2023 NRL Round 18 Betting Predictions
Round 18 begins in Cronulla with a local derby between the Sharks and Dragons on Thursday night footy.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (4th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (17th)
The Sharks are back from the bye and looking for a 2nd straight win. They beat the Dogs 48-10 after struggling against the Storm/Broncos in their previous 2. Hynes was back to his best against the Dogs and should enjoy another favourable matchup.
The Dragons were disappointing last week as they gave up 48 pts against the Warriors. A lot is going on off the field but they need to focus on their defence otherwise it will get ugly against Cronulla.
St George gives up plenty of points and the Sharks are coming off scoring 48 pts at this venue.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. St George are 2-3 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Sharks are 8-3 against the Dragons.
Best Bet
New Zealand Warriors (5th) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (8th)
The Warriors are on a 3-game winning streak after beating the Dragons, Raiders and Dolphins. They're just outside the top 4 so this is a key game for their hopes.
The Rabbitohs have struggled during the Origin period with just 1 win in their last 5 games. They were poor last week as well as they went down to the Rabbitohs 31-6.
New Zealand are tough to beat on their home turf and I think they get the job done.
Stadium Record
New Zealand are 4-2 at this venue since 2021. Souths have won 4 straight.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8, the Rabbitohs are 7-1 against the Warriors.
Best Bet
Melbourne Storm (3rd) vs Penrith Panthers (1st)
The Storm are looking for a 4th win on the trot when they host the Panthers at Marvel. They're coming off a 24-6 win over the Sea Eagles as they rested Cam Munster. But he's back for this clash.
The Panthers held off the Knights 20-12 last week at home and did so without their Origin stars. However, they're back to full strength for this rivalry matchup. Although Cleary is still out with a hamstring.
This should be a fierce defensive battle and the Under is 11-1 in the Storm's last 12 night games.
Stadium Record
Melbourne haven't played at Marvel since 2010 and have won 6 of their last 7. Penrith are 0-1 in their history.
Head to Head Record
The Panthers are 3-2 against the Storm in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Canberra Raiders (6th) vs Gold Coast Titans (9th)
The Raiders held off a fast-finishing Roosters side last week for a crucial 20-18 win. They're now right in the hunt for a top 4 spot and this is a must-win game against the Titans.
The Titans are coming off back-to-back wins, which is rare this season. After sacking their coach, they showed spirit in an 18-12 derby win over the Broncos. A trip to Canberra will be tough but the Titans look to be rejuvenated.
The Over is 4-0 in the last 4-day games between these two sides.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Gold Coast are 2-3 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The Raiders are 4-1 against the Titans in the last 5.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys (10th) vs Wests Tigers (16th)
The Cowboys are marching up the ladder after 3 straight wins. They thrashed the Rabbitohs in Sydney 31-6 and have previously beaten the Panthers/Storm at home. There will be extra motivation considering the 66-18 loss against Wests in Round 12 as well.
The Tigers are back from the bye and looking to end a 3-game losing streak. However, injuries to their spine will likely make it tough as their season nears the end.
North QLD will want some revenge for their last performance against Wests and they should win this comfortably.
Stadium Record
North Queensland are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Wests are 1-1 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Tigers are 6-3 against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (2nd) vs Dolphins (11th)
The Broncos will be looking to bounce back after losing at home against the Titans. They will be without the suspended Reece Walsh but they have the depth to cover him.
The Dolphins are running out of chances to get back into form after 3 straight defeats. Their defence has struggled as they've given up 48 and 58 in the last 2 alone. So that will be a focus against Brisbane.
The last meeting was a close 18-12 affair and Wayne should have his Dolphins fired up for this rivalry clash again.
Stadium Record
Both sides are yet to play at the Gabba.
Head to Head Record
Brisbane won the first encounter.
Best Bet
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (15th) vs Newcastle Knights (14th)
The Dogs have lost their last 3 so they'll need to respond against the Knights. They've been poor on both sides of the park as they've given up 48 and 34 pts in losses against the Sharks and Eels.
The Knights are also on a 3-game losing streak and should be desperate to get a win for their hopes of finals. They're coming off a 20-12 loss in Penrith and will be missing Gagai at centre.
Tough game to pick but the Knights just have to get the job done. The Dogs are simply giving up too many points and the likes of Ponga should take advantage.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue. Newcastle are 3-3 in their last 6.
Head to Head Record
The head to head is tied at 4-4 since 2018.
Best Bet
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (13th) vs Sydney Roosters (12th)
The Sea Eagles have struggled in their last 2 games, losing 24-6 against Melbourne and 34-4 against Parra. Without Tommy Turbo, their attack just needs to find a spark and Garrick at fullback will be the key.
The Roosters are coming off a tough 20-18 loss against the Raiders. They've also lost Crichton and Butcher. Meanwhile, the form of James Tedesco is a concern for them at the moment.
Manly are 8-1 in their last 9 day games and will likely just have enough against the Roosters.
Stadium Record
Manly are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney have the same record.
Head to Head Record
The Roosters are 6-2 against the Sea Eagles since 2018.
Best Bet
