The race for the final spot in the Top 8 continues as the 2024 NRL season reaches its penultimate round. There are five teams who all need to win this weekend or they can kiss the finals goodbye.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 29
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue Reserves: 20. Tomas Chester 21. Marly Bitungane
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Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Grant Anderson 8. Lazarus Vaalepu 9. Tyran Wishart 10. Christian Welch 11. Kane Bradley 12. Joe Chan 13. Alec MacDonald Bench: 14. Keagan Russell-Smith 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Ativalu Lisati 17. Tristan Powell Reserves: 18. Coby Williamson 19. Ammaron Gudgeon
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Drew Oultram, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: The Storm secured the minor premiership last week with a big win over the Dolphins and will give some of their key players a rest for this trip to FNQ. The Cowboys had last week off after flogging the Raiders the week before, the same Raiders who beat the Panthers last week. If you believe in form lines the Cowboys should win this one at home.
Tip: Cowboys by 8
PointsBet odds: Cowboys $1.24 (-13.5 $1.90) Storm $4.10 (+13.5 $1.90)
Friday, August 30
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Accor Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran Reserves: 21. Drew Hutchison 20. Jack Underhill
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Matthew Lodge Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Karl Lawton
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Matt Noyen Belinda Sharpe Bunker: Gerard Sutton
Prediction: The Bulldogs continued their mighty season with a convincing victory over the Warriors last week, while the Sea Eagles turned in a shocker at Leichhardt Oval to lose to the Tigers. The Sea Eagles have bounce back ability about them, and surely Luke Brooks won't be as fazed by playing at Accor Stadium. Still the Bulldogs have all the momentum going into this one and have proven previously that they can win without captain Stephen Crichton.
Tip: Bulldogs by 10
PointsBet odds: Bulldogs $1.57 (-4.5 $1.90) Sea Eagles $2.40 (+4.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
BlueBet Stadium, 8pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To'o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer Reserves: 18. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Casey McLean
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Taane Milne 4. Fletcher Myers 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 12. Tallis Duncan 15. Jacob Host 11. Keaon Koloamatangi Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Siliva Havili 19. Liam Le Blanc Reserves: 18. Dean Hawkins 22. Richard Kennar
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: David Munro, Kieren Irons Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: I can't believe I am writing this, but the Panthers have lost back-to-back games to drop out of the race for the minor premiership. They currently sit in fourth position, with the Bulldogs hot on their tails. They really need to win this game against a Rabbitohs team that just doesn't seem to care anymore. Surely at home they will get the campaign back on track in a big way.
Tip: Panthers by 24
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.13 (-17.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $6 (+17.5 $1.90)
Saturday, August 31
Parramatta Eels vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
CommBank Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
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 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Morgan Harper 22. Ofahiki Ogden
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 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner Reserves: 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Mikaele Ravalawa 20. Michael Molo 21. Connor Muhleisen 22. Moses Suli
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Jon Stone, Chris Sutton Bunker: Matt Noyen
Prediction: The Eels are in a desperate battle to avoid the wooden spoon, while the Dragons are in an equally dire fight to remain in the Top 8. After their loss to the Sharks last week, there are four teams lining up to jump the Dragons into the finals, headed by the Broncos. The Eels are still capable of playing some red hot football, but perhaps not for the full 80 minutes. This could go either way, but you would have to think the Dragons have more to play for.
Tip: Dragons by 8
PointsBet odds: Eels $2.20 (+2.5 $1.90) Dragons $1.67 (-2.5 $1.90)
Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos
Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
Dolphins: 20. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 3. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Kenny Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone Bench: 7. Isaiya Katoa 22. Jeremy Marshall-King 19. Tevita Pangai Junior 14. Mason Teague Reserves: 18. Lachlan Hubner 21. Anthony Milford 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Tesi Niu 17. Kurt Donoghoe
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. Benjamin Te Kura 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau Reserves: 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Corey Oates 21. Cory Paix 22. Payne Haas
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Jarrod Cole, Michael Wise Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Dolphins have been awful of late, losing seven of their last nine games, including a thumping at the hands of the Storm last week. The Broncos found a bit of hope in their win over the Eels last week with Adam Reynolds leading the way. These two teams are both on 26 points, one win out of the Top 8, with the Broncos holding a 25-point advantage in their differentials. Which team will continue to fight for a finals berth and which team will end their season?
Tip: Dolphins by 2
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $2.65 (+6.5 $1.85) Broncos $1.48 (-6.5 $1.95)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. New Zealand Warriors
PointsBet Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 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: 18. Chris Veaila 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Billy Burns 22. Nicho Hynes
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Ali Leiataua 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 20. Leka Halasima 21. Edward Kosi 22. Paul Roache 23. Jacob Laban
Officials
Referee: Chris Butler Touchies: Drew Oultram, Phil Henderson Bunker: Grant Atkin
Prediction: The Sharks were simply too good for the Dragons last week in Wollongong, while the Warriors couldn't lift for Shaun Johnson's last home game, capitulating to the Bulldogs. As I have said all year, you never know when the Warriors will click into gear, but the safe bet has been to tip against them. They surely won't be able to beat the Sharks in Cronulla.
Tip: Sharks by 16
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.18 (-14.5 $1.95) Warriors $4.95 (+14.5 $1.85)
Sunday, September 1
Newcastle Knights vs. Gold Coast Titans
McDonald Jones Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Brodie Jones 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Thomas Cant Reserves: 18. Kyle McCarthy
Titans: 22. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 13. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu Bench: 14. Josiah Pahulu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 19. Keenan Palasia Reserves: 18. Tanah Boyd
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Daniel Luttringer, Liam Kennedy Bunker: Matt Noyen
Prediction: The Knights were too hungry last week against the Rabbitohs, but still leaked some points, while the Titans were impressive at times, before being lapped by the Roosters. The Knights still have a chance of sneaking into the Top 8, while the Titans' season is over, however, an upset is not out of the question here. If Kalyn Ponga continues to contribute more each weekend, the Knights should win this.
Tip: Knights by 10
PointsBet odds: Knights $1.35 (-9.5 $1.90) Titans $3.20 (+9.5 $1.90)
Sydney Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders
Allianz Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Nat Butcher Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May Reserves: 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 21. Adam Cook 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi Reserves: 18. Jed Stuart 19. Zac Woolford
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: David Munro, Chris Sutton Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Raiders shocked the rugby league world with an upset victory over the Panthers last week, while the Roosters ran the Titans ragged in the Gold Coast sun. The Raiders are still in with a shot at the Top 8, while the Roosters need to keep winning to stay in second position. Can the Raiders produce another giant killing performance? Not against the Roosters.
Tip: Roosters by 18
PointsBet odds: Roosters $1.18 (-14.5 $1.90) Raiders $4.95 (+14.5 $1.90)
BYE:
Tigers
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.