As the 2024 State of Origin series wraps up the attention immediately turns to a thrilling NRL Top 8 race – and Round 20 features a string of critical encounters. 

Alongside several mid-table showdowns, there’s a top-four blockbuster, while at least two marquee halfbacks are set to return from long-term injury absences. 

Round 20 kicks off with the first of several massive swing matches between NRL finals hopefuls: slumping Canberra hosting the up-and-down, injury-hit Warriors.

The Raiders sit 11th on 20 points; the Warriors are one point back in 12th. 

Canberra has lost four straight, following up embarrassing blowouts against North Queensland and Wests with low-scoring defeats at the hands of Melbourne and Newcastle before last weekend’s bye. 

The Green Machine welcome back No.7 linchpin Jamal Fogarty in a timely boost, as well as valuable back-rowers Hudson Young and Zac Hosking, Kaeo Weekes remains in the side at fullback. 

The Warriors had the bye weekend to recuperate from a brave but courageous golden point loss to Canterbury.

The upshot is they will be without Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Marcelo Montoya this week, on top of Tohu Harris’ season-ending injury news.   

Livewire Taine Tuaupiki gets a chance at fullback, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shifting to the wing and Ali Leiataua coming in at centre, Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell have both been named to back up 48 hours after the Origin decider. 

The Warriors are on a three-match winning streak against the Raiders, including a hard-fought 18-10 result in Christchurch in Round 3. 

Their outstanding 36-14 victory in Canberra in Round 15 last year was the Warriors’ fourth from their last six matches at GIO Stadium. 

The Raiders are also striving to avoid five straight losses at the venue for the first time since 2014 after some horrendous performances at home over the past couple of months. 

The Warriors’ last outing uncovered some chinks in the make-up of flavour-of-the-month halfback Te Maire Martin, but the addition of Tuaupiki should alleviate some playmaking pressure. Barnett’s ability to back is a make-or-break factor – he has been the heart and soul of the Warriors’ pack.   

The Raiders are the narrowest of $1.87 favourites but have shown little recently.

Expect the desperate nature of both teams’ finals prospects to be reflected by a low-scoring cliff-hanger. 

Tip: Back Either team to win by less than 10.5 points @ $1.90

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / UNDER 47.5 TOTAL POINTS / ALI LEIATAUA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / MATT TIMOKO ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $56.37

South Sydney’s remarkable rally hit a roadblock last week, but battling Wests Tigers provided the Rabbitohs with the opportunity to keep their faint finals hopes afloat. 

Souths won five straight to roar back into Top 8 contention but went down 36-28 to the Dolphins last Thursday without injured talisman Latrell Mitchell and NSW back-rower Cam Murray. 

The match finished six tries apiece with goalkicking proving the difference, though the Rabbitohs did score two tries in the last six minutes – by which stage the match was already over as a contest. 

After a brief two-game tear, the Tigers have resumed normal transmission by conceding 138 points in their last three games.

Last Friday’s 58-6 defeat to Cronulla was their worst effort of the season. 

Jai Arrow has been added to Souths’ casualty ward, but he’ll be replaced this week by Murray – Origin recovery pending and Siliva Havili returns from a calf injury on the bench. 

The Tigers’ woes are compounded by an injury to skipper Api Koroisau, which gives Tallyn Da Silva a chance at hooker.

Luke Laulilii comes back on a wing for the injured Alex Lobb, while Latu Fainu and Alex Twal return to the bench for Heath Mason and Reuben Porter. 

The Rabbitohs have won seven of their last eight against the Tigers, including the last three encounters by 13+ margins.

A similar result appears a formality for a side that has had little trouble piling on points with the likes of Cody Walker and Jack Wighton steering the ship. 

Tip: Back the Rabbitohs to Win by 13+ @ $2.00

SGM: RABBITOHS TO WIN BY 21-30 / OVER 52.5 TOTAL POINTS / JACK WIGHTON ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ALEX JOHNSTON TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES @ $43.76

Brisbane is desperate to snap a six-match losing streak and join 10th-placed Newcastle on 20 competition points, with a significant Origin load for both sides clouding this pivotal showdown at McDonald Jones Stadium. 

The Broncos slumped to 13th on the ladder with a 30-26 home loss to St George Illawarra last Saturday, leaking four unanswered tries in a horror 20-minute period before staging a late rally. 

It’s a long road to the finals for the Broncos if they lose their seventh match in a row – a fate that has befallen the club just three times in its history. 

Their chances this weekend hinge on who gets elevated to the 17 from the reserves contingent named on Tuesday: Origin quartet Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, and long-term injured linchpin Adam Reynolds. 

The Knights revived their campaign with back-to-back wins over Parramatta and Canberra, but they were consistently horrendous in defence in a 44-6 road loss to Manly last Sunday.

Backline trumps Kalyn Ponga, who played his first match in 11 weeks in the win over the Raiders, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai have all been named to back up from the Origin decider. 

But it’s a pack that was steamrolled by the Sea Eagles that needs to step up and provide a platform for the fledgling combination of Will Pryce and Jackson Hastings. 

The Broncos have won their last four against the Knights, who boast just two wins from their last nine at home in this rivalry, last year’s sole clash was a 24-20 thriller at Suncorp Stadium. 

The Knights arguably shape as the better head-to-head value at $2.10, with the out-of-sorts Broncos under immense pressure and shouldering a heavier representative burden. 

But in a coin-flip encounter, consider backing these clubs to produce a match total of 48 or less for the eighth time in nine meetings. 

Tip: Back Under 49.5 Total Points @ $1.90

SGM: KNIGHTS +3.5 / 41-50 TOTAL POINTS / BRENDAN PIAKURA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DEINE MARINER & GREG MARZHEW TO HAVE 2+ TRIES COMBINED @ $115.47

Ladder-leading Melbourne Storm host third-placed Sydney Roosters in an absolute blockbuster and potential finals preview, boasting a massive recent rivalry edge. 

The Storm have won nine of the teams’ last 10 clashes, including last season’s Semi-Final barnburner – snatching a late 18-13 win at AAMI Park with a Will Warbrick try – and a gritty 18-12 win at the SFS in Round 7 this year. 

Melbourne is four points clear of the field after winning its last five matches, albeit none of them overly convincingly.

Only one was by a margin of more than 12 points, while all but one saw the Storm concede 24-plus points – including a 40-28 defeat of the hapless Tigers before the bye. 

The Roosters are building nicely with four straight wins, including convincing victories over the Bulldogs (26-8), Tigers (40-6) and Dragons (42-12) in their last three before the Round 19 bye. 

The Storm welcome Nick Meaney back into the centres, while Harry Grant has been named to back up from Origin – as have Roosters quartet Angus Crichton, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson. 

The Tricolours also get Joseph Sua’ali’i (suspension) and Victor Radley (concussion) back, but Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is out suspended. 

The Storm are 7-1 at AAMI Park this season, while the Roosters venture out of Sydney for the first time since May. 

There’s key individual battles galore – Papenhuyzen v Tedesco, Hughes v Walker – in what shapes as another barnburner between the clubs, but the Storm are tough to resist as a home underdog with much less Origin burden to bear. 

Tip: Back the Storm to Cover the Line (+3.5) @ $1.90

SGM: EITHER SIDE BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / UNDER 47.5 TOTAL POINTS / JAMES TEDESCO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ELIESA KATOA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $49.29

This Sunday afternoon encounter is overwhelmingly about one player, the returning Nathan Cleary – but it’s also a massively important assignment for the Dolphins. 

Penrith, after a gritty 14-6 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium before last week’s bye, have listed Origin reps Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Liam Martin in the reserves, but Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo will be rested. 

Daine Laurie slots in at fullback for the Panthers. Cleary’s first appearance since limping off with a hamstring injury in Round 10 is an enormous boost; Brad Shneider will partner him if Luai does not back up from the decider. 

The sixth-placed Dolphins were on a worrying 1-4 run leading into the Round 18 bye, but they grabbed a much-needed two points from a 36-28 win over streaking Souths last Thursday. 

Trai Fuller was outstanding again at fullback, but he’ll revert to the bench if Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow comes through Origin unscathed.

Maroons enforcer Felise Kaufusi has also been named to back up, but Euan Aitken (pec) has been sidelined.   

The clubs have only met once, with an Origin-depleted Panthers side grafting out a 20-14 win in Redcliffe in Round 20 last year. 

The Dolphins have conceded 24-plus in six straight games, a concerning stat coming up against a Panthers side that has leaked more than 22 just once this season.

With or without Origin players, the discrepancy in defensive steel should prove the difference at Penrith, where the three-time premiers will be fired up to redress the balance after dropping two of their last three home games during an arduous rep program.

Tip: Back Panthers / Under 47.5 Total Points Double @ $2.30

SGM: PANTHERS BY 11-20 / DOLPHINS 11-20 TOTAL POINTS / SCOTT SORENSEN ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $26.75

Another crunch game with seventh-placed Manly hosting fellow in-form, 14th-placed outfit Gold Coast – and Des Hasler’s return to Brookvale adding another edge to this encounter. 

The Sea Eagles have emerged from a season-threatening 2-5 run to win their last two: a gutsy 21-20 golden point victory in Townsville and a 44-6 rout of Newcastle at home. 

With linchpin Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic in Origin camp, the thrashing of the Knights was inspired by Tom Trbojevic’s return to fullback, and young guns Lehi Hopoate and Jamie Humphreys.

DCE and ‘Jurbo’ are set to back up, while Ben Trbojevic returns from concussion protocols. 

The Titans remain an outside chance of finals footy after three straight wins, following up a 66-6 blitz of the Warriors with hard-fought victories over the Sharks (20-16) and Eels (24-16).

Jayden Campbell stole the show against Parramatta, while AJ Brimson returned from injury at fullback but has again been named 18th man – expect a late switch with boom utility Keano Kini likely to start from the bench.

Moeaki Fotuaika is named to play after featuring for Queensland in the decider.   

The teams have split their last 10 encounters, after back-to-back wins for the Titans in 2022-23 (including a 26-10 victory at 4 Pines Park last year), the Sea Eagles held on 34-30 on the Gold Coast in Round 7 this season. 

Ominously for the Titans, Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his last three games against them.

Both sides are stacked with speed and strike out wide, revolving around veteran No.7s – and former premiership partners – Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran.

The Sea Eagles’ 6-1 record at 4 Pines Park is reason enough to get behind the $1.42 favourites. 

Tip: Back the Sea Eagles to Win by 1-12 @ $3.00

SGM: SEA EAGLES WIN / TITANS +7.5 / OVER 51.5 TOTAL POINTS / TOMMY TALAU ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DAVID FIFITA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $62.49

North Queensland and Canterbury are both aiming to consolidate Top 8 positions in this tantalising Townsville round-closer.

The eighth-placed Cowboys, arguably the most inscrutable team in the NRL this year, bookended away wins at Canberra and Penrith with a heavy defeat to the Warriors and a golden point loss to Manly in their past four games. 

The Cowboys have won just one of their last five at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, while all five of their Origin reps have been named in the reserves with Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Jake Granville, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Sam McIntyre the fill-ins named in the starting line-up. 

The Bulldogs have clawed their way to fifth with five wins from their last six games, building their monumental 2024 improvement on a platform of the second-best defensive record in the NRL. 

