Biggest Winners – Broncos

Billy Walters

After missing time with a knee injury, Walters returns via the interchange, while veteran Ben Hunt has been shifted out of the starting side following Brisbane’s loss to North Queensland. Walters’ energy around the ruck provides the Broncos with a different attacking dynamic.

Betting impact: Walters’ return could inject more speed into Brisbane’s attack once he enters the contest, making the Broncos more dangerous through the middle in the second half.

Va’a Semu

With Preston Riki ruled out for the season, Semu has been named to start in the front row alongside Payne Haas. It’s a huge opportunity for the young forward to cement his place against a physical Newcastle pack.

Betting impact: Increased minutes should boost Semu’s involvement through the middle and help Brisbane establish early momentum.

Adam Reynolds

The Broncos captain again partners Ezra Mam in the halves and remains the key to Brisbane’s kicking game. With finals hopes fading, Reynolds’ game management becomes even more important.

Betting impact: Reynolds remains Brisbane’s best option in try assist and kicking-related player markets.

Biggest Losers – Broncos

Ben Hunt

One of the biggest selection calls of Round 22 sees Hunt omitted from the starting side and named on the interchange after Brisbane’s disappointing performance last week.

Preston Riki

Riki’s season is over after undergoing ankle surgery, leaving Brisbane without one of its most reliable edge forwards.

Broncos middle rotation

The loss of Riki places extra pressure on Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Xavier Willison to win the battle through the middle against a refreshed Knights pack.

Biggest Winners – Knights

Kalyn Ponga

Ponga returns from a quad injury to reclaim the No.1 jersey after missing last week’s clash. His speed, support play and ability to create opportunities immediately transform Newcastle’s attack.

Betting impact: Ponga instantly becomes Newcastle’s best player market option and significantly boosts the Knights’ attacking upside.

Dane Gagai

Gagai also returns to the starting side, restoring valuable experience to Newcastle’s backline alongside Bradman Best.

Betting impact: The return of Gagai strengthens Newcastle’s edge attack and improves the appeal of the Knights’ outside backs in try-scoring markets.

Sandon Smith

Smith has been named at halfback once again and will partner Fletcher Sharpe in the halves. With Ponga back sweeping behind the ruck, Smith should have more opportunities to play direct and control field position.

Betting impact: Smith’s attacking involvement should increase with Newcastle’s first-choice spine reunited.

Biggest Losers – Knights

Dylan Lucas

Lucas remains sidelined through injury, denying Newcastle one of its most damaging edge forwards.

Dylan Brown

Brown also remains unavailable, continuing Newcastle’s injury concerns despite the return of several key players.

Knights bench

With Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai returning, several younger players drop out of the match-day rotation, reducing Newcastle’s depth across the outside backs.

Early Betting Verdict

The biggest team-list news is the return of Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Jermaine McEwen for Newcastle, giving the Knights a major boost across the spine and backline. Brisbane has responded to last week’s defeat by making significant changes, including Billy Walters’ return and Ben Hunt’s move to the bench, while also covering the season-ending loss of Preston Riki. From a betting perspective, Ponga’s return is the biggest Team List Tuesday development, while the Broncos’ reshuffled rotation creates fresh player market opportunities heading into Saturday night’s clash.