Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels

Thursday August 25 | Suncorp Stadium | 7.50pmAEST

An important game for both sides, but especially for the host Broncos as they look to turn around their lacklustre recent form. After three losses from their last four games, the Broncos have slumped to eighth spot on the ladder and are now precariously close to missing out on finals action. It’s no easy task as they take on the Eels who have won five of the last six clashes with the Broncos. However, it was the Broncos who scored a surprise away win then they beat the Eels only a few rounds ago. The Eels come into this off a 42-6 thumping of the Bulldogs, led by the return of Mitch Moses, and have named an unchanged line-up. On current form, the Eels should be taking care of the Broncos – and exacting some revenge from the round 19 loss.

Suggested bet: 1u Eels -3.5 at $1.90

Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors

Friday August 26 | BlueBet Stadium | 6.00pm AEST

After securing the minor premiership with last week’s strong win over the Rabbitohs, the Panthers should have no problem disposing of the Warriors. The Panthers have home ground advantage and are further strengthened by the return of Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris, while the Warriors are having big trouble winning in Australia, having lost their past 11 here. Whilst there’s very little on the line for the Panthers, they’ll want to remain in form on the eve of finals against a Warriors side which allowed the Cowboys to put on 48 points last week. Penrith have also won the last five meetings between these sides, with three of the last four came by 13+ margins. Having said that, the near 30-point handicap is hard to recommend, so happy to watch this one.

No suggested bet

 Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters

Friday August 26 | AAMI Park | 7.55pm AEST

This looks the match of the round, with a Melbourne side back to their best and the Roosters hitting top gear at the right time. The Storm come into this off a four-game winning streak after landing 60 points on the Broncos last week. The Roosters bring a six-match winning streak after a 72-point drubbing of the Tigers last weekend. Melbourne have won the last five meetings between the teams and regain Felise Kaufusi for added grunt. Tough game to find a bet but the Storm’s home ground advantage makes the minus an attractive bet.

Suggested bet: 0.5 Storm -4.5 at $1.90

 Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles

Saturday August 27 | GIO Stadium | 3.00pm AEST

The Raiders are clinging to hopes of a top eight berth after coming from behind to beat the Knights last week. Canberra must keep winning in order to give themselves a chance of sneaking into the top eight and face a fading Manly side who come off an embarrassing humiliation from the Sharks. It was Manly’s fifth straight loss, but they do have a strong recent record against the Raiders. But with it all on the line for the Raiders, they should be able to account for a Manly side which appears to have put the cue in the rack for season 2022. The Raiders go in unchanged and should be winning comfortably.

Suggested bet: 1u Raiders -13.5 at $1.90

Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Saturday August 27 | PointsBet Stadium | 5.30pm AEST

The Sharks are finishing an already impressive season with a wet sail and should have no trouble against the Bulldogs. The Sharks have won four on the trot and lost just once from their last 10 matches. In contrast, the Bulldogs mini resurgence has come crashing back to earth with three straight losses. In recent weeks they’ve lost by big margins – by 36 points to the Eels last week and 22 points to the Warriors the week before. The Sharks are at home – and could all but secure a home final with a win here. Cronulla has won the past two matches between these two but had to work hard in the second half to win the round 16 clash 18-6. The Bulldogs have leaked points in recent weeks, having 40+ put on them by both the Eels and Warriors. Having said all this, the 20+ point handicap line for the Sharks looks excessive with the weather potentially a little wet.

No suggested bet

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys

Saturday August 27 | Accor Stadium | 7.35pm AEST

A big match for both sides, but particularly the Rabbitohs who are yet to completely secure their spot in the finals. Last week’s loss to the Panthers saw hem slip to seventh and they must now topple the second-placed Cowboys to avoid a final round showdown for a top eight berth with the Raiders. The Cowboys will be looking to go one step closer to sewing up a top two spot, but will have defy their poor record against the Rabbitohs, having not won this clash since 2017. The Rabbitohs are playing some solid footy, with their only recent losses being to Penrith last week by four points, and a one-point thriller against the Sharks in round 20. Whilst the Rabbitohs are in good form and have dominated this fixture in recent years, this is a much-improved Cowboys outfit. They aren’t in second spot on the ladder without good reason and can be more than competitive here.

Suggested bet: 1u Cowboys +6.5 at $1.90

Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Sunday August 28 | CommBank Stadium | 2.00pm AEST

The Tigers will be looking to respond after suffering the club’s worst ever defeat in the 72-6 loss to the Roosters. They will now be without a swag of big-name players as they take on the Dragons who beat the Titans 46-26 last week. The Tigers have won four of the last five games between the sides but if recent form is any indication, they will be hard-pressed to trouble the Dragons.

Suggested bet: 1u Dragons -9.5 at $1.90

 Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday August 28 | Cbus Super Stadium | 4.05pm AEST

Another low contest between two sides out of finals contention and you could make a case for the pair being the biggest disappointments of the competition. The Knights have shown glimpses of minor improvement, which was evident when coming out of the blocks to lead Canberra 22-8 at half-time, before being held scoreless in the second half to succumb to a 28-22 loss. The last time these two met it was the Knights victorious at home earlier this year, winning 38-12. The home side has won this fixture the past 10 matches. I’m loath to have a bet here but the Knights could easily surprise against a poor Titans outfit.

Suggested bet: 1u Knights win at $2.75