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
Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sunday June 23, 4:05pm (AEST)
Yes the Tigers had a spirit-raising victory last week against the Titans at Leichhardt Oval and yes, the Raiders were completely embarrassed at home by the previously uninspiring Cowboys. Yes, this column did suggest that the Sharks were sure things to beat the Dolphins last week. But, the Raiders simply can not lose this game at Campbelltown. If they do, Ricky Stuart will have them walk back to the ACT.
The Raiders are teetering on the brink of tumbling out of the Top 8 and must beat any team dwelling as far down the ladder as the Tigers. Their form has been mixed this season, but they often respond to a Stuart spray following a big defeat. They really appear to have application problems, but on their day can tally up a score against any team. Unfortunately on their bad days, they are awful.
When these two teams met in Round 2, the Raiders were comfortable 32-12 winners in Canberra. This game might be closer, but if the Raiders don't win you will hear Stuart's rant all the way from Campbelltown.
Round 16 sure thing: Raiders
The toss of the coin
Dolphins vs. Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium, Friday June 21, 8pm (AEST)
The Dolphins tore the Sharks apart last week, before leaking a few points to make it a tougher than necessary win. The Storm were in an arm wrestle against the Warriors before tearing their arm clean off. Both teams will be depleted by Origin duties, with the Dolphins losing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi, while the Storm lose Xavier Coates and Harry Grant.
At home and with the confidence gained last week against the Sharks, the Dolphins should be well in this contest. Trai Fuller has proven to be a more than adequate replacement for The Hammer and the Storm will really miss Grant. I'm going to lean towards the Storm, who have Ryan Papenhuyzen returning at fullback, mainly because I learned a lesson last week about tipping against them.
Toss of the coin game winner: Storm
The roughie
It is a little surprising that the Bulldogs are considered the outsiders for this clash. The Roosters have lost Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins and Connor Watson to Origin duties and Joseph Suaali'i to suspension. The Bulldogs lose Stephen Crichton to Origin, but enjoy the return of Matt Burton from perennial 18th man duties. He'll be fired up to prove that he deserved a run with the Blues.
The Bulldogs have been slowly building their attacking prowess on the back of a league-leading defence. Crichton is a big weapon and will be missed, but the spine has been combining particularly well and should be able to break down the Roosters defence, especially with so many key defenders missing.
An upset victory here for the Bulldogs will have them barking at a Top 4 spot.
Round 16 roughie: Bulldogs
Click here for a full guide to Round 16 of the 2024 NRL season