NRL Round 23 Tipping Guide

Article by Burgz 

Rabbitohs v Storm

Accor Stadium, Thursday 7:50 pm

The Storm have dominated this fixture, winning 8 of the last 10 matches. The Rabbitohs are struggling with injuries, though Cody Walker has been named in the halves despite calf tightness. For the Storm, star back-rower Elisea Katoa is out with a knee injury.

After a disappointing home loss last week, the Storm will be keen to bounce back. They need to find better cohesion in their spine, particularly as they head towards the finals, where they seem to play better without Cameron Munster in the team.

Tip: Storm
Margin: 13+

Titans vs Sharks

Cbus Super Stadium, Friday 6:00 pm

The Sharks have historically dominated this matchup, winning 9 of their last 10 encounters with the Titans, although the Titans did manage a win in Round 18. The Titans will miss Beau Fermor, who’s out with a kidney bruise, a significant loss given his form this season. The Sharks are also facing injury challenges, with both Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall sidelined, forcing Blayke Brailey into the unfamiliar role of halfback.

With the Titans’ attack firing last week, and the Sharks’ playmaking depth tested, this game could swing in the Titans’ favor.

Tip: Titans
Margin: 1-12

Eels vs Panthers

CommBank Stadium, Friday 8:00 pm

Once a fiercely competitive matchup, this clash looks different now, with both teams far removed from their 2022 Grand Final showdown. The Eels are without Moses, Paulo, Hopgood, and Sivo, though they showed heart in their win against the Warriors last week. The Panthers, on the other hand, narrowly edged out the Knights and may need to make adjustments as they chase a fourth consecutive premiership.

With the Panthers eyeing the minor premiership and the Eels decimated by injuries, this game looks like too big a challenge for Parramatta.

Tip: Panthers
Margin: 13+

Raiders vs Sea Eagles

GIO Stadium, Saturday 3:00 pm

Manly have had the upper hand at GIO Stadium, winning 3 of their last 5 games there. The Raiders did beat Manly earlier this season but haven’t managed to do so twice in one year since 2016. Ricky Stuart has named Strange at five-eighth, though whether he starts there is uncertain. Manly, boosted by the returns of Saab, Garrick, and Olakau’atu, are in the hunt for finals and look to spoil the Raiders' season.

Manly’s attack is potent, and with their finals hopes on the line, they could end the Raiders' season in a tight contest.

Tip: Sea Eagles
Margin: 1-12

Cowboys vs Broncos

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 5:30 pm

The Cowboys haven't beaten the Broncos since 2022, but this is a different Broncos team this season. The Broncos led 18-10 at halftime against the Titans last week but failed to score in the second half, conceding 36 points. The Cowboys, meanwhile, weren’t perfect but got the win at Leichhardt Oval, and both teams need to sharpen their defenses.

If the Cowboys want to be considered genuine premiership contenders, they need to win here. As always, this matchup will likely go down to the wire.

Tip: Cowboys
Margin: 1-12

Dragons vs Bulldogs

Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Saturday 7:30 pm

Both teams pulled off impressive wins last week. The Dragons beat the Storm in Melbourne for the first time since 1999, while the Bulldogs held off the Raiders in front of a passionate Belmore crowd. Both teams are unchanged and eager to boost their finals chances.

This is a tough one to tip. The Dragons have been inconsistent, while the Bulldogs, though better at home, are the more consistent team overall.

Tip: Bulldogs
Margin: 1-12

Dolphins vs Warriors

Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 2:00 pm

Both teams are coming off heartbreaking losses. The Dolphins scored 34 points and still lost, having now fallen out of the top 8 with only 2 wins in their last 9 games. The Warriors lost to the Eels in a game they were expected to win, effectively ending their finals hopes. With Shaun Johnson announcing his retirement at season’s end, the Warriors could find the motivation to bounce back, while the Dolphins seem to be fading fast.

Tip: Warriors
Margin: 1-12

Knights vs Tigers

McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 4:05 pm

The Knights have won their last 5 games against the Tigers and will be aiming for 6 in a row this week. Both teams showed flashes of quality in their losses last round, but the Knights' attack has been lackluster, currently last in the competition for points scored. If the Tigers can sort out their discipline and defense, they have a real shot, but the Knights should edge them out in front of their home crowd.

Tip: Knights
Margin: 1-12