Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm
Thursday September 1 | CommBank Stadium | 7.50pm AEST
A blockbuster clash to kick off the round – and it’s an interesting match-up given Parramatta have won their past three over the Storm. Not many sides consistently trouble the Storm, but clearly the Eels know what’s needed against this outfit. Most wins have been by small margins, but the Eels also have a 14-0 win in the books at home from 2020, which makes their recent record to 4-1 against the Storm. The Eels come into this winning four of their last five and off a huge win over the Broncos. The Storm will be looking to bounce back after a physical home loss to the Roosters last week. There’s plenty on the line here as the winner finishes in the top four and earns a second chance in finals. Jahrome Hughes is out for the Storm and that will further challenge their lacklustre attack of recent weeks.
Suggested bet: 1u Eels -2.5 at $1.90
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles
Friday September 2 | Accor Stadium | 6.00pm AEST
Absolute lottery this game from a betting perspective. Two sides with disappointing seasons, and even poorer finishes in the final round games with the Bulldogs losing their past four and the Sea Eagles dropping their past six. One side will finish a winner, but it’s near impossible to pick which one it will be. I’m not sure the Bulldogs should be such clear favourites – they were unable to score a single point in last week’s loss to the Sharks. However, the Sea Eagles have leaked 40+ points for the last three weeks.
No suggested bet
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday September 2 | Allianz Stadium | 7.55pm AEST
Another big clash as traditional rivals face off with a home final up for grabs. The Roosters come off a tough win over the Storm, while the Rabbitohs were back to winning ways after beating the Cowboys last week. The Roosters are arguably the form team of the competition and come into this with a seven-game winning streak. Last week’s win over the Storm in Melbourne only solidified their credentials as being right in the premiership mix. The Rabbitohs go into this without Damien Cook and Campbell Graham, while the Roosters are down Daniel Tupou, Victor Radley and Lindsay Collins. Souths have dominated this fixture in recent encounters, winning the past four. Very tricky clash to predict but the Rabbitohs look slightly better placed in terms of personnel changes.
Suggested bet: 1u Rabbitohs win at $2
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
Saturday September 3 | Mt Smart Stadium | 3.00pm AEST
Another tricky clash with the Titans likely to have avoided the wooden spoon courtesy of last week’s win over the Knights. They now head to New Zealand as the Warriors get another rare chance to play in front of their home crowd. The Warriors have won two of three at this venue in 2022, and it’s also a place they’ve dominated the Titans – winning eight of the past nine.
But Is has been some time since they’ve played at Mt Smart, with the Warriors winning the last clash here back in 2019 by 16 points. However, the Titans have won the last two games between the teams. The Titans are also probably the most in-form side of the two, winning two of their past three clashes. At the price, they are worth a small bet.
Suggested bet: 0.5u Titans win at $2.50
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Brisbane Broncos
Saturday September 3 | Jubilee Stadium | 5.30pm AEST
After losing four of their past five, the finals are now likely out of reach for the Broncos. Their rapid fall from the top four has them now hoping the Raiders slip up to the Tigers in the last match of the round and season. But first things first, to keep their slim finals chances alive, they must travel away and beat the Dragons who come into this hoping to finish with three successive wins. The Broncos welcome back Patrick Carrigan and Selwyn Cobbo – two huge inclusions. The Dragons have stuck with the same 17 which beat the Tigers last week. There’s too much on the line here for the Broncos and the return of Carrigan is crucial.
Suggested bet: 1u Broncos -3.5 at $1.90
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Saturday September 3 | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | 7.35pm AEST
The Cowboys slipped to third after last week’s loss to Souths and now must beat reigning premiers Penrith if they want any chance of regaining second spot and a home final. Penrith however will field a near unrecognisable side as they rest a huge cohort of players for the final round clash which is of no consequence after the wrapped up the minor premiership weeks ago. Penrith won this clash earlier in the season 22-0 but the Cowboys won’t get a better chance to beat the Panthers. The question is just how deep does this Panthers side go in terms of personnel, and can the Cowboys cover what seems an excessive handicap line? The Cowboys probably should have the firepower across the park to put a decent score on this b-grade Panthers side, but I’m not with huge confidence.
Suggested bet: 0.5u Cowboys -19.5 at $1.90
Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks
Sunday September 4 | McDonald Jones Stadium | 2.00pm AEST
The Sharks’ strong season is no longer going under the radar with the side now well and truly in premiership calculations. They take on a lowly Knights side with the return of Dale Finucane to add further grunt as they look to secure a home final. The Sharks should have no trouble landing their sixth straight win to continue their momentum for the finals. The Knights have been awful all season and are finishing off the year in the same style.
Suggested bet: 1u -18.5 Sharks at $1.90
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders
Sunday September 4 | Leichhardt Oval | 4.05pm AEST
A big game for the Raiders as they take on the wooden spooners. Provided the Broncos beat the Dragons, the Raiders will have to win to grab the final top eight spot. It seems an easy task against the lowly Tigers, who have proven to be capable of springing the odd surprise performance. Having said that, there’s too much on the line for the Raiders who are playing superior footy in the run to the finals and they’ll be further strengthened by the return of Nick Cotric. The Raiders have won this clash the past four occasions and should be continuing that dominance.
Suggested bet: 1u Raiders -11.5 at $1.90