NRL Betting Tips Round 18

Last Updated on 26 July 2023

NRL Footy Tips Round 18

Sharks vs Dragons

Thursday, June 29, 2023

7:50 PM @ Pointsbet Stadium

When it comes to the upcoming Sharks vs Dragons NRL match, the Sharks stand out as the clear favourites. Not only are they comfortably sitting in fourth position, but they also have a potent attack, averaging 26.3 points per game. Their wing, Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is the second in the NRL for line breaks, has scored 20 tries in 20 games at PointsBet Stadium, further strengthening their position.

The Dragons, on the other hand, are struggling. They’re grappling with a lack of confidence and have a defence that’s been questionable, giving up their biggest score of the season in their last match. While they have a new coach and potential line-up changes, it’s a tough ask against the Sharks, who have won the last six encounters between the two teams.

Given the Sharks’ current form and the Dragons’ struggles, the final score should be a convincing victory for the Sharks, with an estimated result of 32-16 in favour of Cronulla.

Betting Tip: Sharks @ 1.10

Suggested Bet: Sharks WINNING MARGIN 13+

Sharks Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Jesse Colquhoun	Foot	Indefinite
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Dragons Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Michael Jennings	Tricep	TBC
Luciano Leilua	Calf	TBC
Moses Suli	Head Knock	TBC
Corey Allan	Knee	Next Season
Updated Friday, April 26, 2024

Warriors vs Rabbitohs

Friday, June 30, 2023

6:00 PM @ Go Media Stadium

Here’s my take on the upcoming NRL clash between the Warriors and the Rabbitohs. Although the Warriors have been on a tear, winning their last three games, they face a Rabbitohs side with a remarkable track record against them, not losing to the Warriors since 2018.

Both teams have key players missing due to suspension, but the Rabbitohs will welcome the return of Cody Walker, Cameron Murray, and Damien Cook, which should fortify their lineup.
Despite the Rabbitohs’ recent defensive struggles, their attack, led by Alex Johnston and Cody Walker, continues to be formidable. The Warriors, on the other hand, have an in-form Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya to counter this threat.

Weighing up these factors, I believe the Rabbitohs will harness their historic dominance over the Warriors to secure a win. I predict a high-scoring match, with a final score of Rabbitohs 32, Warriors 24.

Betting Tip: Rabbitohs @ 2.15

Suggested Bet: Rabbitohs WINNING MARGIN 1-12

Warriors Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Freddy Lussick	Suspension	Round 10
Bunty Afoa	Hamstring	Round 12
Marata Niukore	Foot	Round 14
Chanel Harris-Tavita	Leg	TBC
Luke Metcalf	Leg	TBC
Curt Capewell	Throat	Indefinite
Demetric Sifakula	ACL	Indefinite
Jazz Tevaga	Hamstring	Indefinite
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Rabbitohs Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Alex Johnston	Hamstring	Round 10
Latrell Mitchell	Suspension	Round 10
Tevita Tatola	Foot	Round 18
Campbell Graham	Sternum	Round 20
Lachlan Ilias	Leg	TBC
Richard Kennar	Knee	TBC
Tyrone Munro	Collarbone	TBC
Updated Friday, April 26, 2024

Storm vs Panthers

Saturday, June 30, 2023

8:00 PM @ Marvel Stadium

With the Storm and Panthers neck and neck on competition points, their upcoming clash is set to be a great match. The Storm has been a force to reckon with, displaying incredible defensive efforts, allowing just 7.3 points on average in their last three games. Melbourne also has a home advantage, having won 16 out of 19 games against the Panthers in Melbourne. The return of the dynamic Cameron Munster and the likely availability of Eliesa Katoa and Tui Kamikamica could give the Storm a further edge.

However, the Panthers are not to be underestimated. They have a strong record for set completions, with an impressive average of 82 per cent, just edging out the Storm’s 81 per cent. The team is likely to welcome back their Origin contingent, which could rejuvenate their line-up and present a potent challenge.

Key individual performances could also sway the game. Storm fullback Nick Meaney is on the cusp of reaching 500 career points, and winger Xavier Coates has been on a try-scoring spree, with seven in his past five games in Melbourne. Dylan Edwards has been a standout for the Panthers, averaging more metres per game than any other player in the competition.

