2024 NRL Round 12 Betting Predictions
It's Indigenous Round this weekend around the NRL and there's plenty going on. We have the Storm renewing their rivalry against Manly, a top 4 battle between the Sharks and Panthers as well as the QLD derby between the Broncos and Titans.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (11th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (9th)
The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back quickly as they head home after letting an eight-point lead slip against the Raiders last weekend. They've won seven of their last nine games against the Dragons at Accor Stadium and are aiming for four straight wins there for the first time since 2016. Jaeman Salmon is back in the lineup and will be starting in the second row.
The Dragons will be feeling refreshed coming into the game after enjoying the bye during Magic Round. However, they've only managed to win one of their past six games at Accor Stadium. Dragons centre Zac Lomax has kicked two two-point field goals in his last four games. Luciano Leilua is returning from injury and will be on the bench.
In the past 15 matches at Accor Stadium involving the Dragons, the Under is 12-3.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. St. George are 2-6 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Dragons are 6-4 against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys (12th) vs Wests Tigers (15th)
The Cowboys are riding high after grabbing their first win since Round 5. They broke a five-game losing streak with a hard-fought 28-22 victory over the Rabbitohs in Magic Round. However, the Cowboys have only managed to win two of their last six games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Wests Tigers are watching their season slip away with their sixth consecutive loss. They continue to struggle with ill-discipline and errors, as seen in their 24-12 defeat to the Dolphins in Magic Round. Their seventh-straight loss on Sunday was made worse by dangerous contact charges to duo Brent Naden and Justin Olam, both have been banned for one match.
In their last six matches as a favourite, North Queensland has failed to cover the line each time so I like the Tigers to cover.
Stadium Record
North Queensland are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Wests are 1-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Cowboys are 3-2 against the Tigers in the last 5.
Best Bet
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (10th) vs Melbourne Storm (2nd)
The Sea Eagles are back at 4 Pines Park, aiming to break a three-game losing streak as they face the Storm on Friday night. Despite losses to the Raiders, Dolphins and Broncos, which caused them to slide from fourth to 10th on the ladder. The total losing margin in these games is just seven points, so it's not all doom and gloom at Brookvale. Plus, the Sea Eagles have won their last two clashes against the Storm at 4 Pines Park.
The Storm arecurrently in second place and dominated the Eels at Magic Round. But a recurring groin injury to star playmaker Cameron Munster might be a game-changer for their season. With Munster potentially out for 8-10 weeks and halfback Jahrome Hughes uncertain to return from a calf injury that sidelined him for the past two games, the Storm face challenges. However, they have managed to win three games in a row away from Melbourne.
In Manly's recent form, 6 out of their last 7 matches have gone OVER and I think these two sides can pile on the points on Friday night footy.
Stadium Record
Manly are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Melbourne are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Storm are 7-3 against the Sea Eagles.
Best Bet
Canberra Raiders (6th) vs Sydney Roosters (7th)
After letting in a whopping 74 points in losses to the Broncos and Sharks in Round 7-8, the Raiders have bounced back impressively with comeback victories over the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs, putting them in sixth place on the ladder. Plus, they've had the upper hand against the Roosters at GIO Stadium, winning six out of their past eight games there.
The Roosters have been on fire lately, scoring a massive 138 points in wins over the Dragons, Broncos, and Warriors, although they stumbled with a 38-30 loss to the Sharks in a thrilling match at Magic Round. With centre Joey Manu back from concussion, the Chooks are even more dangerous, especially considering they've been averaging 42 points per game over the past month.
Sydney's recent trend shows that each of their last four matches has seen OVER the total match points line.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Since 2018, Sydney have a 2-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Roosters are 6-5 against the Raiders since 2018.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (1st) vs Penrith Panthers (3rd)
The Sharks are riding high after a big win against the Roosters. They're really making a statement in 2024 with a solid 9-1 record, taking down the Storm and Roosters recently and proving they can handle the top teams. Plus, they've got a good track record at PointsBet Stadium, winning six of their last seven games there.
As for the Panthers, they're looking to bounce back after a narrow defeat. It's not common ground for them, coming off their first loss since Round 5. They'll be aiming to address their errors, with 11 mistakes and some shaky discipline (39 missed tackles), which cost them against the Warriors. Despite this setback, they've had success against the Sharks, winning six of their past seven matchups.
Cronulla has had the upper hand in their recent clashes against Penrith at PointsBet Stadium, winning each of their last four matches by a close margin. With no Cleary, I think Hynes shows he's ready to be the NSW #7.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. Since 2018, Penrith have a 0-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Panthers are 4-1 against the Sharks in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks -2.5 = $1.85
South Sydney Rabbitohs (17th) vs Parramatta Eels (14th)
South Sydney gave it their all against the Cowboys in Magic Round, but they're still struggling with just one win for the season, which is denting their confidence. They've shuffled their playmaking lineup, with Jack Wighton moving to five-eighth and Cody Walker to halfback. Despite their recent struggles, they've had success against the Eels, winning six of their last seven games against them. However, their record at Accor Stadium isn't great, with only one win in their last eight games there.
On the other hand, the Eels suffered a crushing 48-16 defeat against Melbourne, marking their fourth consecutive loss. This defeat led to the departure of coach Brad Arthur. With star halfback Mitch Moses sidelined due to a foot injury, Dylan Brown and Daejarn Asi are once again in charge of the halves.
Both sides can leak points like no tomorrow so I think this will be a high scoring affair.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Parramatta are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Rabbitohs hold an 8-2 record.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (5th) vs Gold Coast Titans (16th)
The Broncos are aiming for three wins in a row and could see Reece Walsh back from a knee injury, with Payne Haas also likely to play despite a lower leg injury. They've had the upper hand against the Titans, winning four of their last five encounters, and their home record at Suncorp Stadium is impressive, with seven wins in their last eight games there.
Meanwhile, the Titans are eager to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Knights. Kieran Foran might return from a hamstring injury, and Jayden Campbell could also be back in action. The Titans have been unlucky in their recent losses, with their last four defeats all by four points or less.
Gold Coast has managed to cover the line in each of their last seven games and usually stand up against the Broncos at Suncorp in the derby.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Gold Coast are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans +14.5 = $1.85
New Zealand Warriors (13th) vs Dolphins (4th)
The Warriors bounced back from a losing streak with a gutsy win over the premiers, led by Taine Tuaupiki and Te Maire Martin, delighting the crowd at Suncorp Stadium. Without big names like Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris and Kurt Capewell, some lesser-known players stepped up, securing a crucial 22-20 victory over the Panthers. However, the Warriors haven't had much luck at Go Media Stadium lately, winning just one of their last four games there.
On the other hand, the Dolphins continued their strong run in 2024 with a hard-fought victory against the Wests Tigers, boosting their record to 7-3. Despite their success, most of the Dolphins' wins, 14 out of 16, have been at home in Queensland. But, their fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been on fire, scoring seven tries in his last five games.
When playing away, the Dolphins usually play in low-scoring affairs, with eight of their last 10 matches going UNDER the line.
Stadium Record
New Zealand are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. The Dolphins are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
The head to head is tied at 1-1.
Best Bet