They edged the Sharks (13-12) and Warriors (15-14) in consecutive golden point thrillers with Matt Burton nailing the decisive field goals – but neither was pretty. 

The latter, in particular, highlighted some offensive shortcomings – scoring only from an intercept and a bomb against a Warriors side decimated by injury. 

The Bulldogs edged the Cowboys 15-14 at Accor Stadium in their only clash last season – via yet another Burton field goal in golden point.

Only one of the teams’ last 13 encounters produced a total of more than 44 points. 

Unbeatable at Accor Stadium, the Bulldogs have not travelled especially well, accumulating a 1-6 record on the road.

But their determination without the ball should be enough to inch past an Origin-weary opponent battling a form funk at home. 

Tip: Back the Bulldogs to Win @ $2.05

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / OVER 46.5 TOTAL POINTS / CONNOR TRACEY ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JACOB KIRAZ ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $55.50

2023

As the 2023 NRL premiership emerges from State of Origin disruption, Round 20 features a host of pivotal showdowns – including huge swing games between Manly and North Queensland, and Parramatta and Gold Coast. 

There’s also a top-six barnburner between the Warriors and Cronulla on the seven-game docket, and daunting assignments for the desperate Roosters and Dolphins. 

Newcastle had the bye after carving out a club-record victory over Canterbury in Round 18 – and the 14th-placed Knights are eyeing off another battler as they strive to keep their faint finals hopes alive. 

As speculation around coach Adam O’Brien swirled, the Knights produced a remarkable 66-0 obliteration of the Bulldogs with Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best running roughshod. They are three points adrift of the Top 8 and have had their full allocation of byes. 

Newcastle’s only change from that line-up sees Dane Gagai return from injury for Enari Tuala, while Best and Jacob Saifiti will be on a 48-hour turnaround from State of Origin if they play. 

It’s been a swift decline for Wests Tigers since a 3-1 run culminated in a 66-18 win over the Cowboys, before almost upsetting Canberra. The last-placed Tigers are now on a five-match losing streak that was highlighted by a historic 74-0 defeat to the Cowboys in Townsville. 

There was admirable spirit on show last Thursday against Cronulla as the Tigers fought from 12-0 down to level the scoreboard at halftime, but they were ultimately overrun 36-12 and are clearly lacking leadership and direction. 

Api Koroisau’s return from a broken jaw is a major bonus for the embattled side, while Alex Twal is also back from a one-week suspension. 

The Knights have won their last three against the Tigers – all producing totals of 30 or less – including a gutsy 14-12 victory at Leichhardt Oval in Round 2 after having Daniel Saifiti sent off in the first half. The Tigers have won four of their last six in Newcastle but went down 26-4 there early last season. 

With just three wins from their last 10 games, the Knights are less than reliable – but there’s a fair bit at stake for them here and they have won four of their last six at home. A potent backline should have a field day against a Tigers side that has leaked 166 points in their last four games. 

Tip: Back the Knights to Cover the Line (-11.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: KNIGHTS 13+ / OVER 45.5 POINTS / KALYN PONGA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DOMINIC YOUNG TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES @ $11.23 

Their pride restored somewhat last weekend, Canterbury Bulldogs head back to Belmore Sports Ground for a clash with the high-flying Brisbane Broncos. 

The ailing Bulldogs were pumped 66-0 at home to Newcastle in Round 18. But with the key addition of Gold Coast halfback Toby Sexton and some line-up tweaks, they responded with a stirring 36-32 win over (albeit heavily depleted) South Sydney – their first since Round 12. 

Impressive rookie winger Blake Wilson bagged a hat-trick and Jake Averillo shone at fullback, but the big takeaway was the fledgling combination between Sexton and Matt Burton, who was allowed to revert to five-eighth. 

Wilson retains his spot despite NSW winger Josh Addo-Carr’s return, with Jacob Kiraz moving to centre and debutant Ethan Quai-Ward dropping out. Ryan Sutton (neck) is out, which sees Raymond Faitala-Mariner go to prop and Corey Waddell come back in at lock for the 6-11 Bulldogs. 

The Broncos have a share of the competition lead and the best record in the NRL (12-5). They’ve won four of their last five and have largely navigated the Origin period well, but they were upset by the Titans 18-12 before a Selwyn Cobbo hat-trick inspired a fast-finishing 24-16 win over the Dolphins. 

Injured Blues prop Payne Haas is out, while Maroons counterpart Pat Carrigan has been named in the reserves. Corey Jensen and Kobe Hetherington are named in the pack in their place, while Jesse Arthars joins the bench and Kurt Capewell returns from injury. Reece Walsh remains suspended. 

Brisbane is on a four-match winning streak against Canterbury, including wins at Accor Stadium (16-10) and Suncorp Stadium (34-14) last season. The former snapped a four-match losing streak against the Bulldogs in Sydney. 

It’s a danger game for the $1.40 favourite Broncos, heading into hostile territory against a team with their tails up and missing Walsh, Haas, Flegler and potentially Carrigan. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers at Belmore in Round 3 and will be up for just their fourth match at their spiritual home in five seasons. 

Tip: Back the Bulldogs to Cover the Line (+7.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: BRONCOS BY 1-12 / OVER 45.5 POINTS / HERBIE FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JACOB PRESTON ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $35.47 

A massive clash for both clubs, with North Queensland Cowboys in a share of seventh place (ninth on for-and-against) on 22 points and the outright 10th Manly Sea Eagles just one point back. Both teams are making big contributions to the State of Origin dead-rubber on Wednesday. 

The Sea Eagles have named NSW reps Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic to back up, while the Cowboys have done the same with Queensland trio Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai. Manly also have Dean Matterson debuting off the bench with Ben Trbojevic injured. 

Manly don’t have the feel of a team on the cusp of the Top 8 and rising. The Sea Eagles have lost six of their last nine and lost marquee fullback Tom Trobjevic to a season-ending injury. But they responded to heavy losses to the Eels and Storm with a gripping 18-16 eclipse of the Roosters in Round 18. 

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are arguably the hottest team in the NRL. A four-match winning streak includes a 45-20 win over the Storm, a golden point defeat of the Panthers (with Origin players out), a 31-6 beatdown of Souths and a record-smashing 74-0 destruction of the Tigers. 

The Sea Eagles have won four of their last five against the Cowboys, but they went down in a 28-26 thriller at Brookvale in the clubs’ sole encounter last season. Their last three clashes all produced 54-plus points. 

Few players in the competition are firing quite like Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater in recent weeks, but the unit as a whole seems to have rediscovered the form that carried them to a top-four finish and a prelim in 2022. 

Manly is heavily reliant on the inimitable class and influence of Daly Cherry-Evans. But the Sea Eagles are 5-2 at 4 Pines Park this season, while the Cowboys struggled on the road until taking down the Rabbitohs. A flip of the coin with Manly providing decent value as a $2.25 underdog. 

Tip: Back Either Team to Win by Less Than 10.5 Points @ $1.92 

SGM: SEA EAGLES +4 / UNDER 45.5 POINTS / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / TOLUTAU KOULA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $50.17 

With their byes all done and dusted, and only one remaining game against a team below them on the ladder, time is running out for Sydney Roosters to stake their claim for the finals. 

After winning just two (against the Bulldogs and Knights) of their last eight, it doesn’t get any easier in Round 20 courtesy of a visit from Melbourne Storm. Prior to last week’s bye, they agonisingly went down in cliff-hangers to the Raiders (20-18) at home and the Sea Eagles (18-16) away. 

Some big ins will help the Roosters with Brandon Smith, Jake Turpin, Egan Butcher, Joseph Suaalii and Billy Smith all returning. James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins have been named to back up from Origin. 

The fourth-placed Storm have a point to prove after their 5-1 run – including three straight wins over the Sharks, Tigers and Sea Eagles by a combined 106-22 – was jarringly interrupted in Round 18 by a 34-16 loss to Penrith at AAMI Park. 

The Storm raced out to a big early lead before being overrun. Craig Bellamy’s perennial heavyweights are currently conceding more points per game in 2023 than any season since 2005. 

The Storm are unchanged from Round 18 with Cam Munster, Harry Grant and Xavier Coates listed to play in the wake of Origin III. 

The Storm have won six of their last seven against the Roosters. The Storm carved out an emphatic 28-8 victory at AAMI Park in Round 6 with Xavier Coates bagging a hat-trick, while they are chasing a third straight win between the heavyweight clubs in Sydney. 

Smith’s first match against his former club didn’t go well but his return could be a crucial X-factor shift this time around for the desperate Roosters. Another showdown with a clear favourite (the Storm are $1.57) that seems destined to go down to the wire. 

Post-Origin health will be key, but the under may be the safest play here with 10 of both teams’ 16 games producing 40 points or less in 2023. 

Tip: Back Under 41.5 Total Points @ $1.90 

SGM: FIRST HALF TOTAL UNDER 20.5 / DANIEL TUPOU ANYTIME TRYSCORER / WILL WARBRICK ANYTIME TRYSCORER / EITHER TEAM BY LESS THAN 10.5 POINTS @ $16.53 

The sixth-placed Warriors are aiming to join third-placed Cronulla Sharks on 26 points in this tantalising Sunday afternoon clash, while both teams have a bit of a point to prove. 

The Warriors bounced back from a deflating 28-6 home loss to Souths with their fourth win in five games last weekend, taking advantage of an Origin-depleted Parramatta to win 46-10. 

Luke Metcalf starred, while Jackson Ford, Mitch Barnett and Dylan Walker tore up the Eels through the middle and on the edges. 

It was the exponentially improved Warriors’ fourth straight win in Australia, but they are a comparatively modest 3-2 at Mt Smart this season. Wins over the Bulldogs, Cowboys and Dolphins were patchy, while losses in the wet to the Roosters and Rabbitohs were the worst of a great campaign. 

Humbled 54-10 in Melbourne in Round 15, the Sharks have since pummelled bottom-three trio Bulldogs, Dragons and Tigers by a combined 136 points to 38. But their glaring 1-5 record against the current Top 8 (with the sole win against the Eels in Round 2) continues to hover over them. 

Sione Katoa scored a blazing hat-trick last week and Nicho Hynes was in dominant touch, but the Sharks need to step up against a quality team. 

The Warriors’ only change sees Josh Curran return from suspension in the second-row and Mitch Barnett shift to prop for Bunty Afoa (head knock), but they are again sweating on Shaun Johnson’s availability as he awaits the birth of his second child. 

The Sharks are unchanged, though Braden Hamlin-Uele is in the reserves and could be a late inclusion. Dale Finucane has one week left to serve of his suspension. 

The Warriors’ incredible 32-30 win in Sydney in Round 5 – fighting back from 20-0 down – was just their third in 13 games against the Sharks, who have won the teams’ last three clashes in Auckland. 

But this is only the Sharks’ fourth game outside NSW in 2023; interstate trips have garnered losses to the Raiders, Dolphins and Storm, conceding an average of 38 points. Johnson’s absence would flip this game on its head, but the Warriors hold the value in a pick ’em. 

Tip: Back the Warriors to Win @ $1.92 

SGM: WARRIORS 1-12 / UNDER 45.5 POINTS / LUKE METCALF ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SIOSIFA TALAKAI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $95.43 

The Dolphins have turned a corner in the past fortnight, but they still loom very much as outsiders in the Top 8 race – and a maiden clash with two-time premiers Penrith Panthers shapes as one of their most daunting assignments to date. 

