The 2024 NRL season is tight, with plenty of players injured or in and out of form, as clubs look to make their runs through the Origin period, tipping a perfect round is nearly impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Sydney Roosters vs. St George Illawarra Dragons - Allianz Stadium, Sunday July 7, 2pm AEST
It would be easy enough to pick the Storm to beat the Tigers this weekend, as I think they are sure things, but I will go with another option, for variety sake.
The Roosters were clinical last week against the Tigers, with attacking weapons across the park playing behind a dominant pack. James Tedesco almost seems to be enjoying his break from Origin duties as he is back to playing some of his best football. They did lose star centre Joey Manu last week to a nasty broken hand, but their halves are really starting to shine and in their wingers they have two of the game's best finishers.
The Dragons looked good in the second half against the Dolphins, taking advantage of the weight of possession to run in five tries after the break. They did all that without Zac Lomax, who returns this week to add an extra danger in attack, as well as his accurate goal shooting.
The Dragons need a win to hang onto the Top 8, while the Roosters need to continue their charge at a Top 4 slot. I just think the Roosters are looking too sharp for the Dragons in this one.
The round 18 sure thing is: Roosters
The toss of the coin
Canberra Raiders vs. Newcastle Knights - GIO Stadium, Sunday July 7, 4:05pm AEST
The fear factor has well and truly gone from making the journey to Canberra to take on the Raiders. So far this season, the Sharks have walloped them there, as have the Roosters and the Cowboys. They have won just one of their last five games and coach Ricky Stuart has started making some changes.
The Knights have been tinkering with their line-up as well, with young Englishman Will Pryce making a promising debut last week against the Eels at five-eighth. The hard-fought victory over the Eels was a welcome end to a three-game losing streak. Bradman Best has recently returned to the team from injury and is working his way back to Origin-quality form. And out of the blue, Kalyn Ponga makes his return this weekend at fullback.
As with most toss of the coin games, this one could go either way. The Raiders are really desperate for a win, but I think the Knights might just pip them.
Toss of the coin game winner: Knights
The roughie
Cronulla Sharks vs. Gold Coast Titans - C.ex Coffs International Stadium - Friday July 5, 6pm
The Sharks have had a terrible time of it lately and take this game to Coffs Harbour hoping for a change in fortune. They looked likely to run over the Bulldogs last week after being down 12-0 early, but errors and outstanding Bulldogs' defence prevented them from collecting the points.
The Titans had the bye last weekend, but the week before that they blew the Warriors off the park, amassing 66 points. They welcome back AJ Brimson, but at the expense of Jayden Campbell who was one of their best against the Warriors. Can they return to that potent form against the Sharks or will it be another loss for the Gold Coast team.
The Sharks should win this, but if you are looking for an upset, the Titans might be the team to take.
Round 18 roughie: Titans
Click here for a full guide to Round 18 of the 2024 NRL season