This week's NRL action promises pivotal matches as teams vie for finals berths and premiership hopes. The Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors, coming off bye weeks, aim to rebound from close Round 18 losses. The South Sydney Rabbitohs, after a five-game winning streak ended by the Dolphins, face the struggling Wests Tigers. The Newcastle Knights host the Brisbane Broncos in a crucial clash for finals aspirations. The Melbourne Storm look to solidify their minor premiership hopes against the Sydney Roosters. The Penrith Panthers, boosted by Nathan Cleary's return, take on the Dolphins. The Manly Sea Eagles face the Gold Coast Titans, both eyeing finals spots, while the North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs clash in Townsville, each seeking a critical win for their finals ambitions.
After a bye week to regroup from their close Round 18 losses, both the Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors are ready to bounce back. The Warriors narrowly lost 13-12 to the Bulldogs, with injuries depleting their bench. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is out until Round 22, but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya are expected to return for the Canberra trip, alongside Paul Roache. Coach Andrew Webster will assess Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell post-Origin. The Raiders, defeated 16-12 by Newcastle, aim to break a four-game home losing streak at GIO Stadium. Injuries persist, but Jordan Martin and Jamal Fogarty are set for comebacks in this clash of the soon-to-be 2025 Las Vegas teams. If Jamal can find some of his pre-injury form, combined with the youthful exuberance of the Raiders up and comers, the Wahs could be in for an ambush from a Canberra side really battling to keep their season alive. I’m tipping the Raiders by 14 points.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs' five-game winning streak ended with a narrow 36-28 loss to the Dolphins due to poor goal-kicking. In Round 20, they head to Gosford to face the struggling Wests Tigers, who are coming off a dismal 58-6 defeat to the Sharks. The Tigers may be without skipper Api Koroisau (calf injury) and Alex Seyfarth (head knock), but could see returns from Justin Olam, Alex Twal, Junior Tupou, and Isaiah Papali'i. The Bunnies might also welcome back Siliva Havili and Tevita Tatola from injuries. Skipper Cameron Murray is expected to play despite participating in the Origin decider. Despite tipping them last week, it appears to be the blind leading the blind in Tigertown, and I can’t reasonably foresee anything changing anytime soon. I’m going to have to tip South Sydney by 24 points.
The Newcastle Knights host the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night in a crucial match for both teams' finals hopes, with only eight rounds left. The Knights, sitting 10th with 20 points, and the Broncos, 13th with 18 points, are both eager to rebound from recent losses and close the gap in a tight competition where only four points separate the 8th-placed Cowboys and 15th-placed Rabbitohs. After a 44-6 defeat to Manly, Knights coach Adam O'Brien aims to welcome back Origin stars Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, and Bradman Best. Similarly, the Broncos hope to snap a six-game losing streak with the return of their representative players. It’s do or die for the Broncos, who need to win six of their last seven games in order to play finals football and because of that, I’d expect most, if not all, of the Broncos State of Origin stars to back up and help lift their side. The Brisbane club is built on success and accepts nothing less. I’m tipping Brisbane by 10 points.
The Melbourne Storm aim to solidify their minor premiership hopes against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Melbourne leads the Panthers by four points, with the Roosters two points behind in third. The Storm won their last encounter in Round 7, 18-12, but the Roosters have since developed the league's most potent attack, scoring 136 points in four consecutive wins before their Round 19 bye. The Storm, with only one home loss and a five-game winning streak, also had a bye last week. Coach Craig Bellamy anticipates the return of Harry Grant and Nick Meaney. The Roosters hope their Origin players, including Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, and Angus Crichton, stay fit for the match. Ultimately, I think the might of Melbourne in Melbourne will prove to be too much for the Tri-Colours and Storm will walk away victorious by 6 points.
The Penrith Panthers return to the foot of the mountain to host the Dolphins. Penrith’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership intensifies with the return of star halfback Nathan Cleary, who has been sidelined since Round 10 due to a hamstring injury. Despite Cleary's limited playtime, the Panthers remain in the top four with a 4-3 record in his absence. With only one of their final eight games against a current top-four team, they are well-positioned for a strong finish. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, eyeing their first finals berth, have secured nine wins this season. They face a setback with Euan Aitken's pectoral injury but hope Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi return healthy from Origin Three for their challenging match against the Panthers. If Ivan Cleary elects to play son Nathan this week or not, I think Penrith will still prove to be far too strong for the Dolphins. I’m tipping the Panthers by 14 points.
The Manly Sea Eagles are set for an exciting home game against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, promising high-scoring action. Manly, coming off an eight-try victory over the Knights, holds seventh place, while the Titans, with three consecutive wins, including a 24-16 triumph over the Eels, are aiming for a finals spot. Key players Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson, and David Fifita bolster the Titans' attack. The Sea Eagles will assess Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic post-Origin, possibly resting them ahead of a crucial Round 21 clash with the Roosters as they prepare for a final push towards September. I’m expecting an upset in this one, with coach Des Hasler gearing up to take down his old club. I’m tipping the Titans by 7 points.
In a crucial Townsville clash, the North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vie for a significant step towards a finals berth. The Cowboys have won only three of seven home games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2024 and must capitalize on their remaining home matches. Coach Todd Payten will evaluate Origin stars Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Val Holmes, and Jeremiah Nanai before Sunday’s game. The Bulldogs, boosted by two golden point wins, are eyeing their first finals appearance since 2016. Despite injuries to Max King and Jacob Preston, their resilience sets the stage for a tough road challenge. Last season, the Bulldogs edged out a 15-14 victory with Matt Burton’s clutch performance. It seems highly likely that the Dogs will welcome back their three Origin representatives, and with the determination deeply seeded into the club’s DNA, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see them jag a win on the road this Sunday. North Queensland have really struggled in defence this season, and I’m sure that will be the difference in this game. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 14 points.
As the NRL season approaches its climax, every game becomes crucial for teams vying for finals spots and premiership glory. The Raiders, Souths, Broncos, Storm, Panthers, Titans and Bulldogs to get the two points, while the Dragons, Sharks and Eels will all welcome the week off. Each matchup holds significant implications, promising an exciting round of NRL action. If you haven’t got your NRL Supporter gear for season 2024 yet, be sure to head in store or online to Jerseys Megastore. The Winter Clearance Sale is on now, with 20%, 30% and 50% off selected items, and while stocks last! Be sure to make the most of your supporter experience with Jersey’s Megastore- for all things footy!