After some horrible defensive showings, the Dolphins were gallant in a 24-16 loss to Broncos and snapped a four-match slide with a thrilling 23-21 golden point defeat of the Titans as underdogs. 

The Titans were missing half their starting pack due to Origin, but they nonetheless showed encouraging poise at times to fight back from 14-6 down at halftime and keep their nerve in the clutch. 

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is expected to back up from Origin and will remain at centre with Valynce Te Whare demoted to the reserves. Felise Kaufusi’s return from concussion sees Kenny Bromwich go to prop and Josh Kerr drop to 18th man. Jeremy-Marshall King (shoulder) is still out. 

The rep period has been more taxing on the Panthers than most – particularly with Nathan Cleary being sidelined since the early minutes of Round 14 – but the champs have won seven of their last eight with only blip a golden point loss to the Cowboys without their Blues contingent. 

Prior to game two, the Panthers grinded out a brave 20-12 win over the Knights before rallying to a magnificent 34-16 win in Melbourne where the likes of centre Izack Tago stole the show. 

NSW quartet Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o have been named for the Panthers, though Ivan Cleary has never been shy to rest his Origin stars. 

Soni Luke and Jaeman Salmon come onto the bench for Zac Hosking and Tyrone Peachey, but the big news is Nathan Cleary being named in the reserves. 

The biggest outsiders of the weekend at $5, the Dolphins will be looking to lean on a 2-0 record at Kayo Stadium and only one loss in nine matches in the greater Brisbane region by more than eight points. 

Tip: Back the Dolphins to Cover the Line (+14.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: PANTHERS BY 1-12 / UNDER 45.5 POINTS / IZACK TAGO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JAMAYNE ISAAKO ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $29.12 

Another massively pivotal encounter to close Round 20 that could prove season-defining for both clubs. Four spots on the ladder separate seventh-placed Parramatta and Gold Coast, but the Titans will join the Eels on 22 points with an upset on the road. 

The Eels’ five-match winning streak was abruptly halted by a 46-10 loss to the Warriors at home last Saturday, struggling to adapt without Origin absentees Mitch Moses, Clint Gutherson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, as well as the unavailable Dylan Brown, Josh Hodgson and Wiremu Greig. 

The NSW trio have been named to return, with Sean Russell moving back to the wing, Isaac Lumelume and Ofahiki Ogden dropping to the reserves and Ryan Matterson reverting to the bench. 

The 8-9 Titans have won only two of their last seven, but they went achingly close in the past fortnight after a stunning 18-12 boilover against Brisbane, edged 26-22 in Canberra and 23-21 at home to the Dolphins – the latter in golden point with four players away in Queensland camp. 

AJ Brimson, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita are all named for this crunch assignment – timely with Jaimin Joliffe and Joe Stimson both ruled out. Jayden Campbell slips back onto the bench. 

The Titans snapped a seven-match losing streak against the Eels at Magic Round, holding on for a 26-24 win after leading 16-4 at halftime. Kieran Foran and Alofiana Khan-Pereira both picked up doubles for the Titans, while Maika Sivo collected a hat-trick for the Eels. 

The Titans last beat the Eels in Sydney in 2015. Meanwhile, the Eels have scored 24-plus points in the teams’ last eight encounters. 

Parramatta was on a five-match winning run at CommBank Stadium prior to its depleted team’s loss last weekend – they should have too much offensively for a Gold Coast side that hasn’t travelled well in 2023…provided Moses and Gutherson come through Origin unscathed. 

Tip: Back Eels to Win and Under 51.5 Total Points @ $2.65 

SGM: EELS 21-30 POINTS / SHAUN LANE ANYTIME TRYSCORER / PHIL SAMI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $30.58 

2022

NRL Round 20 has been overshadowed by the jersey furore at Manly, which is set to have a major bearing on Thursday’s crunch game against Sydney Roosters.

It’s a huge weekend beyond that initial clash, though, with Melbourne desperate to get back on track in Auckland, Parramatta and Penrith engaging in another feisty derby, and South Sydney looking to draw level with high-flying Cronulla when the teams meet in the Shire.

Manly and Sydney Roosters are part of a four-way logjam tied for eighth spot with 9-9 records. It’s the biggest game of the season so far for both clubs – but the Sea Eagles’ preparations have been rocked by a rainbow-shy contingent of players that has left their line-up half-unrecognisable.

Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Tolutau Koula, Josh Aloiai, Haumole Olakau’atu, Toafofoa Sipley and Josh Schuster have stood down from the match, leaving Des Hasler to scramble to assemble a side. Jake Trbojevic, Lachlan Croker and Andrew Davey have been named to return after missing last week due to COVID.

The Sea Eagles will field two debutant wingers in Pio Seci and Alfred Smalley, while Taniela Paseka and Kurt De Luis will be the starting front-rowers. James Segeyaro ends a three-year NRL exile off the bench.

On top of the disruptions, Manly is also striving to bounce back from an insipid and potentially pivotal 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra last week.

Meanwhile, the Roosters are humming after racking up big wins over the Dragons (54-26) and Knights (42-12) in the past fortnight. James Tedesco has emerged from the Origin series on fire, Joey Manu was spectacular before sitting out the Knights game and Luke Keary made a fine return from a concussion layoff last weekend.

Manu and Lindsay Collins are both back to face Manly.

The Roosters have won five of their last seven against the Sea Eagles, gaining some early revenge for last year’s semi-final demolition with a 26-12 victory at the SCG in Round 2. The Tricolours have piled on 146 points in their last four visits to Brookvale.

The Sea Eagles’ best chance is to harness the galvanising effect of the week’s controversy – and the leadership of Daly Cherry-Evans, Kieran Foran, Dylan Walker and Martin Taupau will be crucial.

But the hosts appear severely outmatched on the flanks and up front, which spells danger with the Roosters hitting peak attacking form again in recent weeks. Manly has blown out to $5.80 head-to-head but will be doing well to come close to covering here.

Tip: Back the Roosters to Cover the Line (-16.5 Points) @ $2.00

SGM: ROOSTERS OVER 41 POINTS / DANIEL TUPOU TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / JOSEPH SUAALII TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES @ $20.35

Melbourne Storm are desperate to snap a four-match losing streak and avoid losing more ground on the Top 4, while the also-ran Warriors will aim to double down on the homecoming factor in just their second match in Auckland in three seasons.

Following on from a nail-biting home loss to the Raiders that cost them Ryan Papenhuyzen for the season, the Storm were plagued by errors in a 24-12 away defeat to the Rabbitohs last Saturday. They’ve now slipped to fifth on the ladder and are struggling to secure much-need backline reinforcements.

Since their 22-2 win over the Tigers at Mt Smart, the Warriors have been gallant in losses to the Eels (28-18) and Raiders (26-14) but have lacked the polish and resolve to back up impressive first-half efforts. They blew a 14-0 halftime lead in Canberra last Saturday, cracking under the weight of possession and Jack Wighton’s 40/20s.

Stacey Jones has abandoned last week’s spine reshuffle, with Reece Walsh returning to fullback, Chanel Harris-Tavita reverting to five-eighth and Daejarn Asi dropping out. Jesse Arthars’ injury sees Marcelo Montoya shift to centre and Ed Kosi confront his Storm demons with a wing recall. Jackson Frei will play his second NRL game with Jack Murchie unavailable.

Jordan Grant takes Tom Eisenhuth’s bench spot in Melbourne’s only change.

A bogey team no more, the Warriors have lost their last 12 straight to the Storm. The 70-10 Anzac Day mauling was the fifth straight decided by 20-plus margins.

While Mt Smart Stadium will be an unwelcoming venue for the Storm, it will be difficult to replicate the same intense atmosphere that lifted the Warriors to a convincing win four weeks ago (against far weaker opposition) on a cold Friday night. But the visitors – $1.26 favourites – will have to grind this out in what shapes as low-scorer.

Tip: Back Under 42.5 Total Points @ $1.90

SGM: STORM BY 1-12 / JUSTIN OLAM ANYTIME TRY SCORER / DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $15.52

Parramatta Eels line up for their second showdown of the season with runaway competition leaders Penrith Panthers in a similar situation to when they inflicted the premiers’ only defeat of 2022 back in Round 9. The Eels had been spanked 35-4 by the Cowboys before producing a heroic 22-20 upset victory at Penrith.

The blue-and-golds need to produce a similar turnaround in the wake of a dismal 36-14 home defeat to Brisbane last Thursday. Defensively the Eels – who have slipped to seventh – were atrocious and they have leaked more points than any other team inside the top-10.

The Panthers, meanwhile, have rolled onto their second nine-match winning streak of the season. They had to dig deep to overcome an early 10-point deficit against the in-form Sharks, but ultimately the 20-10 victory was among their best of the season coming out of an arduous rep period.

The Panthers are conceding just 11.2 points per game and are comfortably the best attacking unit at 28.9 points per game. But they have been dealt some injury setbacks this week with Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Mitch Kenny all ruled out. Sean O’Sullivan, Robert Jennings and Charlie Staines are their respective replacments.

Bryce Cartwright replaces Jakob Arthur on the bench in the Eels’ only change.

Parramatta’s upset earlier this season snapped a four-match losing streak in the western derby. The two previous clashes at CommBank Stadium were split one apiece, both decided by 16-10 scorelines.

The Eels unquestionably have the quality and experience right across the park to again make life difficult for the Panthers. Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard need to set the tone in the middle of the park against the Panthers’ relentless pack, but if Moses and co. turn up to play the hosts can make this another derby classic.

Tip: Back the Eels to Cover the Line (+9.5 Points) @ $2.00

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 12.5 POINTS / UNDER 40.5 POINTS / IZACK TAGO ANYTIME TRY SCORER / MAIKA SIVO ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $27.00

It’s been a jittery fortnight for Canberra Raiders, but they’ve held their nerve to bank a couple of vital back-to-back wins and earn a share of eighth spot in a fascinating race for the finals.

After escape with a thrilling 20-16 win in Melbourne, the Green Machine overcame a sleepy start and a 14-0 halftime deficit to overrun the Warriors 26-14. Jack Wighton’s pair of 40/20s swung the match, while Corey Harawara-Naera produced a late double and Matt Timoko again proved a menace out in the centres.

Gold Coast Titans sunk to an eighth straight loss courtesy of a 36-26 result against the rejuvenated Bulldogs, but they showed some fight to win the second half after falling 26-6 behind. The Titans eventually racked up their most points since Round 1 – but holding opposition teams out remains a bugbear.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui moves to lock with Erin Clark getting the No.13 jumper, while Jayden Campbell has again been named on the bench. Brian Kelly returns at the expense of Corey Thompson, with Patrick Herbert shifting to the wing. The Raiders have named an unchanged 17.

The Raiders’ Round 3 comeback win at home – clawing back from 22-0 down to snatch a 24-22 victory – was their sixth from their last seven matches against the Titans. It also ended a run of six clashes between the clubs decided by 13+ margins.

The Raiders haven’t travelled well in 2022, going 3-7 away from the capital. But the Titans are on a six-match losing streak at home, bereft of direction or confidence, and unlikely to hold off a visiting team that will view this an absolute must-win in terms of their finals aspirations.

