Sunday\u2019s clash between the Roosters and Knights at Allianz Stadium is a tricky one to call, with both sides bringing mixed form into Round 7.<\/p>\n
Newcastle picked up four wins from their first five matches and were flying until coming crashing back to earth in a 42-22 loss to the Tigers last week.<\/p>\n
For Sydney, it\u2019s a different story. After two heavy losses in their opening three games, they\u2019ve now strung together back-to-back wins and come in as strong favourites.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s less than a month since the Roosters lost by 34 to the Panthers, and just six weeks since they conceded 42 to the Warriors.<\/p>\n
While they\u2019ve found form with wins over the Sea Eagles and Sharks, it\u2019s still tough to trust them laying 11.5 against a Knights side that already has four wins in 2026.<\/p>\n
This head-to-head is typically tight, with the Roosters winning the last three by four points or less. Expect that trend to continue.<\/p>\n
A few recent blowouts have pushed this total high, but history suggests otherwise.<\/p>\n
The last three meetings have produced totals of 20, 42 and 34, while both teams have only cracked 30+ twice this season.<\/p>\n
This shapes as a lower-scoring contest.<\/p>\n
Young has been prolific, scoring nine tries in his first six games and sitting near the top of the try-scoring leaderboard.<\/p>\n
Even in losses he finds a way, crossing last week against the Tigers.<\/p>\n
With Dylan Brown back, expect plenty of attacking kicks \u2014 a perfect setup for Young.<\/p>\n