The contest promises to be close, but given their strong form and home advantage, the Storm looks set to edge out the Panthers. Final score prediction: Melbourne Storm 20, Panthers 14.

Betting Tip: Storm @ 1.80

Suggested Bet: Storm WINNING MARGIN 13+

Storm Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Sualauvi Faalogo	Ankle	Round 9
Tepai Moeroa	Back	Round 9
Tui Kamikamica	Calf	Round 10
Xavier Coates	Hamstring	TBC
Nelson Asofa-Solomona	Hamstring	TBC
Updated Friday, April 26, 2024

Panthers Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
N/A
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Raiders vs Titans

Saturday, July 1, 2023

3:00 PM @ GIO Stadium

The Canberra Raiders and the Gold Coast Titans game will be a nail-biter. With the Titans gaining momentum after two consecutive wins and the Raiders showing prowess in their recent match against the Roosters, it’s a tight contest.

The Titans come into the game after a notable victory over the Broncos, even without their captain, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. His return, coupled with the solid play of Kieran Foran, adds strength to their lineup. The Titans’ performance against the Raiders has been commendable in the past, with Brian Kelly scoring in the last three encounters.

On the other side, the Raiders have displayed stellar performance recently. Despite a hamstring injury to Josh Papali’i, the team’s form remains intact, with Corey Horsburgh and Jamal Fogarty leading the charge. However, the team’s recent record at GIO Stadium is a concern, having won only two of the past five games.

The Titans might have the edge, given both teams’ recent form and stats. I’m predicting a close match; my bet is for the Titans to scrape through with a narrow victory, 24-22.

Betting Tip: Titans @ 2.20

Suggested Bet: Titans WINNING MARGIN 13+

Raiders Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Elliott Whitehead	Calf	Round 9
Corey Horsburgh	Groin	Round 11
Jordan Rapana	Knee	Round 11
Jamal Fogarty	Biceps	Round 20
Corey Harawira-Naera	Rested	Indefinite
Zac Hosking	Shoulder	Indefinite
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Titans Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Keenan Palasia	Quad	Round 9
Phillip Sami	Ankle	Round 9
Jayden Campbell	Knee	Round 11
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui	Knee	Next Season
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Cowboys vs Wests Tigers

Saturday, July 1, 2023

5:30 PM @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium

With a remarkable streak of wins, including victories over last year’s top contenders, the North Queensland Cowboys are heading into this match on a high. Their recent performances have been phenomenal, putting up significant points against the likes of the Storm, Panthers, and Rabbitohs. The Cowboys’ back three have been instrumental in their success, providing substantial running metres in their games.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for the Cowboys. Their key player, Jason Taumalolo, is nursing a hamstring injury, which might impact their performance. That being said, they’ve shown impressive resilience in their games, even after their worst loss to the Tigers just six weeks ago.

On the other hand, the Wests Tigers are trying to regain their footing. They’re relying on David Klemmer and John Bateman for leadership, as key playmaker Luke Brooks is out due to an injury. Despite this, the Tigers have had their moments, with centre Starford To’a scoring four tries in his past four games against the Cowboys.

Despite their past defeat to the Tigers, the Cowboys are showcasing a stronger form. With a better track record at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium and a high missed tackle count against the Tigers least, the Cowboys look set to clinch this game. Hence, I predict a victory for the Cowboys, with a scoreline around 30-18.

Betting Tip: Cowboys @ 1.17

Suggested Bet: Cowboys HEAD-to-HEAD (Though not worth betting on)

Cowboys Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Heilum Luki	Ankle	Round 9
Murray Taulagi	Hamstring	Round 10
Coen Hess	Knee	Next Season
Zac Laybutt	Knee	Next Season
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown	Achilles	Indefinite
Updated Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wests Tigers Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Starford To'a	Ankle	Round 9
Adam Doueihi	Knee	Round 17
Junior Tupou	Foot	TBC
Updated Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Broncos vs Dolphins

Saturday, July 1, 2023

7:35 PM @ The Gabba

In the upcoming face-off between the Broncos and the Dolphins, it’s fair to suggest that the Broncos hold a significant edge. Both teams are bouncing back from recent losses, but the Broncos are set to bring lessons from their defeat. On the other hand, the Dolphins are grappling with a string of losses, having not tasted victory in the past month.