Tip: Back the Raiders to Cover the Line (-7.5 Points) @ $1.90

SGM: RAIDERS WIN / OVER 44.5 POINTS / RAIDERS 31-40 POINTS / HUDSON YOUNG ANYTIME TRY SCORER / SEBASTIAN KRIS ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $31.03

A massive encounter in terms of both teams’ Top 4 hopes, with sixth-placed South Sydney aiming to draw level with third-placed Cronulla on 26 competition points.

The Rabbitohs are on a genuine roll, extending their winning streak to four matches (and six wins in their last seven games) with a 24-12 victory over perennial bogeys the Storm in Round 19. Latrell Mitchell has transformed Souths since returning a month ago, chalking up seven try assists in his last three games.

Cody Walker and Lachlan Ilias are finding some consistency, while Alex Johnston has score a ridiculous 19 tries from his last 12 games (and 13 in his last six) behind a pack sitting in the top bracket of the NRL’s running metres stat categories.

The Sharks’ five-match winning tear was halted at Penrith last weekend, going down 20-10 after leading 10-0. There were certainly positives to take out of the match against the NRL’s benchmark, though losing Dale Finucane to suspension is a hefty blow.

Daniel Suluka-Fifita will replace injured Souths prop Mark Nicholls.

Last season’s sole clash in Round 10 saw Souths come away with a 32-22 victory over Cronulla, with Cody Walker scoring two tries from fullback.

The Sharks lead the NRL in tackle-breaks and are second for line-breaks. Their obvious strength comes in the shape of blockbusting centres Jesse Ramien and Siosifa Talakai, and the class provided by in-form halves Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan.

They will also be looking forward to just their second match at home – where the Sharks are 6-1 in 2022 – since May. Expect a tight tussle as both sides aim to make a pre-finals statement and consolidate their position on the ladder.

Souths are $2.15 underdogs on the road but there’s nothing in this one. Meanwhile, with Johnston crossing in 10 of his last 12 games, there’s some anytime try scorer value to had.

Tip: Back Alex Johnston Anytime Try Scorer @ $1.88

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / UNDER 41.5 POINTS / JESSE RAMIEN ANYTIME TRY SCORER / ALEX JOHNSTON ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $29.51

Wests Tigers produced one of their best performance of a wretched season last weekend – including a stunning comeback with two tries in the last six minutes – before getting dudded at the death in a 27-26 defeat to the Cowboys, their seventh in succession.

The Tigers must dust themselves off and head to Queensland again to face in-form Brisbane Broncos this weekend.

The Broncos’ only losses in their last 12 games were back-to-back spirited efforts on the road against the Storm and Cowboys. Since then, they’ve put the Dragons and Titans with Origin-depleted line-ups, before swamping the Eels 36-14 last Friday at their CommBank Stadium fortress.

Adam Reynolds continues to marshal a green spine superbly, Payne Haas returned to action in style last week as boom lock Patrick Carrigan’s incredible form tear continued, and the tries keeping raining down for Corey Oates – he bagged a third consecutive double against the Eels for 14 tries in his last 12 games.

Luke Garner is out for the Tigers, while Billy Walters returns for the Broncos and Deloise Hoeter replaces Jordan Pereira on a wing.

The Tigers have won their last three against the Broncos, including a 42-24 result at Suncorp Stadium in last season’s only meeting.

But while the Tigers have remained entrenched in the bottom half this season, the 12-6 Broncos are a bona fide top-four contender and premiership smoky. Another performance like last week would see the Tigers in with a chance…but week-to-week consistency has not been a strong point for the hapless joint venture this season.

Tip: Back the Broncos Over 30.5 Total Points @ $1.94

SGM: BRONCOS 13+ / OVER 44.5 POINTS / COREY OATES TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / KEN MAUMALO ANYTIME TRY SCORER / JORDAN RIKI ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $49.53

A clash between 12th-placed Canterbury and 14th-placed Newcastle wouldn’t usually hold much interest for neutrals, but the Bulldogs have become one of the more enjoyable teams to watch as they continue on a merry Mick Potter-led renaissance.

The Bulldogs have averaged over 25 points a game since ditching Trent Barrett and have chalked up three convincing wins against the Eels, Tigers and Titans, and hard-fought losses to the Sharks and Rabbitohs, in their past five outings.

Josh Addo-Carr took his tally to 14 tries in his last 12 games with a hat-trick in last Sunday’s 36-26 defeat of the Titans, while the ever-impressive Matt Burton chimed in with a double. Maligned halfback Kyle Flanagan has quietly crafted a nice little renaissance narrative since nailing down the No.7 jumper.

The Knights, meanwhile, look like a team that can’t wait for the curtain to come down on 2022. They have lost five of their last six and leaked 40-plus points in their last three games, including back-to-back 42-12 losses to Manly and the Roosters.

Compounding their woes, the Knights have lost marquee man Kalyn Ponga for the rest of the year. Tex Hoy jumps back into the fullback role, while Brodie Jones comes into the pack for the injured Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

The Bulldogs welcome back Jake Averillo at fullback, but the pack has been stripped of Raymond Faitala-Mariner (injury) and Corey Waddell (suspension).

Newcastle has won three straight against Canterbury, grinding out an ugly 16-6 Magic Round victory in May. Plenty’s changed on the Bulldogs’ side of the fence since then, however, while the Knights look staid and devoid of spark. Another high-scoring win looms for the rejuvenated Doggies.

Tip: Back the Bulldogs to Cover the Line (-6.5 Points) and Over 44.5 Total Points @ $3.50

SGM: BULLDOGS 31-40 POINTS / JACOB KIRAZ ANYTIME TRY SCORER / AARON SCHOUPP ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $13.48

St George Illawarra refuse to bow out of the finals race, earning a share of the four-team tie for eighth spot with a clutch 20-6 win over fellow hopefuls Manly. The Dragons are being carried to Ben Hunt to a large extent – the halfback and captain led the way again with an early double last Friday.

But it was an overall massive defensive turnaround after leaking 86 points in the previous fortnight against the Broncos and Roosters.

Second-placed North Queensland made it 11 wins in 13 games last Sunday – albeit in wildly controversial circumstances as a highly debatable penalty saw them pip the Tigers 27-26 after the siren. They fought back from 18-6 down only to seemingly throw the game away by conceding two late tries…before receiving an infamous reprieve.

While the Cowboys’ ability to produce a great escape – as they did at Manly last month – holds them in good stead for the big games ahead, they’ll be eager to tighten up their D. After leaking more than 16 points only once in their previous 10 games, the Cowboys have conceded exactly 26 in four straight games.

Origin forward Reuben Cotter could be a late inclusion for North Queensland after being named in the reserves. Saints have lost Cody Ramsey and Jayden Sullivan to injury. Moses Mbye will go to fullback, with Jack Bird moving to centre, Tariq Sims to lock and Aaron Woods joining the bench.

The teams met in Townsville last month, with the Cowboys powering to a 31-12 victory. But they are chasing their first win over the Dragons in NSW since 2015 and first at Jubilee Oval since 2003.

The Saints have won four straight home games, while the Cowboys head south of the border for just the fourth time this year and leave Townsville for the first time in six weeks. The home side’s one-man army is unlikely to be good enough to combat the myriad threats of Todd Payten’s outstanding unit – but I don’t foresee a blowout.

Tip: Back the Cowboys to Win by 1-12 @ $2.80

SGM: COWBOYS WIN / OVER 42.5 POINTS / KYLE FELDT ANYTIME TRY SCORER / ZAC LOMAX ANYTIME TRY SCORER @ $13.81

2021

Round 20 of the NRL has a finals-like feel to it with four top-eight games kicking off in Queensland.

The Roosters and the Eels get us underway on Thursday night from Mackay in a battle between fourth and fifth, followed by the Rabbitohs looking to cement their top four spot when they take on the fading Dragons.

A Grand Final rematch between the Storm and Panthers is the headline act on Saturday at Suncorp, right before the Sharks and Manly close things out on Sunday in a crucial game between sixth and seventh.  

This weekend will go a long way to determining the finals picture, and we’ve wasted no time analysing all eight games in our Round 20 Preview below!

As if a Grand Final rematch wasn’t enough, we’ll also be treated to a huge battle between fourth and fifth on Thursday night when the Roosters and Eels get together in Mackay.

These two sides seemed to be heading in opposite directions at one point, but the script has been flipped with the Tri-Colours rattling off three impressive wins over the Bulldogs, Cowboys and Knights leading in.

Trent Robinson’s side was enormous last week in their demolition over Newcastle, particularly considering the Roosters trailed by eight points early on.

The same can’t be said for the Eels however as the blue and gold failed to get the job done against a brave Raiders outfit on the Gold Coast.

James Tedesco was the catalyst for Sydney’s come-from-behind victory last week, and he’ll need to produce a similar effort following injuries to Matt Ikavalu and Billy Smith.

The Eels hold similar concerns for Marata Niukore, but they do look the safer side to bet on this week regardless.

Parramatta is undefeated in its last 10 games as the away favourite, while the Eels also manhandled the Roosters by a score of 31-18 when they met earlier in May.

Last week was a very uncharacteristic performance from Brad Arthur’s men as they struggled mightily for possession against Canberra.

That may have been the wakeup call the Eels needed though, and with a very impressive 7-2 record over the last 12 months on the back of a loss, the $2.00 about them to carry the line looks good value.

Tip: Back the Eels to Cover the Line (-5.5 Points) @ $2.00

We’re faced with almost even money on Friday night between the Tigers and Warriors from Suncorp.

It would take something very special for either of these two sides to make the finals from here, while recent injury woes have only made things tougher from a betting perspective.

After Roger Tuivasa-Scheck announced his farewell on Monday, the Warriors are still feeling the pinch of Tohu Harris and David Fusitu’a’s absence, but there could be some reprieve on the horizon with Peta Hiku and Chanel Harris-Tavita a chance at returning this week.

The Tigers, on the other hand, were dealt a potential blow with Luke Garner suffering an ankle injury in the loss to Manly, but the potential inclusion of James Roberts is a plus.

On paper, this game is tough to get excited about, while it’s also hard to feel overly confident when it comes to the head-to-head market.

The Warriors won a 30-26 thriller when they last met the Tigers in May, but more importantly, it’s worth noting the last three meetings between these two have all gone Over the Total.

With both teams ranking top five in points allowed, a similar story looks likely to unfold.

Tip: Over 52.5 Total Points @ $1.90

It’s only fitting that the Broncos and Cowboys should meet following a pair of commendable performances last week against the 2020 Grand Finalists.

Brisbane managed to put a late scare into the Panthers after trailing 18-0, while the Cowboys also pushed the Storm to the brink in a narrow 20-16 loss up in Townsville.

Both teams will be eager to improve on their performance, but as the market suggests, there isn’t much separating these two sides.

The Broncos are a tough team to trust as they struggle to string together two consistent halves, while the Cowboys have played to an awful 1-7 record away from home this year.

North Queensland has won its last two meetings against Brisbane, although it’s tough to read too much into a narrow 19-18 win up in Townsville when they met earlier in Round 9.

Defensively, we’re talking about two of the worst sides in the competition here, so it wouldn’t be surprising if we get a typical see-saw affair between these two rivals.

Tip: Tribet – Either Team to Win by Less Than 10.5 Points @ $1.96

The line has opened at -21.5 points in favour of the Rabbitohs as they look to try and extend their winning streak to eight games on Saturday against the Dragons.

