The 2024 NRL season is tight, with plenty of players injured or in and out of form, as clubs look to make their runs through the Origin period, tipping eight winners each weekend is nearly impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Dolphins vs. Wests Tigers, Suncorp Stadium, Sunday May 19, 6:25pm (AEST)
The Dolphins are not your most reliable team in the competition, but they have won their last two clashes, including last week against the Sea Eagles. With the return of star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow they have moved the elusive Trai Fuller out of the team, even though many expected him to take on a bench role.
The Tigers tried all day against the Knights last week in Tamworth, but they make a lot of errors and lack the finishing power to take advantage of any opposition errors. They haven't enjoyed a win since they upset the Eels in Round 4 and are starting to drift back into some of their old habits. Losing becomes all too familiar and everyone is clutching desperately to find the answers, trying too hard and making mistakes.
At their home ground with a big Magic Round crowd cheering them on, the Dolphins will take care of the Tigers.
Round 11 sure thing: Dolphins
The toss of the coin
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. Sydney Roosters, Suncorp Stadium, Saturday May 18, 5:30pm (AEST)
The Sharks silenced some critics last week with a gitty win over the Storm, however the Storm were missing half of their spine for that game. Still, the Sharks stuck to their game and did enough to collect the two points and remain at the top of the ladder.
The Roosters were impressive once again, jumping out to a comfortable lead early against the Warriors before coasting home to victory. When they click the Roosters are very hard to stop and with Angus Crichton in brilliant form, the forwards are causing as many headaches as the backs.
This shapes as a classic contest between two form sides, with Top 4 positions on the line. A real toss of the coin game, where my coin has landed with the Roosters side up, despite them missing Joseph Manu.
Toss of the coin game winner: Roosters
The roughie
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, Friday May 17, 8:05pm (AEST)
The successful run of the roughie teams continued last week, with the Titans upsetting the Cowboys. This week I have a feeling about the Sea Eagles, who have been disappointing over the past two weeks, blowing a big lead against the Raiders, before falling to the Dolphins last week.
Although they will be without Tom Trbojevic, they have been known to pull a tough upset out of the hat, even without their star fullback. Origin is rapidly approaching and Daly Cherry-Evans would love nothing more than to have a blinder at Suncorp against the Broncos.
I'm not terribly confident about this call, the Broncos really should win, but if you are looking for a Magic Round roughie, the Sea Eagles could be your team.
Round 11 roughie: Sea Eagles
Click here for a full guide to Round 11 of the 2024 NRL season