Team changes could influence the match. The Broncos might miss fullback Reece Walsh, but there’s potential for Tristan Sailor to step up. The Dolphins could see the return of Jeremy Marshall-King, but suspensions for Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace continue to limit their choices.

On the field, the Broncos’ potent offence and defence are undeniable. They score an average of four times per game this season, with Payne Haas earning an impressive 69.9 metres per game after contact. Moreover, they boast the second-best defensive average in the NRL, a stark contrast to the Dolphins, who conceded 136 points in their past three games.

On the individual player front, watch out for Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo and Dolphins’ Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, both prolific try-scorers this season. However, the overall team performance and recent track record tilt the scales in favour of the Broncos.

Given these factors, a realistic final score could be 24-12 in favour of the Broncos.

Betting Tip: Broncos @ 1.30

Suggested Bet: Broncos WINNING MARGIN 1-12

Broncos Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Selwyn Cobbo	Shoulder	TBC
Ezra Mam	Finger	TBC
Updated Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Dolphins Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Herbie Farnworth	Arm	Round 9
Hamiso Tabu-Fidow	Hamstring	Round 11
Felise Kaufusi	Hamstring	TBC
Tom Gilbert	Knee	Next Season
Thomas Flegler	Shoulder	Indefinite
Updated Monday, April 29, 2024

Bulldogs vs Knights

Sunday, July 2, 2023

2:00 PM @ Accor Stadium

It’s clear both the Bulldogs and the Knights are enduring a challenging season. Both have lost four of their last five matches, yet the home-ground advantage might play a crucial role in the upcoming game for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome back key players like Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Harrison Edwards, potentially bolstering their performance. On the Knights’ side, Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s return could prove to be an impactful addition.

However, let’s not disregard the Knights’ offensive prowess. Their wingers have scored 26 tries this season, significantly more than the Bulldogs’ 12 tries. The Knights’ skill in forcing missed tackles could put the Bulldogs under severe pressure.

Yet, the Knights’ away form is a matter of concern. They’ve won only one away game all season, which may tip the scales in the Bulldogs’ favour. Looking at these factors, I predict a closely contested game, with the Bulldogs edging out the Knights 18-16, capitalising on their home advantage.

Betting Tip: Bulldogs @ 2.20

Suggested Bet: Bulldogs WINNING MARGIN 1-12

Bulldogs Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Jacob Preston	Jaw	Round 9
Ryan Sutton	Knee	Round 12
Harrison Edwards	Neck	TBC
Kurt Mann	Hand	TBC
Chris Patolo	Knee	TBC
Karl Oloapu	Neck	Indefinite
Updated Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Knights Out:

PLAYER	INJURY	EXPECTED RETURN
Tyson Frizell	Hamstring	TBC
Thomas Jenkins	Knee	TBC
Kalyn Ponga	Foot	Indefinite
Updated Monday, April 29, 2024

Sea Eagles vs Roosters

Sunday, July 2, 2023

4:05 PM @ 4 Pines Park

In the face of recent setbacks, the Manly Sea Eagles are keen to reclaim their territory at 4 Pines Park against the Sydney Roosters. The Sea Eagles, bolstered by the potential return of pivotal players such as Jason Saab and Jake Trbojevic, are in a prime position to exploit the Roosters’ weakened forward pack, with Angus Crichton and Sitili Tupouniua sidelined due to injury.

Despite their past success against the Sea Eagles, the Roosters are facing a dip in form, averaging fewer points per game this season compared to the last. With both teams licking their wounds from Round 17, this game promises to be thrilling.

However, considering the Sea Eagles’ impressive four out of six home-game victories this season and the Roosters’ recent struggles on the road, the scales tip in favour of the Sea Eagles 24 Roosters 16.

Betting Tip: Sea Eagles @ 1.87

Suggested Bet: Sea Eagles WINNING MARGIN 1-12