Wayne Bennett’s side put on an absolute clinic last week in their 60-22 rout over the Warriors that has likely silenced any doubt as to whether South Sydney is a genuine premiership contender.

With health now on their side, the Bunnies were impressive from start to finish as Tom Burgess, Jayden Su’A and Josh Mansour all picked up a double in a huge victory on the Sunshine Coast.

Unfortunately, life isn’t quite as enjoyable in the Red V though.

The Dragons somehow remain eighth on the ladder, but back-to-back blowout losses to Manly and the Titans has highlighted just how inept St George’s defence is with six games remaining.

These two sides haven’t met this year, but it’s fair to say the Rabbitohs hold fond memories of the Dragons.

South Sydney has won five straight over the Saints dating back to 2018, although the Dragons might feel a little better knowing Zac Lomax and Corey Norman are a chance at playing this week.

Even so, their inclusion alone won’t be enough to stop this Rabbitohs juggernaut.

The Bunnies have averaged 44 points across their last five games, a very worrying number for a St George outfit that has given up 30 or more in back-to-back weeks.

With an equally impressive 4-1 record as the away favourite at the line against the Dragons, this one could get out of hand.

Tip: Back the Rabbitohs to Cover the Line (-21.5 Points) @ $1.90

The Green Machine is back in full swing as they look to extend their winning streak to four on Saturday night against a desperate Knights team.

Canberra’s defensive effort was huge last week in their two-point win over Parramatta, a performance Ricky Stuart will be hoping his side can build on with a few big games coming up against the Storm, Manly and the Roosters.

Newcastle remains in the hunt for the eight, but recent efforts have certainly left a lot to be desired.

The Knights copped a walloping last week at the hands of the Roosters, but all is not lost as Newcastle prepares to potentially welcome back Bradman Best, David Klemmer and Mitchell Pearce from injury this week.

On the injury front, the Raiders could also be bolstered by the return of Elliott Whitehead and Jack Wighton, adding some spice to an intriguing matchup between 9th and 11^th.

The Knights have won their last two games over the Raiders, but the way Canberra has been playing defensively over the last three weeks is tough to ignore.

The Raiders have held their last three opponents to under 20 points, which doesn’t read well for a Knights team that ranks second-last in points scored.

With a chance to jump back in the eight, the Raiders look a good bet to win a low-scoring contest.

Tip: Back the Raiders to Win & Under 48.5 Total Points @ $3.10

The second Grand Final rematch of the season is scheduled for Saturday night, and if it’s anything like the last one, we’re in for a treat.

The Panthers have lost only two games during the course of the season and come in riding an impressive four-game winning streak that includes recent victories over top eight sides like the Roosters and Eels.

Perhaps more impressively, the Storm sit atop the ladder on points differential after surviving a late scare last week against the Cowboys to extend their winning streak to a whopping 15 games.

Typically, this is the kind of contest where you’d find almost even money on offer, but the injury to Nathan Cleary has left the Storm as the odds-on favourites – not that that will worry Penrith, mind you.

Cleary was missing when the Panthers won 12-10 over Melbourne back in Round 3, a game that was dominated by Brian T’oo and a huge defensive performance by Mitch Kenny.

It’s fair to say Melbourne have gotten a lot stronger since then though, while the added possibility of Isaah Yeo’s absence also has to be factored in.

The Storm will be eager to put last week’s turnover woes behind them, so expect a much more clinical performance from the current premiership favourites.

Considering the Storm are also playing at Suncorp – a venue where they’ve won 23 of their last 27 games – you have to side with Melbourne to make a statement.

Tip: Back the Storm to Cover the Line (-12.5 Points) @ $1.90

Two wins from their last three games has the Titans right in the mix for a late finals push, in large part thanks to a rejuvenated David Fifita.

The big man was instrumental off the bench last week in the demolition job over the Dragons, a strategy Justin Holbrook will likely employ again on Sunday against the bottom feeding Bulldogs.

A win for the Titans could potentially vault them back inside the eight if things go their way, although Holbrook will likely be taking a measured approach to this game based on Canterbury’s recent efforts.

While a win has eluded them, the Dogs have shown some encouraging signs in their last three losses to the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sharks, while they’ll also be eager to build on their honourable 30-20 loss to the Titans back in Round 11.

Gold Coast could potentially welcome Jamal Fogarty back from a hand injury, but there are concerns for centre Brian Kelly, who picked up an ankle injury in last week’s win.

As far as betting goes, the Titans are at an obvious advantage here playing at home against a Bulldogs side that has won only one game on the road this year.

It’s become increasingly difficult to feel confident in the Titans, but if they can find the same production from Fifita and last week’s impressive debutant Toby Sexton, they should prove too much for a Bulldogs team that has struggled to find points all year.

Tip: Back the Titans 1-12 @ $3.25

The Sea Eagles will continue their quest for a top four spot on Sunday afternoon when they take on the seventh-placed Sharks in Redcliffe.

Manly’s loss to the Raiders three weeks ago feels like a distant memory following back-to-back blowouts over the Dragons and Titans, and they should feel confident in achieving a similar result against a Sharks side that is likely to be missing Shaun Johnson.

Des Hasler does have some injury concerns to address himself after Dylan Walker suffered a head knock last week, while prop Josh Aloiai looks set to miss this game after copping a one-game suspension.

The Sharks have definitely shown enough grit in recent weeks to suggest they can make a contest of this, but they also tend to switch off at times in crucial moments – a mistake that will cost them dearly against a Manly side gearing up for the finals.

More importantly though, the Sharks have struggled to string together back-to-back wins over the last month to go along with a 1-5 record against current top eight sides.

Tip: Back Manly to Win & Over 55.5 Total Points @ $2.25   

2020

The final round of the 2020 NRL season kicks off on Thursday night as we await the fate of the top eight seeding.

Penirth and Melbourne are firmly locked into first and second, but there’s still plenty left to be decided as the Roosters, Eels and Raiders all fight for a spot inside the top four.

The sixth spot on the ladder – which ensures a home final in the elimination game next week – is also up for grabs between the Raiders, Knights and Rabbitohs.

With a pair of intriguing top eight games on offer, we’ve offered our best betting suggestions in our 2020 NRL Round 20 Preview below.

History will be on the line this week in Brisbane as the Broncos hope to avoid their first wooden spoon in club history.

Brisbane hasn’t tasted a win since Round 9 against the Bulldogs, but they do look good value on Thursday taking on a Cowboys side that has won only one of its last 10 games.

The Broncos opened the season with a win over the Cowboys back in Round 1, extending their winning streak over North Queensland to three.

Speaking of streaks, all three of those games have gone Under the Total, which appears to be the safest play with confidence hard to come by on either side head to head.

Both teams managed only 12 points in respective losses to Parramatta and Penrith last week though, so there’s a good chance this one turns out to be low scoring.

Tip: Under 44.5 Total Points @ $1.90

The Knights can secure the sixth ssed on Friday night with a win over the Titans on the Gold Coast.

Newcastle walked away comfortable 42-18 winners last week over the Dragons and are now just one win away from locking up home field advantage in the elimination final.

The Titans also have plenty to play for as they look to end the season on a high note by finishing ninth.

These two sides haven’t met this year, but it is worth noting the Gold Coast have won three of their last five meetings against Newcastle.

The Titans are set to receive an added boost in the form of Jai Arrow and Corey Thompson, while the Knights also return to strength with Kurt Mann and Bradman Best both a chance to play.

The Total has gone Over in four of the Titans’ last six home games against the Knights, so there’s a chance we see some points here with so many big names returning.

Tip: Over 43.5 Total Points @ $1.90

The Roosters are being favoured by double-digits ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster against the Rabbitohs at ANZ.

Sydney has won five games in a row, all of which have come by double digits against the Tigers, Broncos, Raiders, Knights and Sharks.

The Bunnies, on the other hand, were on the receiving end of a stunning double-digit loss to the Bulldogs last week that has left them with work to do in the final game of the season.

Souths are now in danger of slipping down to eighth on the ladder, while a win could see them surpass the Knights to secure a home final next week.

The Roosters also have a bit to play for with their top four spot far from secure.

A win would ensure the Roosters finish third, while a surprise loss and victories from the Eels and Raiders could see Sydney slip down to fifth.

Fortunately, the Roosters should be high on confidence after beating the Rabbitohs 28-12 back in Round 3.

Sydney are also set to welcome back Boyd Cordner and James Tedesco into the side after both were rested last week against Cronulla.

The Roosters are the obvious choice here with form on their side as they look to gain some momentum heading into the finals.

Sydney has been the fifth-best side to bet on at the line this year covering in 11 of their 19 games, so it’s worth backing the Roosters to win comfortably.

Tip: Back the Roosters to Cover the Line (-11.5 Points) @ $2.00

The Panthers have the minor premiership wrapped up as they now hope to extend their winning streak to 15 games.

Head coach Ivan Cleary could potentially rest a few of his stars, but it appears the Panthers are playing full steam ahead as they try and keep momentum rolling into the finals.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have a lot more on the line.

An upset win would be enough to hand the Broncos the wooden spoon, if of course Brisbane loses to the Cowboys on Thursday night.

The Dogs were enormous last week against the Rabbitohs, but this is obviously a much tougher test if the Panthers field a full squad.

That said, no more than a try has separated these two teams in their last four meetings, so the +17.5 line does look good value.

The Dogs pulled off a famous 16-8 upset over Penrith last year, so they should give this a red-hot crack.

Tip: Back the Bulldogs to Cover the Line (+17.5 Points) @ $2.00

The Raiders have one last shot to secure the double-chance when they take on the Sharks at Jubilee on Saturday.

Canberra cut it close against the Warriors last week but still managed to get the job done thanks to some late magic from Nick Cotric.

A win and a Roosters or Eels loss could see the Raiders into fourth, while a defeat would likely see Canberra take on Cronulla again in the first round of the finals.

The Sharks have already done enough to extend their season, but it’s difficult to see them making much noise with Shaun Johnson on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Josh Dugan remains sidelined with a knee injury alongside the suspended Chad Townsend, adding to Cronulla’s woes.

The Raiders are confident John Bateman will play through an elbow injury, although things aren’t so clear when it comes to George Williams and his concussion.

Canberra held Cronulla’s number last year winning both games by less than two points, but with the Sharks missing a handful of their top stars, this one should be a little more comfortable.

Tip: Back the Raiders to Win & the Raiders Over 27.5 Total Points @ $2.00

The Eels face a must-win game on Saturday night as they hope to secure a top four finish.

Parramatta returned to form last week with a 26-12 win over the Broncos, although it’s hard to get too excited about a win over a potential wooden spooner.

Despite their troubles of late, the Tigers to appear easy prey for the Eels with only one win in their last five games.

Michael Maguire’s squad gave up 50 points to the Storm last week on the Sunshine Coast, and they certainly won’t hold fond memories of Parramatta after losing 26-16 to the Eels earlier in the year.

On the plus side, David Nofoaluma looks set to play after limping off the field last week, while the addition of Luke Brooks from suspension is a minor plus.

Still, the Eels have won four straight over the Tigers and are also 8-3 on the year at Bankwest.

After a no-show performance against the Storm last week, it’s hard to like Wests in this spot.

