Added spice means intriguing betting for Knights V Roosters

Saturday's NRL betting has been given a surprise dilemma thanks to a tie which looked set to be something of a normal day at the office until recent developments.


The Newcastle Knights host the Sydney Roosters at 7.30pm – on paper it's a straightforward eighth-versus-last clash but in reality it could be a different story.


Spice is added thanks to the recent news Knights coach Brian Smith will to take over from Brad Fittler at the Roosters next year.


Also in the mix are comments made by Fittler this week, with NRL.com reporting he is "of the belief Smith rested stars Jarrod Mullen and Kurt Gidley from last weekend’s match against the Sea Eagles solely so they could be fresh to take on Freddie’s Roosters, as a loss to the tri-colours wouldn’t be so good for the Smith ego".


As such we could be in for a "ding-dong" as NRL.com puts it, even though Smith refuted the comments.


The Knights need a win to fend off the chasing pack behind them and the Roosters will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon - and for that they need points now and not later.


Betting ahead of the game will get you 1.15 for the Knights – but some could well be tempted by the idea of an upset at 5.50 for the Roosters, both with Sportsbet.