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 a perfect round is nearly impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Sydney Roosters vs. North Queensland Cowboys, Allianz Stadium, Sunday June 2, 4:05pm (AEST)
I've had a bit of trouble picking a sure thing of late, even the Broncos couldn't get home against the Titans last week. This weeks' round is obviously tainted by players being away for Origin duty, but I have singled this game out for a player who wont be away on Origin duty. This time every year, the Roosters have to cope without their captain and star fullback James Tedesco. This year new Blues coach Michael Maguire has made the bold decision to leave Tedesco out and the move would have been a real kick to Tedesco's pride.
The Cowboys have been so inconsistent within games. They put on bursts of attacking brilliance and defensive resolve, then they'll go completely off the boil for chunks of the game. It has cost them wins this year and has driven coach Todd Payten to despair. Against a quality team like the Roosters, it will cost them dearly.
The Roosters should win this one comfortably at home.
Round 13 sure thing: Roosters
The toss of the coin
Newcastle Knights vs. Canterbury Bankstown, McDonald Jones Stadium, Friday May 31, 8pm (AEST)
The last time these two teams met in Round 7, the Bulldogs had a big win. The Knights have some injury issues, but lose no one to Origin this year, while the Bulldogs lose their best two players in Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton.
These two are in a battle for a spot at the bottom of the Top 8 and the Knights currently sit in seventh on for and against. The Bulldogs need to win these clashes to stay in the hunt for the finals. It could go either way, but with the Origin stars out and the game being played in Newcastle, I'm going with the Knights.
Toss of the coin game winner: Knights
The roughie
Dolphins vs. Canberra Raiders, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, Saturday June 1, 7:35pm (AEST)
The Dolphins weren't every convincing last week for a team with finals asperations. The Warriors battered them and crashed through for the victory. The Raiders were ordinary against the Roosters and paid the price in front of a big home crowd.
This really should be a win to the Dolphins, but you never know what the Raiders are going to produce on any given day. If you are looking for a roughie, the Raiders could give you some value against a Dolphins side that remains very beatable.
Round 13 roughie: Raiders
Click here for a full guide to Round 13 of the 2024 NRL season