2024 NRL Round 14 Betting Predictions
The Maroons dominated the Blues in the Origin opener. Now, it's time to turn our attention back to the NRL with a massive weekend ahead. Let's get into it!
St. George Illawarra Dragons (12th) vs Wests Tigers (16th)
The Dragons, fresh off an upset win over the Panthers, are just outside the top eight on points differential and are ready to take on the Wests Tigers. Despite missing key players Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax, and Jaydn Su'A, the Dragons managed to come back from a 10-0 deficit at halftime to score four tries in the second half, securing their sixth win of the season at BlueBet Stadium. With a previous 24-12 victory over the Tigers in Round 6 at Campbelltown Stadium, the Dragons are feeling confident as they play at home at WIN Stadium, with a spot in the top eight within reach.
On the other hand, the Tigers used their bye weekend to regroup and focus on climbing out of last place and avoiding a third consecutive wooden spoon. They're currently on an eight-game losing streak, and losing back-rower Isaiah Papali'i for eight weeks to an ankle injury is a big setback. The Tigers have also struggled on the road this season, losing five of their six away games in 2024.
I like the Dragons to continue the Tigers woes but the Under is also 9-1 in the last 10 games involving the Tigers.
Stadium Record
St. George are 2-2 at this venue since 2018. Wests are 4-3 in their history.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans (14th) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (17th)
The Gold Coast Titans have shown great resilience, winning two of their last three games despite several key injuries. With a number of star players set to return after the bye, they're hoping to kick it up a notch. However, the Titans haven't beaten the Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009.
Meanwhile, South Sydney should be feeling confident after a 42-26 win over the Eels in Round 12. They're eager to climb out of the bottom of the NRL ladder, having only won two games this season. The Rabbitohs have a strong track record against the Titans, winning their last eight matches against them.
Should be a high-scoring clash on the GC and the Over is 4-1 in the Titans last 5 day games.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. South Sydney are 7-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 7, the Rabbitohs are 7-0 against the Titans.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys (10th) vs New Zealand Warriors (13th)
After a solid victory over the Roosters on Sunday, the North Queensland Cowboys might face a challenge with six of their stars playing in the State of Origin series opener just three days earlier. Coach Todd Payten is eager to keep their momentum going, having secured three straight wins and scoring 88 points in their last three games. However, they'll face a tough task against a Warriors side looking strong.
The Warriors, coming off a bye, are aiming for their third straight win. They recently beat the Dolphins 24-20 at home and previously upset the Panthers 22-20 in the Magic Round. With key players like fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, hooker Wayde Egan, centre Rocco Berry, prop Addin Fonua-Blake, and back-rowers Kurt Capewell and Tohu Harris returning, the Warriors are bolstered and ready. They have also won five of their last seven games against the Cowboys.
Could be a tough matchup for the Cowboys with their Origin stars backing up and the Warriors coming off a bye with no such issues. The Cowboys are 0-7 ATS when they're the favourite too.
Stadium Record
North Queensland are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. New Zealand are 1-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Warriors have won 7 games against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
New Zealand Warriors +2.5 = $1.90
Brisbane Broncos (5th) vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2nd)
The Broncos have some big decisions to make with Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh, and Selwyn Cobbo all involved in Origin One. Coach Kevin Walters will need to decide how to handle players backing up. Star centre Kotoni Staggs is returning from a rib injury, which is a big boost for the team. They had a close loss to the Titans before a bye in Round 13, which gave them a chance to rest. The Broncos have been strong at Suncorp Stadium, winning five out of seven games there in 2024, and they’ve won nine of their last eleven games against the Sharks.
The Sharks are heading to Brisbane after two disappointing losses, needing to get back on track and find the form that gave them seven straight wins earlier in the season. Their defence, which was solid in the first 10 rounds, has struggled lately, giving up 106 points in their last three matches and losing the top spot on the ladder to Melbourne due to points differential. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has decided to rest Nicho Hynes after Origin One, giving Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson a chance to step up after a tough game against the Eels.
There's no Hynes for the Sharks and Brisbane has won 9 of the last 11 matchups. Take the Broncos on their home turf.
Brisbane has won nine of its last 11 matches against Cronulla.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Cronulla are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Broncos are 3-2 against the Sharks in the last 5.
Best Bet
Melbourne Storm (1st) vs Newcastle Knights (11th)
The Storm moved to the top of the ladder after a bye and are looking to stay there when they host the Knights on Sunday. After a tough loss to the Sea Eagles in Round 12, Melbourne is eager to get back to winning, especially with upcoming away games against the Warriors and Dolphins. Harry Grant and Xavier Coates are expected to play. The Storm have been strong at home, winning 15 of their last 17 games in Melbourne.
The Knights, on the other hand, are disappointed to have fallen out of the top eight after a 32-2 loss to the Bulldogs at home on Friday. Coach Adam O'Brien blamed the defeat on a lack of creativity, so halves pairing Jack Cogger and Jackson Hastings will be looking to make an impact at AAMI Park on Sunday. While the Knights have won their last two matches against the Storm, they haven't won in Melbourne since 2015.
Should be a good clash and I like the chances of a high-scoring affair. The Over is 6-0 in the Storm's last 6 day games.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 9-1 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Newcastle have a 0-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Storm hold a 3-2 record against the Knights.
Best Bet
Penrith Panthers (3rd) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (7th)
The Panthers have dominated recent matchups, winning eight of their last nine games against the Sea Eagles. While the rest of their Origin players are named to play, this could change by Sunday. Key players Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o, Liam Martin, and Jarome Luai were all part of the NSW team on Wednesday.
In Round 5, Manly surprised everyone with a 32-18 win over the Panthers at 4 Pines Park. They're coming off a 26-20 victory over the Storm in Round 12 at home. At this point, all three of their Origin representatives are set to play. Lehi Hopoate appears to have secured the fill-in fullback spot over Tolutau Koula.
Could be a low scoring clash with a lot of Origin stars potentially not playing and the Under is 8-1 in this matchup at BlueBet Stadium.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 8-2 in their last 10 games at this venue. Manly are 1-3 in their last 4 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Panthers hold an 8-2 record.
Best Bet
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (9th) vs Parramatta Eels (15th)
The Bulldogs are feeling confident after a big 32-2 win over the Knights on Friday night, marking their first road victory of the season despite missing their Origin stars. However, the win came with a setback as Josh Addo-Carr suffered a hamstring strain and will be out for 8-10 weeks. On a positive note, Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston has been in great form, scoring four tries in his last three games.
The Parramatta Eels are aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The return of captain Clint Gutherson and halfback Mitchell Moses was crucial in their 34-22 victory over the Sharks on Thursday night, ending a five-game losing streak. With an extended break before Monday's game, the Eels are looking to maintain their momentum at Accor Stadium. They have a strong track record against the Bulldogs, winning eight of their last nine matchups.
The Eels are back in form and the Dogs are playing well too so I like the chances of both sides throwing the ball around. The Over is also 7-1 in the Eels last 8 games.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Parramatta are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Eels are 4-1 against the Bulldogs in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
