The 2025 NRL season is set to once again be challenging for tippers. There has been some key player movements during the offseason as clubs look to turn their fortunes around or maintain their dominance. Tipping eight winners each weekend is going to be near impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels, 4 Pines Park, Sunday March 30, 4:05pm (AEDT)
I hate to pick on the Eels again this week, particularly when there are quite a few games which look to have almost certain winners. But, the way the Sea Eagles have been playing at home this season, and with Tom Trbojevic back at fullback, we could see a record score rung up here on Sunday afternoon.
The Eels are obviously in the midst of a rebuild under new coach Jason Ryles, and they did look better against the Bulldogs on the weekend, but their commitment to defence is lacking at times. If the Sea Eagles get on a roll again, the scoreboard attendant is really going to earn his money.
Other games which appear to have a certain result this weekend are the Storm over the Dragons, Panthers over the Rabbitohs and the Broncos over the Dolphins.
Round 4 sure thing: Sea Eagles
The toss of the coin
The Bulldogs struggled last week against the Eels without the long kicking game of Matt Burton. Their dour playing style was not helped by giving the Eels ample territory through ineffective clearing kicks. They did manage to hold the Eels at bay, with some desperate goal line defence restricting Parramatta to two tries, but this week they will be facing a much more potent attacking team.
The Sharks were too good for the Rabbitohs last week after beating the Cowboys the week before. They still carry the suggestion that they can't beat the top sides, which was supported by their loss to the Panthers in Las Vegas. The question is, are the Bulldogs really one of the top sides?
The Bulldogs certainly are playing with a lot of spirit and determination, but that might not be enough at Shark Park in what should be a ferocious clash.
Toss of the coin game winner: Sharks
The roughie
Wests Tigers vs. New Zealand Warriors, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday March 30, 6:15pm (AEDT)
I've not had much luck tipping roughies this season so far, but that has never stopped me before. This week we journey to Campbelltown for the Tigers' clash with the Warriors.
The Tigers continued their impressive start to the season last week with a determined victory over the Dolphins. They return home for this clash against the hot-and-cold Warriors, who last week found some form to defeat the Roosters.
If the Tigers want to prove to everyone that they are genuine finals contenders this season, then they should win this one. But the Warriors are in a similar situation, desperately wanting to prove that they can string some wins together. If the Warriors bring their best, an upset is on the cards.
Round 4 roughie: Warriors
Click here for a full guide to Round 4 of the 2024 NRL season