Just three rounds remain in the 2024 NRL season with places still up for grabs in both the Top 8 and the Top 4. This is also the time of year when the also-rans do their best to claim a victory over finals-bound teama.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 22
Wests Tigers vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Leichhardt Oval, 7:50pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali'i Bench: 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal Reserves: 18. Tim Johannssen 19. Tallyn Da Silva
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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 15. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Corey Waddell Reserves: 19. Toafofoa Sipley 20. Jamie Humphreys
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Belinda Sharpe, Matt Noyen Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Tigers held on to beat the Rabbitohs last week showing a greater desire than their opposition. The Sea Eagles were way too polished for the Warriors at Brookvale and will be fired up to avoid a Leichhardt Oval ambush. Manly are only three points out of the Top 4 and still have ambitions of sneaking past the Bulldogs and Sharks. They should be too good for the Tigers.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 24
PointsBet odds: Tigers $4.50 (+14.5 $1.90) Sea Eagles $1.20 (-14.5 $1.90)
Friday, August 23
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Go Media Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula Reserves: 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Edward Kosi
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 10. Samuel Hughes 9. Reed Mahoney 23. Max King 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon Reserves: 21. Eli Clark 20. Lipoi Hopoi
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Jarrod Cole, Michael Wise Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Warriors were outplayed in the wet by the Sea Eagles last week, while the Bulldogs continued their impressive run, holding the Dolphins to zero second half points in their 30-10 victory. The Warriors have been very disappointing this year, but are still capable of beating any side in the competition when they are fully switched on. They do have a big day planned for Shaun Johnson, but it is very tough to tip them.
Tip: Bulldogs by 10
PointsBet odds: Warriors $2.65 (+6.5 $1.85) Bulldogs $1.48 (-6.5 $1.95)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels
Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (AEST)
Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau Reserves: 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Fletcher Baker
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Shaun Lane 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue Bench: 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir Reserves: 18. Jake Tago 19. Matt Doorey
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Phil Henderson, Dan Schwass Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Broncos had a bye last weekend, while the Eels almost drowned in the wet against the Roosters. Mathematically the Broncos can still make the finals, while the Eels will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and to show incoming coach Jason Ryles that they deserve contracts at the club. The Broncos at home should keep their slim Top 8 aspirations alive for another week.
Tip: Broncos by 16
PointsBet odds: Broncos $1.35 (-9.5 $1.90) Eels $3.20 (+9.5 $1.90)
Saturday, August 24
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers
GIO Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi Reserves: 18. Adam Cook 19. Zac Woolford 20. Trey Mooney 21. Jed Stuart 22. Corey Horsburgh
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Jack Cole Reserves: 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Luke Garner 21. Luron Patea 22. Sunia Turuva
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Daniel Luttringer, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was scathing in his criticism of the team after their meek performance last week against the Cowboys. The Panthers lost Nathan Cleary late in the game against the Storm and subsequently lost by two points. They have reset themselves for the run to the finals without Cleary and will be too good for the Raiders, even if they do lift following the Stuart blast.
Tip: Panthers by 22
PointsBet odds: Raiders $3.20 (+9.5 $1.95) Panthers $1.35 (-9.5 $1.85)
Melbourne Storm vs. Dolphins
AAMI Park, 5:30pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Tyran Wishart 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald Reserves: 18. Marion Seve 19. Kane Bradley 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Christian Welch
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich Bench: 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O'Sullivan Reserves: 18. Mason Teague 19. Tesi Niu 20. Trai Fuller 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Josh Kerr
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Drew Oultram, David Munro Bunker: Matt Noyen
Prediction: The Storm took a giant step towards the minor premiership last week with an impressive victory over the Panthers, while the Dolphins were shut down by the defence of the Bulldogs. The Storm will be keen to sharpen up a few aspects of their game ahead of the finals, while the Dolphins are still a chance of making the finals, but must start their charge with a victory in Melbourne.
Tip: Storm by 12
PointsBet odds: Storm $1.17 (-14.5 $1.90) Dolphins $5 (+14.5 $1.90)
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights
Accor Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell Reserves: 18. Siliva Havili 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson 22. Tyrone Munro
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. Sebastian Su'a 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. David Armstrong
Officials
Referee: Chris Butler Touchies: Damian Brady, Jon Stone Bunker: Peter Gough
Prediction: The Rabbitohs are just going through the motions now, wishing that their horror season would hurry up and end. They fought back against the Tigers last week, but couldn't catch them and didn't really deserve to win. The Knights had plenty of opportunities to upset the Sharks in Cronulla, but just couldn't get the job done, all but ending their chances of making the finals
Tip: Knights by 18
PointsBet odds: Rabbitohs $2.45 (+6.5 $1.85) Knights $1.55 (-6.5 $1.95)
Sunday, August 25
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sydney Roosters
Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 14. AJ Brimson 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall Bench: 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 19. Keenan Palasia Reserves: 18. Tanah Boyd
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Nat Butcher Bench: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May Reserves: 18. Michael Jennings
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Chris Sutton, Nick Morel Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Titans' season finally fizzled out thanks to their disappointing effort against the Dragons last week, while the Roosters were impressive against the Eels, despite the appalling conditions. The Titans are still capable of causing a few upsets, but the Roosters will be too focussed on their quest for a second-place finish to slip up here.
Tip: Roosters by 24
PointsBet odds: Titans $5 (+15.5 $1.90) Roosters $1.17 (-15.5 $1.90)
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
WIN Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Tom Eisenhuth Bench: 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Blake Lawrie 20. Michael Molo Reserves:18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Mikaele Ravalawa
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 18. Mawene Hiroti 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton Reserves: 21. Chris Veaila 19. Billy Burns
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Liam Kennedy, Kieren Irons Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Dragons were too good for the Titans last week, while the Sharks were lucky to get away with a golden point victory over the Knights. Both teams have everything to play for here. a loss to the Dragons could see them slip out of the Top 8, whilst a loss to the Sharks could see them slip out of the Top 4. If the Dragons are fully switched on they could snatch a win here at home.
Tip: Dragons by 6
PointsBet odds: Dragons $2.25 (+3.5 $1.85) Sharks $1.65 (-3.5 $1.95)
BYE:
Cowboys
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.