NRL Round 24 Tipping Guide

Article by Burgz

Panthers vs Storm

Blubet Stadium, Thursday 7:50 pm

This top-of-the-table clash is set to be a thrilling encounter. The Storm may hold a mental edge, having beaten the Panthers in Round 1. However, the Panthers are missing their starting second-rowers, Scott Sorenson and Liam Martin, which brings Mavrik Geyer and Liam Henry into the mix. James Fisher-Harris and Dylan Edwards are named among the reserves, which could impact the Panthers' depth.

The Storm's spine has looked clunky in the last two games since Cameron Munster's return, and they'll need to find cohesion against the competition’s best defense. On the other hand, the Panthers haven't had it easy since Nathan Cleary's return, but he's stepped up when it's counted most. With the home crowd behind them, Penrith should edge out a win, making the minor premiership race even tighter.

Tip: Panthers
Margin: 1-12

Sea Eagles vs Warriors

4 Pines Park, Friday 6:00 pm

The Sea Eagles are in fine form, currently ranking 4th in attack across the competition. Tom Trbojevic is showing flashes of his 2021 Dally M form, which bodes well for Manly. The Warriors, meanwhile, were unlucky not to secure a win against the Dolphins last week, taking the game to golden point. With Shaun Johnson back in the side, there's hope for a strong finish to his career.

However, with the Warriors coming off a taxing extra-time game and facing a short 5-day turnaround, Manly should take advantage and win comfortably.

Tip: Sea Eagles
Margin: 13+

Roosters vs Eels

Allianz Stadium, Friday 8:00 pm

The Eels are reeling from a heartbreaking loss to the Panthers last week, where they squandered a 14-point lead in the final 10 minutes. In contrast, the Roosters had a week off, allowing key players like Dom Young and Nat Butcher to rest and return for this clash.

If the Eels defend as poorly as they did in the final minutes against Penrith, the Roosters, who boast the league's best attack, could run riot. Given the Roosters' strong form at Allianz Stadium and Sam Walker's recent hot streak, they should secure a straightforward victory.

Tip: Roosters
Margin: 13+

Bulldogs vs Dolphins

Salter Oval, Saturday 3:00 pm

The Bulldogs continue to impress, having put the Dragons to the sword last week. Their perfect 9-0 home record is on the line in this game, although playing in Queensland adds pressure. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have been unconvincing, conceding over 120 points in their last four games.

The Bulldogs are deserved favorites, boasting the second-best defense in the competition. If their attack clicks as it has recently, the Dolphins will struggle to keep pace. The key for the Dolphins will be to keep the Bulldogs under 20 points, but that seems unlikely.

Tip: Bulldogs
Margin: 13+

Cowboys vs Broncos

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 5:30 pm

The Cowboys were embarrassed at home last week in what was supposed to be a momentous occasion for the club. Similarly, the Raiders failed to secure a win in Josh Papalii’s 300th game. In response, coach Todd Payten has dropped Chad Townsend, with Jake Clifford taking over at halfback, likely aiming to improve their kicking game.

The Cowboys have won their last five games against the Raiders, but their struggles with initial contact in last week’s game, coupled with the absence of Jeremiah Nanai, raise concerns. Despite this, the Cowboys should scrape through with a win as they look to bounce back from last week's disappointment.

Tip: Cowboys
Margin: 1-12

Tigers vs Rabbitohs

Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 7:35 pm

Both teams enter this match off the back of losses, but the Rabbitohs were the more impressive of the two, pushing Melbourne right to the end. The Tigers showed flashes of good play, but their defense let them down once again, struggling to break through the Knights' defense.

Cam Murray returns to the lock role, shifting Keaon Koloamatangi back to the second row. The Tigers are on a seven-game losing streak but will draw some confidence from their previous match against the Rabbitohs in Round 20. While it's tempting to think the Tigers might end their streak, the Rabbitohs’ class should see them through in a close one.

Tip: Rabbitohs
Margin: 1-12

Dragons vs Titans

WIN Stadium, Sunday 2:00 pm

Both the Dragons and Titans suffered disappointing losses last week. The Titans were shockingly poor at home, failing to score a point while conceding 44. This was particularly puzzling given their recent defensive form. The Dragons, meanwhile, continued their win-loss pattern and will be hoping to bounce back this week.

Kyle Flanagan’s suspension for biting Stephen Crichton could open the door for young five-eighth Lyhkan King-Togia to make his NRL debut, with Jack Bird also listed in the 17. Given the Dragons' home advantage at WIN Stadium and their tendency to bounce back after a loss, they should edge out a victory.

Tip: Dragons
Margin: 1-12

Sharks vs Knights

PointsBet Stadium, Sunday 4:05 pm

The Sharks were impressive last week, with Daniel Atkinson showcasing his maturity and taking on the primary playmaking role with confidence. The Knights, meanwhile, equaled their best attacking performance of the season in a dominant win over the Tigers.

This game has significant stakes, with the Sharks looking to secure a top-four spot and the Knights fighting for a finals berth. While the Sharks can be volatile, they showed their potential last week. The Knights have been consistent in defense but lack firepower in attack. If the Sharks can score three tries or more, they should secure the win, though the Knights will likely make them work for it.

Tip: Sharks
Margin: 1-12