2024 NRL Round 15 Betting Predictions
Round 15 of the NRL season kicks off with a beauty, the 2nd placed Sharks take on the 4th Dolphins in Cronulla on Thursday night footy. Let's discuss how the weekend is shaping up around the NRL.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2nd) vs Dolphins (4th)
Cronulla is riding high after their 22-12 win over the Broncos and are eager to take down the Storm from the top spot on the ladder with a big home win to kick off the round. They're back at Shark Park for the first time since their scoreless game against the Panthers in Round 12 and Craig Fitzgibbon's side is ready to make it up to their loyal fans. They've won four out of five home games this season. Blues halfback Nicho Hynes is back after being rested for the Broncos game, so Daniel Atkinson moves back to 18th man.
The Dolphins get a boost with Felise Kaufusi and five-eighth Kodi Nikorima returning, just in time after their golden point loss to the Raiders before a bye in Round 14. Wayne Bennett's team also welcomes back Maroons superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who will be looking to bring his excellent State of Origin form into this heavyweight clash. Dolphins fullback Tabuai-Fidow has been on fire, scoring eight tries in his last six NRL games. However, the Dolphins have lost all three of their games played at Sydney venues.
Think the Dolphins give the Sharks a run for their money and the underdog is 6-1 in the Dolphins last 7 games.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. are 0-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Dolphins are 1-0 against the Sharks since 2018.
Best Bet
Canberra Raiders (5th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (12th)
The Raiders are feeling refreshed after a thrilling golden point win over the Dolphins in round 13, thanks to Jordan Rapana's heroics with two field goals, including the 87th-minute winner. Friday's clash is crucial for both teams, with Canberra desperate to stay in touch with the top four and defend their home turf.
The Cowboys are heading south looking to bounce back quickly after a tough 42-12 loss to the Warriors in Townsville. Coach Todd Payten is likely to welcome back Origin stars Reece Robson and Murray Taulagi, who sat out last week's game. Veteran prop Jordan McLean might also return after missing the game with a calf injury. North Queensland, sitting 12th and two points outside the top eight, need a win to stay competitive in a tight ladder race. This match is a big one for the Cowboys, especially with a bye coming up in Round 16. They've won their last four games against the Raiders, so they'll be looking to keep that streak going.
Should be a high-scoring one, the Over is 4-0 in the Raiders last 4 and the Cowboys can leak points.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. North Queensland are 2-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Cowboys have won 4 games against the Raiders.
Best Bet
South Sydney Rabbitohs (16th) vs Brisbane Broncos (8th)
Fresh off an unexpected win over the Titans, the Rabbitohs are aiming to string together consecutive victories for the first time this season as they take on the Broncos at Accor Stadium. Latrell Mitchell stepped up big time in the last game, sparking a dominant 46-12 win over the Gold Coast. With his Origin prospects heating up, Brisbane will be strategizing on how to contain the star fullback. The Rabbitohs are also getting back their star skipper Cameron Murray for the first time since Round 9, and he's keen to help lift his team out of the NRL basement. They've racked up an impressive 88 points in their last two games.
The Broncos are eager to bounce back and regain their winning form after losses to the Titans and Sharks, sandwiched around a bye week. Although star fullback Reece Walsh remains sidelined, there's some relief as centre Kotoni Staggs has been named after injuring his knee in the last game against the Sharks. The Broncos have had the upper hand in recent encounters against the Rabbitohs, winning four of their last five matches. It's also worth noting that this will be the Broncos' first game at Accor Stadium since the 2023 grand final.
Also like the Over here, it's 9-2 in the Broncos last 11 games at this stadium and Bunnies look back in form.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Brisbane are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Cowboys have won 4 games against the Raiders.
Best Bet
Wests Tigers (17th) vs Gold Coast Titans (15th)
The Wests Tigers are itching for a win as they return to Leichhardt Oval to take on the Titans, aiming to break a nine-game losing streak. Their last victory at the inner-west venue was a dominant 32-6 win over the Sharks in round three. Since then, though, it's been a rough patch, with the Tigers dropping nine straight, including a tough 56-14 loss to the Dragons last Friday night. They're getting a boost with experienced half Aidan Sezer returning after serving a four-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
The Titans seemed to be on the upswing in recent weeks, but they hit a snag last Saturday, falling 46-12 to the Rabbitohs in front of their home crowd at Cbus Super Stadium. This match also marks the final chance for Titans forward David Fifita to make a case for a State of Origin call-up after missing out on Game One. The Titans have had the upper hand against the Tigers lately, winning their last five matchups. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been struggling defensively, conceding a whopping 98 points in their last two games.
