injury.

Best shapes as the standout player prop. The representative centre returns after a five-week absence and slots back into a backline featuring Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown, Dominic Young and Greg Marzhew. Against a Dragons side conceding 32.4 points per game over their last five, opportunities should be there.

Take Newcastle 13+, St George Illawarra Team Total Under 16.5 Points and Bradman Best Anytime Tryscorer.

St George are averaging just 14.0 points per game in 2026.
The Dragons have scored more than 16 points only twice in their last 13 matches.
Newcastle beat St George 44-10 in Round 10 earlier this season.
The Knights have averaged 36.0 points across their last five games.

Head to Head

Newcastle have won three of the last five meetings and completely dominated the most recent clash.

The Knights crushed the Dragons 44-10 in Round 10 this season and also recorded 30-10 and 32-12 victories in 2024 and 2023 respectively. Their three wins across the last five meetings have come by an average margin of almost 25 points.

Newcastle Knights Form Analysis

The Knights have quietly become one of the form teams in the competition, winning four of their last five matches.

They have beaten Parramatta, Gold Coast, South Sydney and St George during that run while averaging 36.0 points per game. The attacking combination of Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe continues to create chances, while wingers Greg Marzhew and Dominic Young have combined for 29 tries this season.

The return of Bradman Best is another major boost. Newcastle already possess one of the more dangerous backlines in the competition and gain another strike weapon against the NRL's last-placed side.

St George Illawarra Dragons Form Analysis

It has been a brutal season for the Dragons, who have won just one game and sit anchored to the bottom of the ladder.

Their attack has been the biggest issue. St George average only 14.0 points per game and have failed to reach 17 points in 11 of their last 13 matches. Over their last five games they have averaged just 14.0 points while conceding 32.4.

The Dragons were beaten 34-12 by Cronulla last week and have also suffered recent defeats of 44-10 to Newcastle, 30-12 to the Warriors and 28-6 to Penrith. Until they show signs of life offensively, it is difficult to trust them against a Knights side in strong form.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons Team News & Team Lists

Team News and Lists are in our dedicated Round 16 Team List Article.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16 FAQ’s

How to livestream Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16?

You can livestream the Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16 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 Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16?

To buy tickets to the Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons NRL 2026 Round 16 game check the NRL website or the official Newcastle Knights site.

Verdict

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons

Take the Knights 13+ and the Dragons under 16.5 team total. Bradman Best will cross in the centres for the Knights.

Newcastle Knights

13+ Winning Margin

$1.92 - 3 Units

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St George Under 16.5

Team Total

$2.00 - 2 Units

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