Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos 

Thursday August 4 | SCG | 7.50pm AEST

There’s been a big move in the market for the Roosters, largely off the back of Broncos’ enforcer Patrick Carrigan being ruled out through suspension. This is a massive game for both teams, with the Roosters looking to continue their late season surge and notch four wins on the trot. They will be looking to secure their top eight spot, while the Broncos are eyeing a return to winning form after dropping out of the top four with last week’s shock loss to the Tigers. The Roosters are at home and have won four of the last five meetings between the teams, however the last two have come by four points or less. This looks like a toss of the coin match and the Broncos are the bet at the price.

Suggested bet: 1u Broncos +4.5 at $1.90

 

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans 

Friday August 5 | AAMI Park | 6.00pm AEST

The decimated Storm have a tough run home – and they can’t afford to miss this chance to notch points against the battling Titans. Melbourne have won 11 of the last 12 games between the sides and get Brandon Smith back from suspension. There are some key changes for the Titans, most notably with Jayden Campbell moving to fullback. However, it surely won’t be enough to topple the Storm. There will be huge question marks about the Storm if they drop this game at home. The Titans have lost their last nine but have been somewhat competitive the last two times they’ve met the Storm. Surely there’s too much on the line for the Storm to let the Titans get a sniff here.

Suggested bet: 1u Storm -17.5 at $1.90

 

Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels 

Friday August 5 | 4 Pines Park | 7.55pm AEST

Two sides with plenty to play for – this clash shapes as another quality instalment of the Eels-Manly rivalry. After a tough week in the public spotlight, it was no surprise to see Manly drop last week’s clash with the Roosters. It made Manly’s finals aspirations very difficult and positions this clash as a near must-win. As expected, there’s plenty of changes for Manly with last week’s controversial omissions returning. Parramatta took the points 22-20 in an epic encounter when these sides met earlier in the year. The Eels also come off a big win over reigning premiers Penrith, but we’re certainly aided by Nathan Cleary’s early send-off. Parramatta will be looking for their first win at this venue since 2017 but have a penchant for dropping games after scoring surprise wins. Happy to stay out from a betting view and watch these two fight it out, especially with the Eels going in without playmaker Mitch Moses.

No suggested bet

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors

Saturday August 6 | Sunshine Coast Stadium | 3.00pm AEST

The Rabbitohs four-game winning run come to an end in an action-packed golden point loss to the Sharks last week. They now face the Warriors at home, and opportunities to hit back don’t get much easier than this. The Rabbitohs have won 12 of the last 13 meetings between the teams and they’ll take on a Warriors side missing Chanel Tavita-Harris through injury. On a fine Saturday afternoon, this has a big Rabbitohs’ win written all over it.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Rabbitohs -18.5 at $1.90

 

Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers

Saturday August 6 | GIO Stadium | 5.30pm AEST

The Raiders will be sniffing an upset at home as they face the Cleary-less Panthers. The Panthers must now finish the regular season without both Cleary and Jarme Luai. The Raiders are playing footy worthy of a finals spot after winning three straight games. There’s plenty to play for in front of home fans, and I’m tipping the Panthers will take some time to adjust without Cleary running the show. The Panthers have won the past three against Canberra by big margins, but this is a very different circumstance with an under-strength Panthers outfit.

Suggested bet: 1u Raiders win at $2.25

 

Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday August 6 | PointsBet Stadium | 7.35pmAEST

The Sharks continued their stellar run of form by toppling the Rabbitohs in golden point to keep third spot on the ladder With the Storm flailing, the Sharks could be in for a showdown with the Cowboys for second spot. But this is a must-win contest if the Sharks want to secure that all-important second spot. The stats are good for Cronulla having lost just once at PointsBet Stadium all season and winning their last five games against the Dragons. They’ve also only dropped one game from their last 11 attempts when under lights at this venue.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Sharks -10.5 at $1.90

 

Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sunday August 7 | Salter Oval | 2.00pm AEST

A much more interesting clash than most would’ve predicted six weeks ago. The Bulldogs have really turned things around since Mick Potter took control, winning four of their last six games. They face a Cowboys side in second spot on the ladder, who finished strong to crush the Dragons last week. Canterbury did upset North Queensland back in Round 1 and it should give them confidence of at least being competitive. But it’s a tricky one from a betting view so happy to stay out with the line at 10.5. Kyle Feldt’s omission for the Cowboys has probably brought that line in a touch so it’s not enough to warrant backing a Bulldogs side which still sits at the rear of the ladder.

No suggested bet

 

Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday August 7 | Campbelltown Stadium | 4.05pmAEST

Th Knights are playing some awful footy and face a Tigers which has really blossomed in recent weeks. After the controversial loss to the Cowboys, the Tigers were clinical away from home when downing the Broncos. I’m surprised to see this match is so close in the market, for mine the Tigers should be very clear faves at home.

Suggested bet: 2u Tigers -5-5 at $1.90