It's a must-win for the Titans and I think they get the job done.
Stadium Record
Wests are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Gold Coast have a 2-0 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Titans are 5-0 against the Tigers in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans -3.5 = $1.85
New Zealand Warriors (10th) vs Melbourne Storm (1st)
The Warriors smashed the Cowboys 42-12 last time, and now they're aiming to get back at the Storm after losing to them in round 2. Shaun Johnson is back in action for the first time since Round 10, teaming up with Te Maire Martin in the halves. The Warriors' last win against the Storm was way back in 2015 at Go Media Stadium. Keep an eye on Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who's been on fire with six tries in his last five games against the Storm.
Meanwhile, the Storm are heading across the Tasman this Saturday to defend their top spot in the NRL Telstra Premiership ladder against the Kiwi side. The Warriors have been on a roll, unbeaten in their last three games and looking to break into the top eight. Although the Storm weren't flawless, they got the job done with a 36-28 win over the Knights in Round 14. They've had the Warriors' number lately, winning their last 15 games against them. Keep an eye out for Storm winger Xavier Coates, who's been a try-scoring machine with nine tries in his last five games against the Warriors.
Taking the Storm as underdogs. They're 15-0 against NZ and have a good record at this stadium too.
Stadium Record
New Zealand are 6-3 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Titans are 5-0 against the Tigers in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Parramatta Eels (14th) vs Sydney Roosters (6th)
The Eels have been pretty solid at CommBank Stadium this year, winning four out of their six games there in 2024. After grabbing a much-needed win against the Sharks in Round 13, they came crashing down to earth on Monday when they couldn't handle an injury-hit Bulldogs team at Accor Stadium.
On the other side, the Roosters have had the Eels' number lately, winning four of their last five matchups. They had a chill long weekend, taking some time to recharge before diving into a crucial stretch of games against the Eels, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, and Dragons. With the best points differential in the league, the Roosters have a leg up on the teams around them in the ladder. But they'll need to start racking up some wins if they want to make it to the finals for the eighth year in a row.
I think the Roosters rack up a score against the Eels who are on a short week, especially after a bye.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Roosters have won 4 games against the Eels.
Best Bet
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (11th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (9th)
The Sea Eagles were on a try-scoring spree in Round 14, managing to put five past the Panthers. Unfortunately, Reuben Garrick had an off day with the kicking, so they only converted one, ending up with a 10-point loss. They've had a good run against the Dragons at 4 Pines Park, winning five of their last six matchups there. Even though second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu picked up a calf injury last week, he's still named to start after playing just 24 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Red V has been on the rise under Shane Flanagan's guidance, already notching up seven wins this year after just five last season. Their latest victory was a big one against the Wests Tigers in Round 14, where Zac Lomax went off, scoring a club-record 32 points with three tries and 10 goals, all within 48 hours of his Origin debut. The Dragons have had the upper hand in recent clashes against the Sea Eagles, winning eight of their last 11 encounters.
I like the chances of a high-scoring clash in day conditions. The Over is also 8-1 in the Sea Eagles last 9 games.
Stadium Record
Manly are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. St. George are 0-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Dragons are 3-2 against the Sea Eagles in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Newcastle Knights (13th) vs Penrith Panthers (3rd)
The Knights are gearing up for another big challenge after giving the Melbourne Storm a run for their money in Round 14. Now, they're facing another tough opponent in the premiers, Penrith, on Sunday afternoon. Despite climbing up to seventh on the ladder with four straight wins, they've slipped back to 13th after losing to the Storm and Bulldogs back-to-back. Bradman Best is back from injury to bolster the centres, and Fletcher Sharpe has impressed enough to take over as Adam O’Brien’s fullback after a solid debut in Round 14. The Knights haven't had much luck against the Panthers lately, winning only one of their last 14 matchups.
On the flip side, the Panthers are sitting pretty in third place after a high-scoring win over Manly. It's another testament to their depth, with fill-in fullback Daine Laurie and young five-eighth Jack Cole stepping up in a big way. With byes coming up in Rounds 16 and 19, the Panthers have a chance to recharge before setting their sights on another top-four finish and a shot at their fourth consecutive premiership. Star fullback Dylan Edwards is set to return following a quad injury.
The Knights usually play well against top sides (7-1 ATS) and have pushed the Panthers recently so I like them to cover on their home turf.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Penrith are 4-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Panthers are 8-1 (1 draw) against the Knights.
Best Bet
