St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Thursday June 16 | WIN Stadium | 7.50pm AEST

South Sydney has won its past eight matches against the Dragons and come into this off two victories. But whilst they’ve found some winning form, those triumphs have only come against lowly opponents in the Tigers and Titans. They won comfortably enough, but we’re far from impressive, and the jury remains out on if they are even a genuine top eight side. Ravalawa, Feagai and Sims return for a Dragons side which was no match for the Cowboys last week. The Rabbitohs get Latrell Mitchell back and whilst they are far from flying on all cylinders just yet, his return means they really should have a touch too much class.

Suggested bet: 1u Rabbitohs -5.5 at $1.90

Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys NRL

Friday June 17 | 4 Pines Park | 6.00pm AEST

Manly has dominated recent encounters with the Cowboys, but this match is under very different circumstances. The Cowboys are airborne, winning eight of their past nine, and sitting in third spot on the ladder. However, NSW is a place they are yet to win in 2022. Manly is in winning form after beating the Warriors and Tigers in recent weeks. This is an opportunity for Manly to signal they are up to testing the better sides of the competition. Young gun Heilum Luki is a big loss for the Cowboys, but Origin reps Cotter and Nanai are strong reinforcements. The Cowboys will be keen to prove they can win in Blues territory and I’m tipping they’ll account for the Sea Eagles.

Suggested bet: 1u Cowboys -4.5 at $1.90

Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos

Friday June 17 | AAMI Park | 7.55pm AEST

What a fascinating clash. It’s not often a side looking for it’s eighth straight win is so large in the market – but that’s the scenario here with the Broncos at $5.50. They face the ultimate test of tackling Melbourne at home, a side the Broncos haven’t beaten from their last 10 attempts. And after defeats to the Panthers and Cowboys, the Storm have rebounded strongly by beating the Sea Eagles and Roosters. As we enter the latter stages of the regular season, the Storm will be looking to ensure they maintain that momentum. The Broncos will be without playmaker and stabiliser Adam Reynolds, which is a huge loss for a clash with such a calculated opponent. I reckon the Broncos might be in this for a while, but eventually it’ll be the Storm running over the top.

No suggested bet

Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans

Saturday June 18 | C.ex Coffs International Stadium | 3.00pm AEST

After winning just one game from their last 10, the Titans’ finals ambitions are over. They now face a Sharks side which they haven’t troubled in their last seven encounters. The Sharks are searching for consistency after failing to win consecutive matches since wins in rounds four and five. These two met only a few weeks ago in wet weather and it was the Sharks victorious after a dominant second half. This is an important match for the Sharks if they want to be considered serious contenders in session 2022.

Suggested bet: 1u Sharks -13.5 at $1.90

New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers

Saturday June 18 | Moreton Daily Stadium | 5.30pm AEST

A complete mismatch here, and while the Warriors can often throw up the odd surprise performance, they won’t be troubling the Panthers. The Warriors have lost their six and whilst there’s been glimpses (in very small doses) of what they can produce, they’ll get a firsthand look of how the competition’s premier side goes about their business. From a betting view, can the Panthers handle the -24.5 handicap? The Warriors are capable of scoring but defence is their Achilles heel. The Warriors will likely get across a few times, meaning the Panthers will need to score ~40 points themselves to cover the line. I think they can do that in dry conditions.

Suggested bet: 0.5u Panthers -24.5 at $1.90

Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters

Saturday June 18 | CommBank Stadium | 7.35pm AEST

Probably the match of the round with both sides still looking to cement their place as a top four side. Sydney has been the dominant side in these recent encounters, including a 31-24 win earlier this year which was built off a strong opening half. The Roosters have lost three of their past four matches and will be desperate to regain some momentum for a late season assault. As for the Eels, once again they showed complacency against lower sides when blown off the park by the Bulldogs last week. Should be a tight match and simply going with the Roosters at the price.

Suggested bet: 1u Roosters win at $2

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday June 19 | GIO Stadium | 2.00pm AEST

These two sides have delivered very contrasting form in recent weeks, with the Raiders impressive winning four of their last six and dropping only to the Eels and Broncos.. The Knights have lost nine of their 13 games so far this season and were embarrassed at home to Penrith last week. They’ve simply put in some dismal displays in recent weeks and it’s hard to see them turning it around against the Raiders. Newcastle does have a solid recent record over Canberra, winning the last three clashes, however it’s hard to see them getting the job done away from home.

Suggested bet: 1u Canberra -10.5 at $1.90

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers

Sunday June 19 | CommBank Stadium | 4.05pm AEST

Two new coaches face off in a clash of the cellar dwellers. Canterbury will be full of confidence after last week’s surprise win over the Eels, while the Tigers battled gamely in the opening half before being overran by the Sea Eagles. There’s not much to get excited about here, but you’d have to think the Bulldogs will be keen to continue last week’s form under their new coach. Still, I can’t take the $1.80 about the Bulldogs in any match. Happy to sit this out.

No suggested bet