Tip: Back the Eels 1-12 @ $2.88

The Sea Eagles and Warriors will be both be hoping to put last weeks losses by them on Sunday when they meet on the Central Coast.

Neither side has anything left to play for other than bragging rights, but with an eye towards next year, you can bet both sides will be looking to sign off the season on a high note.

Manly find themselves as heavy favourites in the market with Dylan Walker and Reuben Garrick both expected to play, but there is something to be said for the Warriors on the Central Coast.

For whatever reason, the Kiwis love playing at the ground and they should be high on confidence after defeating Manly 26-22 back only six weeks ago.

Patrick Herbert is set to return from injury this week, while the Warriors play wait and see with Jazz Tevaga, who suffered a head knock last week.

New Zealand has been one of the most profitable betting sides at the line this season, particularly at the line, where they are 7-2 as the home underdog in their last nine games.

With a chance to make a statement, take the Warriors at least keep this close.

Tip: Back the Warriors to Cover the Line (+6 Points) @ $2.00

The Storm can finish no worse than second this year, so it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if Craig Bellamy chooses to rest a few of his guys on Sunday against the Dragons.

Melbourne rattled off another brilliant win last week in their 50-22 drubbing over the Tigers, an ominous sign for whoever they wind up facing in the Qualifying Final next week.

The Dragons could potentially leapfrog the Warriors for 12^th on the ladder, but other than that, there’s really no other reason to get excited for this game if you’re a Saints fan.

Melbourne has won two straight over St George and are now set to welcome back Ryan Papenhuyzen into the side.

The Storm have covered in five of their last seven games as the away favourite, so this one isn’t worth overthinking.

Tip: Back the Storm to Cover the Line (-14.5 Points) @ $2.00

2019

Six of last week’s games were won by the favourite, making Round 20 a punters paradise with finals right around the corner.

This week we turn our attention toward a key top eight clash on Friday night as the Broncos hope to hand the Storm their second straight loss, followed by a game with plenty of value on Saturday afternoon as Manly look to make a top-four push against the Knights.

As we reach the pointy end of the season, backing winners is tough. Fortunately, we’ve done all the form and our complete 2019 NRL Round 20 Preview can be found below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNtuxrTe0qc

https://youtu.be/BFVrKqX9_6g

There’s plenty on the line as the Tigers and Cowboys both hope to keep their faint finals hopes alive on Thursday night.

Wests walked away with a narrow two-point win over the Knights in Newcastle last week thanks to a big second-half effort from Robbie Farah and Paul Momirovski.

The Cowboys also found themselves in a scrappy two-point contest with the Sharks, only North Queensland was on the losing end away from home.

It will take a miracle for Paul Green’s side to make a last-ditch final run, but the Cowboys should be up for a fight this week after losing to the Tigers in overtime back in Round 14.

If you’ve been keeping count at home, you’ll know the Tigers have won two straight games over North Queensland. Wests are also 3-1 as the home favourite against the Cowboys while the last six meetings between these two sides have been decided by 1-12 points.

The Tigers could potentially rejoin the eight this week with a win, so back Wests in a close one.

Tip: Back the Tigers 1-12 @ $3.00

https://youtu.be/nO2UzTxDcE0

These two sides have frustrated punters all season, which makes Friday night’s game a tough one to call.

The Warriors continue to flirt with a finals berth, but things unravelled last week away from home. New Zealand lost 24-22 against the Eels, making this week’s game from Auckland crucial if the 12^th place Warriors wish to play finals.

Canberra is in a much more desirable position sitting fourth on the ladder. The Raiders forwards demolished the Panthers 30-18 last week, although, on the other hand, Ricky Stuart’s side will be hungry to put their two-game losing streak against the Warriors to bed.

The Raiders have been a strong side away from home this year winning six of their nine games. New Zealand’s struggles at home are well documented, but they do hold a respectable 5-2 record as the home favourite against Canberra.

On the flip side, the Raiders have won two of their last three games in New Zealand, and as one of the top five points-scoring sides in the competition, it’s worth taking the value on offer head-to-head.

Tip: Back the Raiders to Win @ $1.80

https://youtu.be/UrTbVYoq85U

This should be a fascinating game as the Storm hope to bounce-back from a shock home loss to Manly.

A flat first half cost Melbourne the points last week as they failed to crack the scoreboard before the 49^th minute. The Storm still sits firmly on top of the ladder though, and they’ll take full confidence into Round 20 knowing they hold a six-game winning streak over the Broncos.

Brisbane suddenly finds themselves back in the eight, and as their 22-point win over the Titans last week suggests, the Broncos still line up as a very dangerous side.

The key to beating the Broncos is to shut down their playmakers, something the Gold Coast failed to do last week. Corey Oates, Jamayne Issako and Anthony Milford dominated the game, but as the top possession side in the competition, the Storm should have no trouble controlling the flow of the game.

As the odds suggest, Brisbane is the underdog for a reason. Not only have the Broncos lost two of their last three games at Suncorp, but they are also 0-5 as the home underdog against Melbourne.

The Storm, on the other hand, haven’t lost back-to-back games all season. Since the head-to-head price looks a little short, however, it’s worth backing Melbourne to win both halves at a little extra value.

Tip: Half-Time/Full-Time: Melbourne Storm/Melbourne Storm @ $1.91

https://youtu.be/iL-WTIM9j8I

The top of the ladder is really starting to heat up now as Manly continues to put pressure on the fourth-place Raiders.

The Sea Eagles earned a famous victory over the Storm in Melbourne last week, leaving Des Hasler’s side sitting only two points shy of the top four.

Meanwhile, in Newcastle, the Knights’ brilliant midseason run looks to have been smoke and mirrors following their loss to the Tigers last week.

The Knights have slipped outside of the top eight on the heels of their fourth straight loss, leaving Newcastle as serious outsiders at Brookvale Oval this weekend.

These two sides have met once already this season back in Round 5, a game the Sea Eagles dominated both on the field and on the scoreboard.

Neither coach will read too much into their previous affair, but from a form perspective, the numbers don’t lie.

Manly has won nine of its last 10 home games against the Knights, combining for an almost perfect record as the home favourite.

Since there’s little value on offer head-to-head though, the line is where it’s at this week. Manly is 4-2 when it comes to covering as the home favourite this season.

Tip: Back Manly to Cover the Line (-5.5) @ $1.90

https://youtu.be/mOMngMdbXqQ

Penrith’s seven-game winning streak came to a close last week at home to the Raiders.

The Panthers fell short by 12-points in the 30-18 loss, putting plenty of pressure on Ivan Cleary’s side as they cling to their spot inside the eight.

Canterbury also fell in disappointing fashion against the Roosters. It was a learning curve for the young Bulldogs against one of the competition’s elite, leaving Dean Pay hoping for a much better first-half effort after entering the sheds scoreless last week.

Speaking of learning curves, this game will be a huge test of Penrith’s maturity. As the odds suggest, the Panthers are favoured for a reason, but Penrith can’t afford to take Canterbury lightly with their finals campaign still hanging in the balance.

Fortunately, Penrith has enjoyed the better part of this matchup in recent years. The Panthers have won four of their last five games against the Bulldogs, but as their 4-4 record on the road suggests, this game could turn into a close call.

The last three meetings between these two sides have been decided by 1-12 points, which puts Canterbury at the line in play. The Dogs are 1-1 as the home underdog at the line against Penrith, so back the Bulldogs to keep this close.

Tip: Back the Bulldogs to Cover the Line (+7.5 Points) @ $1.90

https://youtu.be/sqNOVSOOyy4

After a pair of much-needed victories respectively last week, don’t be surprised if this turns out to be the game of the round.

South Sydney’s midseason slump feels like a distant memory now after stringing together their third straight win last week. The Bunnies were at their best in a Dane Gagai inspired victory over the Dragons, leaving South’s just four points shy of the ladder leading Storm.

The Sharks find themselves right where the Rabbitohs were a month ago, but if last week’s 16-14 win over the Cowboys is anything to go by, Cronulla still might play finals just yet.

John Morris’ side sits tied on points with the Tigers and Knights, making Saturday night’s game crucial if Cronulla hopes to rejoin finals contention.

Of course, to make matters even more complicated, picking a winner in this one appears tricky – the Rabbitohs and Sharks have both won two of their last four meetings against one another.

Recent form suggests the Bunnies should be too strong for Cronulla however, especially with Gagai, Damien Cook and Cody Walker all enjoying a big game last week.

The Sharks defence should keep this game low-scoring, but it’s tough to see Cronulla making an impact on the scoreboard following last week’s spotty performance against the Titans.

Tip: Under 37.5 Total Match Points & South Sydney To Win @ $3.51

https://youtu.be/xF5KEmoonHY

A game against the struggling Titans couldn’t have come at a better time for the Roosters.

With time running out, the Chooks are in danger of losing touch with the top two, but they might be able to close the gap against a Gold Coast side amid a five-game losing skid.

Speaking of streaks, the Roosters have won four straight games over the Titans dating back to 2016, and to make matters worse, the last time Gold Coast won on the road in Sydney was all the way back in 2013.

The jury is still out on Sydney as a premiership contender, but they should have no trouble disposing of the Titans – but just don’t expect it to come in blowout fashion.

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know the Roosters have been a little up and down on the scoreboard. Despite pounding the Knights by 38-points a fortnight ago, last week’s 20-12 win over the Bulldogs left a lot to be desired.

The line also looks a little wide when you consider the Titans are 4-1 as the line underdog in away games against the Roosters.

With value hard to come by, back the Titans to keep this somewhat close.

Tip: Back the Titans to Cover the Line (+17.5 Points) @ $1.90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odWCbhA–MY

The Eels are hoping to string together their second straight win this week after defeating the Warriors by two points at home last Saturday.

Parramatta has won four of its last five games, and if they can replicate their performance against the Dragons back in Round 8, the Eels should have no trouble earning another blowout victory over their bitter rivals.

The Dragons have very little to play for other than bragging rights, while they’ll also be hoping to end their four-game losing streak after last week’s loss to the Rabbitohs.

The early market for this game looks a little surprising considering where each team stands on the ladder. Parramatta has easily been one of the most inconsistent sides in the competition this year, but they’ve held the wood over the Dragons in recent years having won four of their last five meetings.

With even money on offer, it’s worth backing Parra to complete the season sweep. The Dragons struggled mightily with South Sydney’s top playmakers last week missing 25 tackles.

If those kinds of errors creep into St. George’s game again, this one could turn ugly.

Tip: Back the Eels to Win @ $1.90

2018

Six of the eight favourites won last week, setting the stage, and the ladder, for a huge final five weeks ahead.

Melbourne’s nail-biter over the Warriors last week sees the Storm atop the ladder for the first time this season, while the Rabbitohs shock loss to the Tigers sends Souths back down to third.

With finals right around the corner, Round 20 is book-ended by two games with serious ladder implications.

So who should you back ahead of a big weekend of rugby league action?

Let our 2018 NRL Round 20 Preview guide the way!

So we’re back at square one with the Broncos.

Just when we think we’ve got this team figured out, Brisbane leap from the gates against a rather unconvincing Panthers side and pile on 50-points.

The win sees Brisbane back up to seventh on the ladder, and if they can put the home ground advantage to good use again this week, the Broncos could leapfrog their opponents on the ladder.

Before we get too carried away, though, the Sharks might just have something to say.

