Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm

Thursday July 7 | PointsBet Stadium | 7.50pm AEST

The Sharks have somewhat steadied their season with three consecutive wins since the mid-season break. While the points have been much-needed to keep them entrenched in the top-four conversation, they were all against average sides – Canterbury, Gold Coast and the Warriors. They face a Melbourne side which will be hungry to turn around their fortunes after an out-of-character loss to Manly last week. The Storm have won the last five meetings between the teams but head into enemy territory for the first time at the Sharks actual ground since 2020. On that occasion the Storm prevailed, but only by two points. The Storm will be without Munster, Grant and Kaufusi which makes the Sharks’ job a little easier. Talakai will miss for the Sharks after retaining his spot in the Blues’ Origin side, while Nicho Hynes is set to face his old side. The Sharks should be in this contest for a long way.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Sharks +6.5 at $1.90

Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 

Friday July 8 | McDonald Jones Stadium | 7.55pm AEST

There was a lot to like about the Rabbitohs last week as they breezed past the Eels. The return of Latrell Mitchell seemed to hit a switch for the Rabbitohs, who have performed below expectations in the first part of the season. Many have been waiting for them to find their groove and perhaps Mitchell’s return will be just what they need. Souths have won the last two encounters between these two sides by 13+ margins, and will be looking to make another statement after knocking off a top-four contender last week. Cook, Murray and Arrow are out for the Rabbitohs due to Origin duty, but there’s some able replacements. The Knights come into this off a big win over the Titans, but their overall form has been sloppy at best this season. Even with the Rabbitohs big names on the outer, the Knights should be no match.

Suggested bet: 1u Rabbitohs -5.5 at $1.90

Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels 

Saturday July 9 | Leichhardt Oval | 7.35pm AEST

The Tigers scored a dramatic upset over the Eels earlier this season by one point, but it was one of few highlights for their lowly season. Parramatta won’t be letting the Tigers repeat the dose this time, especially after coming off an average performance in losing to the Rabbitohs last week. The Eels have won eight of the last nine games between the teams and there’s too much on the line for them to let another one slip against a side like the Tigers. The Eels aren’t too affected by Origin and should be putting the Eels to the sword here.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Eels -11.5 at $1.90

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Sunday July 10 | Suncorp Stadium | 4.05pm AEST

After losing two games in a row, the Broncos need to regroup after putting together a prior seven-match winning streak. The two recent losses however did come against the Storm and Cowboys – two quality side. In contrast, the Dragons have won four of their last five and have a golden opportunity to consolidate a spot in the top eight after a shaky start to the season. The Dragons have also won their last five games against the Broncos. There’s a big group of important players missing for the Broncos – either to Origin or injury. It’s mighty tough to front up and perform against an in-form side when so many key players are on the sidelines.

Suggested bet: 2u Dragons win at $2.15