The race to the NRL finals continues this week, with several teams facing their make or break moments including the Knights against the Panthers and the Dragons against the Storm. The tension is mounting for everyone, including tippers who are also on the run home.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 1
Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Leichhardt Oval, 7:50pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali'i Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth 17. Alex Twal 22. Tim Johannssen Reserves: 18. Heath Mason 21. Declan Casey
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Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Thomas Mikaele Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Jake Granville 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame Reserves: 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Jamal Shibasaki
Officials
Referee: Chris Butler Touchies: Chris Sutton, Drew Oultram Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Tigers fell behind early against the Warriors last week and never looked like making up the difference, while the Cowboys came out on top in a tough encounter against the Sharks. The Cowboys will be very wary of visiting Leichhardt Oval after what happened to them last year and with a Top 8 spot still not guaranteed, they won't allow the Tigers to shock them again.
Tip: Cowboys by 18
PointsBet odds: Tigers $3.40 (+10.5 $1.90) Cowboys $1.32 (-10.5 $1.90)
Friday, August 2
New Zealand Warriors vs. Parramatta Eels
Go Media Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima Reserves: 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Taine Tuaupiki
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Will Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson Bench: 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir Reserves: 18. Ethan Sanders 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Phil Henderson, Tyson Brough Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Warriors blew the Tigers away in the first half last week, while the Eels also started well against the Storm before being overrun by the ladder leaders. Both teams have had very disappointing years, with the Warriors still an outside chance of making the finals, while the Eels are battling to avoid the wooden spoon. The Warriors should win this, but I'm not sure how confident anyone should be about it.
Tip: Warriors by 10
PointsBet odds: Warriors $1.27 (-11.5 $1.90) Eels $3.80 (+11.5 $1.90)
Dolphins vs. Sydney Roosters
HBF Park, Perth, 8pm (AEST)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O'Sullivan Reserves: 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Tesi Niu
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson Bench: 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May Reserves: 20. Ethan King 19. Siua Wong
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: David Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Dolphins raced to a 14-0 lead in the first 21 minutes against the Titans last week before stopping, while the Roosters leaked way more points than they would have liked, but hung on to beat the Sea Eagles. The Dolphins have a habit of throwing victories away and it sees them on the verge of dropping out of the Top 8. The Roosters need to keep winning to maintain their spot in the Top 4 and should get the points in Perth.
Tip: Roosters by 14
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $3.50 (+10.5 $1.90) Roosters $1.30 (-10.5 $1.90)
Saturday, August 3
Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane Broncos
Cbus Super Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall Bench: 14. Isaac Liu 15. Klese Haas 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Josiah Pahulu Reserves: 18. Jaimin Jolliffe 19. AJ Brimson 20. Joe Stimson 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Tony Francis
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau Reserves: 18. Josiah Karapani 19. Joshua Rogers 20. Tyson Smoothy 21. Vaa Semu 22. Tristan Sailor
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Dan Schwass, Jarrod Cole Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Titans weathered an early Dolphins onslaught last weekend and came out after a Des Hasler spray to score all the points in the second half. The Broncos were simply blown apart by the Bulldogs, who played a fast-moving expansive game. Titans coach Hasler would have taken note of the way the Broncos were exposed and will have a plan of his own to cause another upset at home. A tough game to tip, but the Broncos were awful last week.
Tip: Titans by 8
PointsBet odds: Titans $2.70 (+6.5 $1.85) Broncos $1.47 (-6.5 $1.95)
Melbourne Storm vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
AAMI Park, 5:30pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald Reserves: 18. Tristan Powell 19. Chris Lewis 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Reimis Smith 22. Tepai Moeroa
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Tom Eisenhuth Bench: 14. Hame Sele 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Blake Lawrie Reserves: 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Michael Molo 20. Jack Bird 21. Mikaele Ravalawa 22. Connor Muhleisen
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Drew Oultram, Michael Wise Bunker: Matt Noyen
Prediction: The Storm were at their ruthless best against the Eels last week, with Cameron Munster making a rusty return, while the Dragons were no match for the Panthers. Munster will be better for the run and the Storm will be keen to maintain their big lead at the top of the ladder. The Dragons are capable of springing an upset, but I won't be tipping against the Storm.
Tip: Storm by 20
PointsBet odds: Storm $1.11 (-19.5 $1.85) Dragons $6.50 (+19.5 $1.95)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
PointsBet Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jack Williams 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Billy Burns 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Liam Ison
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jacob Host 13. Keaon Koloamatangi Bench: 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Tallis Duncan Reserves: 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Liam Le Blanc 22. Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson
Officials
Referee: Liam Kennedy Touchies: Jon Stone, Damian Brady Bunker: Kasey Badge
Prediction: The Sharks had their chances but fell short against the Cowboys last week, while the Rabbitohs would have been disappointed by their efforts against the Raiders. The Sharks have to win this one at home to keep themselves safely in the Top 4. The Rabbitohs on the other hand appear to have very little motivation to perform.
Tip: Sharks by 24
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.32 (-10.5 $1.95) Rabbitohs $3.40 (+10.5 $1.85)
Sunday, August 4
Penrith Panthers vs. Newcastle Knights
BlueBet Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer Reserves: 18. Luron Patea 21. Asu Kepaoa
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. Brodie Jones
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Matt Noyen, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Panthers were way too good for the Dragons last week, while the Knights enjoyed the bye. The Knights have won just two of their last seven games to slip out of the Top 8. This is their opportunity to prove that they deserve to play in the finals and begin the climb back up the ladder. Unfortunately they are playing a Panthers side which has Nathan Cleary back at the helm, and they could be in for a long and painful afternoon.
Tip: Panthers by 22
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.15 (-16.5 $1.95) Knights $5.50 (+16.5 $1.85)
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Canberra Raiders
Belmore Sports Ground, 4:05pm (AEST)
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Harry Hayes Reserves: 19. Jeral Skelton 22. Poasa Faamausili
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 16. Ata Mariota 17. Zac Hosking Reserves: 18. Adam Cook 21. Zac Woolford
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Chris Sutton, Wyatt Raymond Bunker: Gerard Sutton
Prediction: The Bulldogs showed that they are more than just a great defensive team last week in tearing the Broncos apart, while the Raiders thumped the Rabbitohs in Canberra. The fans will cram in shoulder-to-shoulder on the Belmore hill to cheer on their heroes as they continue their gutsy run towards the finals. The Raiders beat the Bulldogs during Magic Round, but their game has improved immeasurably since then.
Tip: Bulldogs by 6
PointsBet odds: Bulldogs $1.40 (-8.5 $1.95) Raiders $3 (+8.5 $1.85)
BYE:
Sea Eagles
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.