The 2024 NRL season is set to be tight, with plenty of player movement during the offseason as clubs hope to turn their fortunes around or maintain their dominance. Tipping eight winners each weekend is going to be near impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Penrith Panthers vs. Wests Tigers, Carrington Park, Bathurst, Saturday April 20, 3pm (AEST)
The Panthers had the bye last week, a chance to regather and refocus after their unexpected big loss to the Sea Eagles the week before. The Tigers made way too many errors in losing to the Dragons.
The Tigers always lift when playing the top sides and seem to have an affinity with Bathurst, but Ivan Cleary's Panthers will be very keen to get the ship back on course towards a fourth-straight premiership.
Although this season has proven time and again that anything can happen, I think I am more confident about this sure thing than I have been about any others.
Round 7 sure thing: Panthers
The toss of the coin
Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Storm, Allianz Stadium, Thursday April 18, 7:50pm (AEST)
The Roosters welcome back inspirational skipper James Tedesco for this true test of their premiership hopes. They managed to narrowly beat the Knights last week with Joseph Manu brilliant in Tedesco's jersey. The Storm are clearly a step up in class.
Last week Melbourne struggled to defeat the Bulldogs, who have been steadily improving. The Storm spine is back in business and they will be very keen to improve on that performance.
This is a true toss of the coin game, with both teams desperate to get the points against a team they fully expect to see in the finals. I think the Roosters forwards might come out on top, with Brandon Smith directing them around the ruck. My coin has landed with the Roosters side face up, but it did spin on its edge for quite a few agonising minutes.
Toss of the coin game winner: Roosters
The roughie
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. New Zealand Warriors, WIN Stadium, Friday April 20, 6pm (AEST)
The Warriors really need to win games like this one convincingly if anyone is going to continue to take their title aspirations seriously. They let the Sea Eagles get out to a big lead last weekend before chasing them down and escaping with the draw.
The Dragons can beat almost anyone on their day, but they rarely seem to have that day. Last week they were sloppy, but still managed to beat the Tigers comfortably.
For this upset to occur, the Warriors need to be off their game, which does happen, and the Dragons have to be as sharp as they can be, which could happen. At home, in front of a packed WIN stadium, the Dragons could be a bit of value if you are looking for an upset.
Round 7 roughie: Dragons
Click here for a full guide to Round 7 of the 2024 NRL season