Cronulla were impressive once again last week against the Raiders, nailing two tries within the first 20-minutes to march away on the scoreboard.

Slotting four-from-five, Chad Townsend was near perfect in front of the sticks,and since the Sharks last loss came against the Broncos, Shane Flanagan’s side will be hungry for a second bite at the revenge cherry.

History shows Thursday night’s game could be close, but the Broncos hold the advantage – Brisbane have won four of the last five. The Broncos are 4-2 as the home favourite against the Sharks, but as we’ve seen in recent weeks, you never know what version of the Broncos is going to show up.

Cronulla are 6-3 on the road this season, and if they can control possession and play disciplined footy like they did last week, the Sharks are a nice upset chance.

Tip: Back Cronulla Sharks 1-12 @ $3.00

Same Game Multi: Sharks 1-12/Valentine Holmes Anytime Try Scorer

Credit where it’s due, the Knights were impressive last week.

The Titans looked like they were going to run away with it early in the second half, but Newcastle dug deep, and most importantly, made the most of their scoring opportunities to jump ahead to a 30-24 win.

The Cowboys were a little less convincing last week, falling to the Dragons by 14-points at home. North Queensland were on the ropes by the second minute, surrendering a try to Jason Nightingale in the opening stages.

Both sides had to have taken a lot away from last week’s performances, but it was the Knights’ defence that stood out. The Titans had every opportunity in the final 10-minutes to send the game to extra time, but Newcastle withstood every ounce of Gold Coast’s late pressure, especially on the wing.

North Queensland too have something to be proud of. The Cowboys lost the battle on the scoreboard, but North Queensland still managed to dominate the Dragons in metres run and total passes, also splitting possession 50/50 apiece.

Since the Knights have been particularly poor on the road this season (4-4) you could make a case for the Cowboys, but it’s not like North Queensland have accomplished anything of note at home (2-7).

Newcastle still hold a very slim hope of playing finals, and if luck can go their way once again this week, the Knights could just surprise on the road.

It will take another brilliant kicking game from Mitchell Pearce in his third game back, but with everything on the line, that’s exactly where you should back the Knights.

Tip: Back Newcastle Knights To Beat The Line (+4.5 Points) @ $1.91

Same Game Multi: Knights To Win/Knights First Try Scorer Sione Mata’utia

The Dogs looked up for the fight last week against the Eels, but as it turned out, Canterbury’s sixth minute try would be the and only time the Bulldogs crossed the line against their equals.

Wests, on the other hand, have to hold their heads high. Finals looked in doubt for the Tigers two weeks ago, but all of a sudden, Ivan Cleary’s side are on the verge of the Top 8.

On the back of a win against the Dragons, the Tigers were a popular upset pick against the Rabbitohs last week. Esan Marsters was once again the standout, scoring the opening try and slotting three from his four conversion attempts.

Since both of these sides appear to be heading in opposite directions, it’s hard to tip against the Tigers this week.

Tigers fans will breathe a sigh of relief following Farrah’s ugly collision against Sam Burgess last week, and if Wests do enter this game at full-strength, this should be nothing short of a blowout.

Tip: Back Wests Tigers 13+ @ $2.90

Same Game Multi: Tigers 13+/Bulldogs Total Tries Under 2.5

Given last week’s circumstances, it’s almost fitting for the Sea Eagles and Panthers to meet on Saturday afternoon.

Penrith were woeful against the Broncos, failing to hit the scoreboard until the opening minutes of the second half. By then it was too late – the Broncos were already ahead by 30-points, well and truly sinking Penrith back down to sixth on the ladder.

On the same token, the Sea Eagles also failed to show up on Sunday against the Roosters. Manly were always going to find it tough against a full-strength Sydney side, but a 22-point loss at home was certainly unexpected.

Moving ahead, this is far and away the ‘line in the sand’ game for Penrith. Anything short of a convincing win could well and truly label the Panthers as pretenders, but as their head-to-head record shows against Manly, Penrith are no guarantee.

The Sea Eagles have won just two of the last five against the Panthers, but Round 16 belonged to Manly, an 18-10 victory Trent Barrett’s side earned on the road.

Defensively the Panthers are so hard to trust, and so is their 4-4 record on the road. You could say the same for Manly’s 3-6 record at home though, and since both of these sides go from one extreme to the next each week, this is a market you’re best off staying away from.

Tip: No Bet

Sometimes you just have a bad day, and that’s exactly what happened to the Rabbitohs last week against the Tigers.

You don’t see it very often, but despite dominating possession, the Souths abundance of missed tackles and errors ultimately cost the bunnies their 10th straight win.

It’s unlikely South Sydney dwell on the loss for too long, and although the Rabbitohs surrendered their position atop the ladder, a game in hand against one of the wooden spoon favourites has to come as a welcome sign.

The Eels, fresh from their win over the Bulldogs last Thursday night, have plenty to feel proud of. Parramatta knuckled down defensively from the eighth minute onward, dominating in the tackle count on their way to 14-8 victory.

So where does that leave us ahead of Saturday?

This is a game the Rabbitohs need to take seriously if they are to win. The Eels have won three of their last five meetings against the Rabbits, but Souths will find confidence knowing they pumped Parra by 18-points when these two last met back in June.

Statistically speaking, the Rabbitohs are 3-2 in home games when they enter as the favourite, but with five extremely tough weeks ahead against the likes of the Storm, Roosters, Broncos, Raiders and Tigers, Souths will realise the importance of a victory this weekend.

Tip: Back South Sydney Rabbitohs 13+ @ $2.10

Same Game Multi: Rabbitohs 13+/Dane Gagai Anytime Try Scorer

Don’t look now, but the Storm have won seven straight.

Sunday’s win against the Warriors in New Zealand saw Craig Bellamy’s side earn the right to call themselves the premiership favourites, and with a trip back to Melbourne to face the Raiders, the good times mightn’t come to a halt anytime soon.

After winning two straight prior to last weekend’s loss to Cronulla, the Raiders continue to flirt with the Top 8. Canberra would need other results to go their way, but if they are to make a serious push for finals, it will have to stem from a win over the Storm away from home.

As Canberra’s 3-6 road record suggests, the likelihood of that happening is low. The Raiders are also 5-4 as the away underdog over the last 12 months, and given their inability to play a full 80-minutes of footy recently, it’s tough to picture Canberra holding off the likes of Josh Addo-Carr this weekend.

The only hope the Raiders may have is if the Storm have one of their rare “off games” on Saturday. We saw during patches last week plenty of handling errors from Melbourne, and if Canberra are to upset, they’ll have to capitalise on those opportunities, something that’s proved challenging all season.

Tip: Back Melbourne Storm to Beat The Line (-9.5 Points) @ $1.91

Same Game Multi: Storm To Win/Total Match Points (21-30)

There was no shame in the Titans’ efforts last week, but the Warriors? Let’s just say it’s tough to pinpoint where exactly this team is at right now.

In case you missed it, the Warriors have been a disaster at home this season. Sunday’s loss marked New Zealand’s fifth in the nine home games they’ve played this season, and as funny as it might sound, it’s safe to say Stephen Kearney’s side would much rather play out the rest of their games on the road.

Fortunately for the kiwis, Sunday’s meeting against the Titans comes on the Gold Coast, and after the Warriors thumped Garth Brennan’s men back in Round 2, New Zealand come in as the heavy favourites.

In terms of finals, you could argue the Warriors aren’t quite at the level of the Storm, Rabbitohs or even the Dragons just yet, but as we saw two weeks ago at Suncorp Stadium, New Zealand are capable of anything on their day.

This is a game the Warriors should win, and although the Titans did well to pile on some points against the Knights last week, Gold Coast’s second half implosion ultimately cost the Titans their seventh win of the season.

New Zealand’s attacking firepower is well documented, and if Solomone Kata gets his hands on the ball early and often, the Warriors’ attack should prove too strong for a Titans side that has been particularly poor at home.

Tip: Back New Zealand Warriors 1-12 @ $2.90

Same Game Multi: Warriors 1-12/David Fusitu’a Anytime Try Scorer

Fun would be an understatement.

Are we looking at a potential Grand Final preview here? If things keep going the way they’re going, perhaps not, but this is a big game for St. George to re-route their season and get things back on track.

The Roosters may not be on top of the ladder, but take nothing away from their resounding win over Manly last week – this team is the real deal.

The inclusion of Latrell Mitchell and Cooper Cronk into the side made Sydney look even more dangerous than they did a week prior, and with so much depth to play with, it’s safe to say the Roosters will be in finals-talk for a long while.

Meanwhile, St. George have a lot less to celebrate. A win over the Dragons was just what we expected, but after a solid three week period of less than convincing footy, it’s still tough to know how serious this team really is.

If one thing is for sure, this game should be close.

The Dragons ran away with a 24-8 win over Sydney back in April, but this is a new-look Roosters side since then, one that can really knuckle down defensively and play some stingy football.

Head-to-head the Roosters have won three of the last five, but even more impressively, Sydney’s 4-1 record as the home favourite against the Dragons makes them so hard to bet against.

This game will really come down to the forwards battle as well as the kicking game. It’s a pretty even slate on both sides of the ball, but you have to ride with the Roosters’ form here.

Tip: Back Sydney Roosters 1-12 @ $2.90

Same Game Multi: Roosters 1-12/Total Match Points Under 20.5

2017

We have reached a truly intriguing stage of the 2017 NRL season and the fight for positions in the top four is on in earnest.

There are only six points between the Melbourne Storm in first and the Parramatta Eels in seventh on the NRL Ladder, while the Manly Sea Eagles, Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys are all equal on 26 competitions points.

There is finals relevance in every single game this weekend and our complete 2017 NRL Round 20 tips can be found below.

The Canterbury Bulldogs beat the Brisbane Broncos earlier this season, but it is the Broncos that will start this clash as clear favourites.

It wasn’t their best performance, but the Broncos were still able to take the two points from their clash with the Newcastle Knights and their record at Suncorp Stadium this season has been strong.

Brisbane have won ten of their past 12 games as home favourites for a clear profit and they are 6-6 against the line in this scenario.

Canterbury went into their bye on the back of a come-from-behind win over the Knights, but they have won only two of their past eight games.

The Bulldogs have lost their past eight games as away underdogs and they are a poor 3-5 against the line in this scenario.

This is a game that the market looks to have got just about right and I am happy to stay out from a betting perspective.

No Bet

The Sydney Roosters are the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend in the NRL and they really should be too strong for the Newcastle Knights.

Sydney went into the bye with a gutsy win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs and they have been easy to trust in these sorts of games this season.

The Roosters have won six of their past eight games as home favourites for a clear profit, but they are only 2-6 against the line in this scenario.

Newcastle produced a solid performance against the Brisbane Broncos last weekend, but it still wasn’t enough and it is tough to see them winning another game this season.

The Knights simply can’t win a game away from home and they are 6-6 against the line as away underdogs.

This is a game that the Roosters should win comfortably, but the line of 15.5 points does seem a touch excessive and this is another game that I am keen to stay out of.

No Bet

The Cronulla Sharks suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans last weekend, but they will still start this clash as clear favourites.

Cronulla have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and their record as home favourites leaves plenty to be desired.

The Sharks have won only six of their past 11 games as home favourites for a clear loss and they are a very poor 2-9 against the line in this scenario.

