The NRL season has hit the home straight with just three rounds remaining. Finals berths and the all-important Top 4 spots are still up for grabs, with several teams needing to win this weekend. We start the round with the Storm hosting the Panthers, and finish with the Roosters probably running up a cricket score against the Tigers.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 20
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers
AAMI Park, 7:50pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Trent Toelau 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Angus Hinchey 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Joe Chan 19. Manaia Waitere Reserves: 20. Davvy Moale 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Hayden Watson
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Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith Bench: 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 18. Jack Cole 19. Blaize Talagi Reserves: 20. Jaxen Edgar 21. Luke Garner 22. Jesse McLean
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Matt Noyen, Dillan Wells
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Storm had last weekend off to ponder missing out on the finals for the first time since they had all their competition points stripped. The eighth-placed Cowboys lost to the Eels, leaving some mathematical possibilities open for the desperately hopeful Melbourne fans. The Panthers slipped off the top of the ladder when they lost a fiercely fought defensive battle against the Roosters. You would expect the Panthers to bounce back from last week, but the Storm will not go down without a fight -- and Isaah Yeo has left an enormous hole in Penrith.
Tip: Panthers by 8
PointsBet odds: Storm $3.30 (+9.5 $1.88) Panthers $1.32 (-9.5 $1.88)
Friday, August 21
Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos
GIO Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Ata Mariota Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Daine Laurie 18. Vena Patuki-Case 19. Savelio Tamale Reserves: 20. Coby Black 21. Sebastian Kris 22. Jayden Brailey
Broncos: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Ben Hunt 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va'a Semu 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Gehamat Shibasaki Reserves: 20. Ben Talty 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Luke Gale
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Phil Henderson
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Raiders played some dazzling football last week to upset the Sharks, while the Broncos slumped to another loss, this time at the hands of the Warriors. The Broncos will have to complete their miserable season without star fullback Reece Walsh, but they have much larger problems than that. The reigning premiers have been ordinary this year as they appear reluctant to perform for coach Michael Maguire. They have the talent to beat the Raiders, but they don't appear to have the mental attitude to beat anyone.
Tip: Raiders by 16
PointsBet odds: Raiders $1.37 (-9.5 $1.88) Broncos $3 (+9.5 $1.88)
Dolphins vs. Parramatta Eels
Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (AEST)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles Bench: 14. Ray Stone 15. Francis Molo 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Brian Pouniu 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo Reserves: 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. John Fineanganofo 22. Sam Elliott
Eels: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Teancum Brown 17. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 18. Sean Russell 19. Kelma Tuilagi Reserves: 20. Araz Nanva 21. Ryda Talagi 22. Ryley Smith
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Kieren Irons, Jarrod Cole
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Dolphins were impressive last week in beating the Sea Eagles, as they often are, but not always defensively. They stopped the Sea Eagles from scoring a single point, something that hadn't happened at Brookvale for 33 years. The Eels continued their frustrating season, beating the Cowboys in a performance almost worthy of a finals contender. They will need to really tighten up their defence against the Dolphins, otherwise they could be in for a very long night.
Tip: Dolphins by 18
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $1.25 (-13.5 $1.88) Eels $4 (+13.5 $1.88)
Saturday, August 22
Newcastle Knights vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Mathew Croker Bench: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Cody Hopwood 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Toby Winter Reserves: 20. Diesel Hagan 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Elijah Leaumoana
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Clayton Faulalo 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Corey Waddell 17. Caleb Navale 18. Josh Feledy 19. Fletcher Baker Reserves: 20. Onitoni Large 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Blake Wilson
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Dave Munro, Damian Brady
Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: The Knights continued their charge at a Top 4 spot, guaranteeing their place in the finals with victory over the Titans. The wheels have well and truly fallen off the Sea Eagles wagon, as they were thumped by the Dolphins at home. It is hard to see the Sea Eagles beating anyone at the moment, let alone a very confident Knights side in Newcastle.
Tip: Knights by 22
PointsBet odds: Knights $1.37 (-7.5 $1.88) Sea Eagles $3 (+7.5 $1.88)
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. New Zealand Warriors
Accor Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Edward Kosi Reserves: 20. Jonah Glover 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Latrell Mitchell
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Luke Hanson 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Adam Pompey Reserves: 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Jett Cleary 22. Luke Laulilii 23. Makaia Tafua
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Kasey Badger, Drew Oultram
Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Rabbitohs were at their very best last weekend in beating the Bulldogs. Defensively they stopped several Bulldogs tries at the line, while with the ball they proved difficult to stop. Similarly the Warriors looked very good in a thumping victory over the Broncos. Both teams are battling injury concerns, but the Warriors appear to be travelling just a little bit better and should win this one.
Tip: Warriors by 8
PointsBet odds: Rabbitohs $2.40 (+5.5 $1.88) Warriors $1.55 (-5.5 $1.88)
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Allianz Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Dragons: 1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Emre Guler 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman Bench: 14. Damien Cook 15. Toby Couchman 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Setu Tu 19. Josh Kerr Reserves: 20. Blake Lawrie 21. Luciano Leilua 22. Kade Reed
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Alekolasimi Jones 19. Jake Turpin 20. Sean O'Sullivan Reserves: 21. Jed Reardon 22. Jonathan Sua 23. Jack Underhill
Officials
Referee: Liam Kennedy Touchies: Tyson Brough, Jon Stone
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Dragons are on a roll, last week beating the Tigers as they cling to the hope of avoiding the wooden spoon. The Bulldogs remained a win away from a finals berth after a disappointing effort against the Rabbitohs. With coach Cameron Ciraldo refusing to recognise his own selection errors, the Bulldogs will have a real battle to beat the hyped up Dragons. If the Dragons defence is solid enough, the Bulldogs may struggle to score enough points for victory. `
Tip: Bulldogs by 6
PointsBet odds: Dragons $2.60 (+6.5 $1.88) Bulldogs $1.47 (-6.5 $1.88)
Sunday, August 23
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Klese Haas 16. Chris Randall 17. Bodhi Sharpley 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Sialetili Faeamani Reserves: 20. Adam Christensen 21. Jett Liu 22. Tony Francis
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Niwhai Puru 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele Reserves: 20. Liam Ison 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Toby Rudolf
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Michael Wise, Jake Sutherland
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Titans fought hard against the Knights last week, but their own mistakes proved costly in a 10-point loss. The Sharks slumped to a second straight defeat, this time at the hands of the Raiders. They are still in with a shot at the Top 4, but really can't afford to lose again. This is the game where the Sharks have to get their campaign back on track, the Titans can be a difficult prospect, and would love to knock the visitors over.
Tip: Sharks by 24
PointsBet odds: Titans $2.60 (+5.5 $1.88) Sharks $1.48 (-5.5 $1.88)
Sydney Roosters vs. Wests Tigers
Allianz Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau Reserves: 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Taylor Losalu
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Sunia Turuva Reserves: 20. Javon Andrews 21. Charlie Murray 22. Faaletino Tavana
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Daniel Luttringer, Belinda Sharpe
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Roosters were superb last week, defeating the Panthers in a brutal defensive battle. The Tigers had their season go from bad to worse, losing to the Dragons. Mentally, the Tigers may already be on their end of season trip by the time Sunday night rolls around, and this could end up being as ugly as the Roosters' 80+ point defeat of the Cowboys.
Tip: Roosters by 28
PointsBet odds: Roosters $1.07 (-23.5 $1.99) Tigers $8 (+23.5 $1.88)
BYE:
Cowboys
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.