The NRL season winds down with just the two rounds remaining now before the finals. Surprisingly last year's minor premiers, premiers and runners up have all booked early end of season holidays. The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles still cling to mathematical chances of sneaking in, but this weekend will be crucial to them both.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 27
Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm
Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Broncos: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Ben Hunt 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va'a Semu 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Gehamat Shibasaki Reserves: 20. Ben Talty 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Luke Gale
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Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Tyran Wishart 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Angus Hinchey 19. Marion Seve Reserves: 20. Davvy Moale 21. Hugo Peel 22. Hayden Watson
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Jarrod Cole, Kasey Badger
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Broncos were surprisingly good last week, fighting back late to topple the Raiders, who really should have taken the much-needed points. The Storm were desperate for a win and fought back late, but didn't have enough in them to run down the Panthers. This game will be played for pride alone, and if the Broncos can reproduce last week's form they should win this one. Question is, will they?
Tip: Storm by 6
PointsBet odds: Broncos $1.92 (+0.5 $1.90) Storm $1.88 (-0.5 $1.90)
Friday, August 28
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
4 Pines Park, 6pm (AEST)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Josh Feledy 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Clayton Faulalo 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Corey Waddell 17. Caleb Navale 18. Onitoni Large 19. Fletcher Baker Reserves: 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Hugo Hart
Dragons: 1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman Bench: 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Setu Tu Reserves: 20. Luciano Leilua 21. Kade Reed 22. Ryan Hutchinson
Officials
Referee: Nick Pelgrave Touchies: Kieren Irons, Jon Stone
Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: The Sea Eagles gave away a lead to the Knights last week before storming back to win their game in Newcastle, while the Dragons were never in it against the Bulldogs. Manly need other results to go their way to make the finals, but first and foremost, they have to win their remaining two games and should start with two points from this clash.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 18
PointsBet odds: Sea Eagles $1.40 (-7.5 $1.90) Dragons $2.90 (+7.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
CommBank Stadium, 8pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith Bench: 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luke Garner 17. Billy Phillips 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Jaxen Edgar Reserves: 20. Kalani Leuluai-going 21. Tom Ale 22. Jesse McLean
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O'Sullivan 20. Jack Underhill Reserves: 21. Logan Spinks 22. Jed Reardon 23. Cooper Toy
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Drew Oultram, Belinda Sharpe
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Panthers started too strongly for Melbourne last week, before surviving multiple trips to the sin bin and a mountain of Storm possession. The Bulldogs clicked into gear against the Dragons and were allowed to look like a team capable of playing finals football. They won't find cutting through the defence as easy this week, with the Panthers swarming and pressuring the Bulldogs forwards and halves.
Tip: Panther by 12
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.30 (-10.5 $1.95) Bulldogs $3.50 (+10.5 $1.87)
Saturday, August 29
Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
GIO Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Klese Haas 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Kurtis Morrin 13. Cooper Bai Bench: 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Chris Randall 16. Bodhi Sharpley 17. Luke Sommerton 18. Sialetili Faeamani 19. Arama Hau Reserves: 20. Max Feagai 21. Jett Liu 22. Adam Christensen
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 23. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Adam Elliott 19. Latrell Mitchell Reserves: 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Edward Kosi 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Officials
Referee: Liam Kennedy Touchies: Tyson Brough, Jordan Morel
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Titans continued their season of part-time football last week, troubling the Sharks early, before falling away after the break. The Rabbitohs put up a gallant effort in losing to a near-prefect Warriors side. The Rabbitohs have to keep winning to remain in the Top 8, and if they can ride out the Titans' hot periods, they should have the 80 minutes of football in them to win this one.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 16
PointsBet odds: Titans $3.10 (+8.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $1.36 (-8.5 $1.90)
Sydney Roosters vs. Dolphins
Allianz Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Egan Butcher 17. Taylor Losalu 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau Reserves: 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Rex Bassingthwaighte 22. Toby Rodwell
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles Bench: 14. Ray Stone 15. Francis Molo 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Brian Pouniu 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo Reserves: 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. Sebastian Su'a 22. Kurt Donoghoe
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Matt Noyen, Daniel Luttringer
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Roosters were lethargic and complacent last week in losing to the Tigers, while the Dolphins were a bit slow out of the gates, but once they found their stride were able to deal with the feisty Eels. This could be the clash of the season, with both teams capable of highly entertaining football and spectacular tries. The Roosters will surely have their focus back for this finals action teaser.
Tip: Roosters by 8
PointsBet odds: Roosters $1.56 (-4.5 $1.90) Dolphins $2.45 (+4.5 $1.90)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:45pm (AEST)
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Griffin Neame 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. John Bateman 17. Coen Hess 18. Kai O'Donnell 19. Ethan King Reserves: 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Mason Kira 22. Liam Sutton
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Seyfarth Bench: 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Ethan Roberts 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Sunia Turuva Reserves: 20. Faaletino Tavana 21. Charlie Murray 22. Vaka Aho
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Daniel Schwass, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Cowboys welcomed the two points from the bye last week as they cling to eighth place on the premiership ladder. The Tigers produced a miracle victory over the Roosters to knock them off the top of the same ladder. The Cowboys have been very hot and cold this season, and if they lose this one, they really don't deserve to play finals football. Bulldogs and Sea Eagles fans will be cheering on the Tigers.
Tip: Cowboys by 18
PointsBet odds: Cowboys $1.24 (-13.5 $1.90) Tigers $4 (+13.5 $1.90)
Sunday, August 30
New Zealand Warriors vs. Newcastle Knights
Go Media Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Adam Pompey Reserves: 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Luke Hanson 23. Jett Cleary
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Harrison Graham 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker Bench: 14. Thomas Cant 15. Cody Hopwood 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Toby Winter 19. Diesel Hagan Reserves: 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Brodie Jones
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Phil Henderson, Michael Wise
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Warriors were very sharp last week in beating the Rabbitohs convincingly to go to the top of the ladder. The Knights looked to be on their way to comfortable victory over the Sea Eagles until the wheels completely fell off before halftime. This will be another early taste of finals action and as good as they have been this year, it is hard to see the Knights beating the Warriors in Auckland.
Tip: Warriors by 10
PointsBet odds: Warriors $1.32 (-10.5 $1.90) Knights $3.35 (+10.5 $1.90)
Parramatta Eels vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Eels: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Saxon Pryke Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Ryda Talagi 16. Teancum Brown 17. Dylan Walker 18. Jack de Belin 19. Bailey Simonsson Reserves: 20. Kelma Tuilagi 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Ryley Smith
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Niwhai Puru 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele Reserves: 20. Riley Jones 21. Riley Pollard 22. Toby Rudolf
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: David Munro, Tom Cambourn
Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Eels put in another solid performance last week, but just weren't good enough to hold off the Dolphins. The Sharks looked set for a third straight loss, this time against the Titans, but as per usual the Gold Coast faded and the Sharks finished too strongly. The Eels will once again prove to be a tough opponent, but with the finals rapidly approaching you would expect the Sharks to start playing some of that consistent football we saw earlier in the year.
Tip: Sharks by 12
PointsBet odds: Eels $2.65 (+7.5 $1.90) Sharks $1.46 (-7.5 $1.90)
BYE:
Raiders
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.