A lack of ball-security cost the South Sydney Rabbitohs badly against the North Queensland Cowboys and they are now surely out of finals contention.

However, it has been in situations when they have been underestimated by punters that the Rabbitohs have thrived this season.

They have won four of their past seven games as away underdogs and they are a most impressive 6-1 against the line in this scenario.

It is tough to trust South Sydney in their current form, but with a start of 6.5 points they are a great bet to cover the line.

Back South Sydney To Beat The Line (+6.5 Points)

This is a crucial game for these two sides that currently sit outside the top eight.

It is the Penrith Panthers that will start this clash as favourites after an outstanding individual performance from Nathan Cleary led them to victory against the New Zealand Warriors.

Penrith have now won eight of their past ten games as home favourites for a clear profit and they have an identical record against the line in this scenario.

The Gold Coast Titans made it three wins on the trot with an excellent performance over the Cronulla Sharks in the wet and they will go into this clash with plenty of confidence.

The Titans have won two of their past eight games as away underdogs and they are 4-4 against the line in this scenario.

Penrith do seem to produce their best football at Pepper Stadium and they can keep their finals chances alive with a healthy win over the Titans.

Back Penrith Panthers To Beat The Line (-5.5 Points)

The Canberra Raiders have the home-ground advantage, but it is the Melbourne Storm that will start this clash as clear favourites.

Melbourne failed to fire without their State Of Origin stats against the Parramatta Eels a fortnight ago, but they are now close to full-strength and ready to start their charge towards the NRL Finals.

The Storm have won nine of their past ten games as away favourites for a clear profit and they are an excellent 7-3 against the line in this scenario.

Canberra returned to winning form with a golden point win over the St George Illawarra Dragons and that last-grasp win kept their slim finals hopes alive.

The Raiders have been a very tough side to trust from a betting perspective this season and they have won only nine of their past 14 games at GIO Stadium, while they are 5-9 against the line in front of their home fans.

Melbourne will prove to be far too polished for the Raiders and they are one of the safest bets of the weekend to cover the line.

Back Melbourne Storm To Beat The Line (-5.5 Points)

The North Queensland Cowboys are 3-0 since Johnathan Thurston was ruled out for the rest of the season and they are big favourites to account for the New Zealand Warriors.

The Cowboys produced another complete performance against the South Sydney Rabbitohs last Sunday and the fact that they are playing so well without Thurston and Matt Scott is a tribute to their depth.

North Queensland have won seven of their past ten games as home favourites and they are 5-1-4 against the line in this scenario.

Shaun Johnson looks set to miss the rest of the season and that means big trouble for the New Zealand Warriors.

The Warriors aren’t a great side with Johnson in it, but they are particularly bad when he doesn’t play and they completely capitulated without him in the side at the end of last season.

New Zealand have won only two of their past ten games as away underdogs and things could really get ugly for the rest of the season without Johnson in the side.

North Queensland can make it four wins on the trot with another comfortable victory.

Back North Queensland Cowboys To Beat The Line (-8.5 Points)

This is a massive game for both sides and the St George Illawarra Dragons could potentially find themselves outside the top eight if they fail to get the job done.

The Manly Sea Eagles were slow out of the gates against the Wests Tigers, but they proved too strong for their rivals in the second half and they will go into this clash as clear favourites.

Manly have been particularly strong away from home this season and they have won seven of their past 11 games on the road, while they are 8-3 against the line when playing away from home.

The Dragons lost a golden point thriller against the Canberra Raiders last Friday night and they have now won only one of their past five games.

St George have won only two of their past seven games as home underdogs, but they are 4-3 against the line in this scenario.

Manly are a side that simply has more upside than St George Illawarra and the Sea Eagles can cover the line of 4.5 points.

Back Manly Sea Eagles To Beat The Line (-4.5 Points)

The Parramatta Eels have won three games on the trot and they are clear favourites to account for the Wests Tigers this weekend.

Parramatta went into the bye on the back of a nice win over an undermanned Melbourne Storm and there has been a lot to like about the way that they played in recent weeks.

The Eels have won three of their past four games as away favourites for a clear profit and they are 3-1 against the line in this scenario.

Wests blew a big lead to go down to the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend and they have won only one of their past eight games.

It really is tough to have any faith in the Tigers whatsoever and they have covered the line in only nine of their past 21 games as underdogs for a big loss.

The Tigers really look like they have given up on this season and the Eels are good enough to post a big win.

Back Parramatta Eels To Beat The Line (-8.5 Points)

2016

Round 20 of the 2016 NRL season starts with a Thursday night blockbuster between the North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs before the Brisbane Broncos host the Penrith Panthers on Friday night.

Saturdays games are highlighted by the finals rematch between the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters, while there will be plenty to play for when the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Manly Sea Eagles on Monday night.

The North Queensland Cowboys have won three of their past four games played against the Canterbury Bulldogs and they will go into this clash with their full-strength team for the first time in over a month.

The Cowboys generally struggle during the State Of Origin period and they did drop three games again in 2016, but apart from the suspension of Kyle Feldt they have come through unscathed and are ready for the charge to the finals.

North Queensland will go into this clash as clear favourites and their record in front of their home fans at 1300 Smiles Stadium is nothing short of outstanding – they are 12-1 as home favourites in the past 12 months and are 8-5 against the line in this scenario.

The Bulldogs have flown under the radar in recent weeks, but they have won four games on the trot and are one of the teams that is pushing for a top four finish.

Canterbury have an excellent record on the road and they have actually won four of their past seven games as away underdogs, with an identical record against the line.

The Bulldogs have actually won three of their past four games at 1300 Smiles Stadium and there is definite value at their current price of $2.95 – even if the Cowboys will be tough to beat in front of their home fans.

Recommended Bet: Back The Canterbury Bulldogs To Win @ $2.95

The Penrith Panthers scored an upset victory over the Brisbane Broncos earlier this season, but it is the Broncos that will go into this clash as very short-priced favourites.

Brisbane ended their losing streak with a professional performance against the South Sydney Rabbitohs and a repeat of that performance would be enough to get the job done against the Panthers this weekend.

The Broncos have not been a winning betting play as home favourites in the past 12 months and their record against the line is this scenario is now a very average 7-7.

Penrith scored a comeback victory over the Parramatta Eels last weekend to stay in touch with the top eight, but you never know what you are going to get from this inconsistent outfit.

The Panthers have struggled away from home in the past 12 months and they have won  just one of their past seven games as away underdogs, but they are 4-3 against the line in this scenario.

The line of 11.5 points does seem a touch on the excessive side – four of the past five games between the two sides have been decided by less than that margin – and I am keen to back the Panthers with the start.

Recommended Bet: Back The Panthers To Beat The Line (+11.5 Points)

This is a crucial game for both sides as the Raiders are pushing for a place in the top four, while the New Zealand Warriors can consolidate their place in the top eight.

Canberra went into their bye on the back of three straight victories and they are set to start this clash as clear favourites.

The Raiders have improved their record as home favourites considerably in recent weeks and they have now won eight of their past 10 games as home favourites, while they are 6-4 against the line in this scenario.

The Warriors missed out on a golden opportunity to claim two points when they went down to the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend and they continue to be a team that is tough to trust from a betting perspective.

They have lost their past seven games as away underdogs and their record against the line in this scenario is a very poor 2-5.

The data suggests that the Canberra Raiders should record a comfortable victory and they can cover the line of 6.5 points.

Recommended Bet: Back The Canberra Raiders To Beat The Line (-6.5 Points)

The Gold Coast Titans  have won five of their past six games against the Parramatta Eels and will go into this clash on Saturday as clear favourites.

The Titans returned to winning form with a comfortable victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons last Friday night and another victory this weekend would solidify their place in the top eight.

Gold Coast have an excellent record at Cbus Super Stadium and they have proven to be a safe betting play as home favourites, with a 3-1 record in both head to head and line betting markets.

Corey Norman will be missing for the Parramatta Eels once again, but they were almost able to get the job done without him against the Penrith Panthers last weekend.

The Eels have won two of their past eight games as away underdogs for a narrow profit, but they are only 4-4 against the line in this scenario and their off-field controversies are sure to catch up with them at some point.

The Titans can get the job done again this weekend and I am happy to back them giving away a start of 6.5 points.

Recommended Bet: Back The Gold Coast Titans To Beat The Line (-6.5 Points)

The Melbourne Storm only narrowly got the job done against the Newcastle Knights last weekend, but they are still clear favourites to get the job done against the Sydney Roosters this weekend.

Outside of the Cronulla Sharks, the Storm have been the dominant side in the NRL in the past three months and their only recent loss came without Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk in the side.

They have won nine of their past 11 games as home favourites and their record against the line in this scenario is a profitable 6-5.

The Sydney Roosters were far from disgraced against the Cronulla Sharks last weekend, but they were still unable to get the job done and they have won just one of their past eight games.

The Roosters have won two of their past six games as away underdogs for a loss, but their record against the line is 4-2 and they have lost only one of their past four games by more than a converted try.

Melbourne deserve to be clear favourites to win this clash, but their is no value at their current quote and the line of 11.5 points seems just about right.

Recommended Bet: No Bet

This is expected to be one of the biggest mismatches in history of the NRL as the Cronulla Sharks are $1.04 favourites to make it 15 wins on the trot when they face the Newcastle Knights this weekend.

The Sharks were not at their brilliant best against the Sydney Roosters last weekend, but they were still able to get the job done and it is very tough to see them getting beaten by the Knights.

Cronulla have now won nine out of their past 11 games as home favourites, but they are 5-6 against the line in this scenario and they will be giving away a very large start of 24.5 points.

Newcastle have still only won the one game this season, but they have shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks and they were only just beaten by the Melbourne Storm.

In saying that, the Knights remain a very tough team to trust from a betting perspective and they have won just two of their past 12 games as away underdogs, while they are 4-8 against the line in this scenario.

There is no doubt that the Sharks are the team to beat in this clash, but there is no value at their current price and this is another game that I am happy to stay out from a betting perspective.

Recommended Bet: No Bet

This is a crucial game for both sides as they need to win to stay in touch with the top eight.

The Wests Tigers went into the bye on the back of a loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs, but they will still start this clash as clear favourites.

This is not a position that the Tigers have become accustomed to in recent years and they have won just two of their past four games as home favourites with an identical record against the line.

St George Illawarra struggled without Josh Dugan against the Gold Coast Titans last weekend and they will go into this clash without their key player once again.

The fact that this game is being played at ANZ Stadium takes away the home ground advantage of the Dragons and they have won just five of their past 11 games as underdogs, while their record against the line when being given a start is 6-10.

These are two teams that are very tough to trust from a betting perspective and I am not keen on getting involved in this clash.

Recommended Bet: No Bet

The Manly Sea Eagles have found a semblance of their best form in the fortnight and they scored a very tough golden point against the New Zealand Warriors in Perth last weekend.

Manly will go into this position as home favourites and they have a surprisingly strong record in this position in the past 12 months – they have won three of their four games in this scenario, but they are 1-3 against the line.

South Sydney have been nothing short of putrid in the past 12 months and they have now lost six games on the trot.

They are 0-5 as home underdogs in the past 12 months and their record against the line is identical.

Manly look like one of the safest bets of the weekend and there is definite value at their current price of $1.78.

Recommended Bet: Back The Manly Sea Eagles To Win @ $1.78