2024 NRL Round 16 Betting Predictions
Round 16 is another reduced weekend of NRL action with Origin Game 2 right around the corner but we still have some interesting matchups. It's headlined by Bellamy against Bennett on Friday night as the Dolphins host the Storm at Suncorp on Friday night footy.
Dolphins (4th) vs Melbourne Storm (1st)
The Dolphins are coming off a surprising upset win over the Sharks and are looking to make a big statement against the top-of-the-table Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium in a thrilling top-four clash. Wayne Bennett's team has been the NRL's surprise package this season and needs just one more win to match their victory tally from their debut season. Although they'll be missing Felise Kaufusi and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow due to Maroons duty, there's a chance Tesi Niu and Jesse Bromwich will return. The Dolphins have scored at least 20 points in their last six games, but Wayne Bennett's teams have lost their last 11 games against the Storm.
The Storm will be without Queensland stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates, but Origin first-timer Trent Loiero might be released from the Maroons camp to play. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is back after missing five games with an ankle injury, so Sualauvi Faaalogo will move to the wing to cover Coates' absence. When these two teams met in 2023, Eli Katoa and Jahrome Hughes led the Storm to a 24-16 win at Suncorp Stadium. The Storm have won nine of the 10 games that Jahrome Hughes has played in 2024.
I think both sides still have a lot of attack in them and the Over has saluted in Melbourne's last 5 games.
Stadium Record
are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. Melbourne are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Storm are 1-0 against the Dolphins.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans (17th) vs New Zealand Warriors (12th)
Having dropped to the bottom of the ladder after losing to the Tigers, Des Hasler's Titans need to regroup at home against the Warriors. Hasler was shocked that his team couldn't turn nine line breaks into a win at Leichhardt Oval, losing 18-10 to a Tigers team that had been on a nine-game losing streak. The Titans have only won one game at Cbus Super Stadium this year, but they did beat the Warriors in Auckland in Round 8, giving them hope for a win on Saturday. David Fifita is back after missing Round 15 with an ankle injury, which is a boost for the Titans.
The Warriors started strong in front of a lively home crowd in Auckland but couldn't sustain their attack in the second half, extending their losing streak against Melbourne to 16 games. With Kurt Capewell called up for the Maroons in Origin Two and Mitch Barnett listed as the 18th man for NSW, the Warriors are missing some experienced forwards. However, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns from a hamstring injury in the centres and Ed Kosi comes in on the wing for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. The Warriors have lost three of their last four away games.
Expecting the Titans to stand up at home and they did upset the Warriors in NZ this season. The underdog is also 10-0 in the Titans last 10.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, New Zealand have a 3-6 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Titans hold a 6-4 record.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans +4.5 = $1.90
Sydney Roosters (5th) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (6th)
With Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins in Origin camp, the Roosters' depth will be tested when they host the rising Bulldogs. Captain James Tedesco, who has scored 13 tries in 11 games against the Bulldogs, will bring some much-needed experience. The Roosters have won nine of their last 11 games against the Bulldogs and have won their past four games at Gosford.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be without skipper Stephen Crichton due to Origin duties but keep their star playmaker Matt Burton, who will be crucial in their bid for four straight wins on the Central Coast. The Bulldogs are aiming for four consecutive wins for the first time since 2019. They beat the Roosters 30-26 in April and lost by just one point in last year's matchup at Gosford.
The Doggies are 4-0 ATS when they play the Roosters and I think they keep this one close too.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 4-0 in Gosford since 2020. Canterbury are 2-3 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The Roosters are 3-2 against the Bulldogs in the last 5.
Best Bet
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs +8.5 = $1.90
South Sydney Rabbitohs (14th) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (8th)
The Rabbitohs, under interim coach Ben Hornby, aim to keep their winning streak going against the Sea Eagles in a crucial Saturday night showdown, even without their Origin stars. South Sydney's three-game winning streak, including a strong 22-12 victory over Brisbane in Round 15, has kept them close to the top eight. Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell are absent due to Origin commitments. The Rabbitohs have racked up 110 points in their last three games and have won seven of their last eight matches against the Sea Eagles.
Manly, coming off a gutsy 30-14 win against the Dragons at home last weekend, faces a challenge to maintain their position in the top eight without their influential players. Despite injuries during the game leaving players out of position and a depleted bench, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans led the Sea Eagles to victory once again. With Cherry-Evans, Haumole Olakau'atu and Jake Trbojevic away on Origin duty, Manly must find a way to win without their key players. The Sea Eagles haven't beaten the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2013.
The Bunnies are back in form and I think they continue that against the undermanned Sea Eagles behind the form of Cody Walker.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Manly are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Rabbitohs hold an 8-2 record.
Best Bet
South Sydney Rabbitohs -6.5 = $1.85
Wests Tigers (16th) vs Canberra Raiders (7th)
After securing a much-needed win against the Titans at Leichhardt Oval, the Wests Tigers are eager to kickstart a mid-season turnaround as they host the Raiders in Campbelltown on Sunday. Climbing out of the NRL cellar after their first win since Round 4, the Tigers aim to continue their ascent up the ladder in front of their home fans. Benji Marshall, with a completion rate of 83% and just seven errors compared to the Titans' 14, looks to maintain his composure in Round 16 after earlier season setbacks. However, the Tigers have lost their last 10 games at Campbelltown.
Meanwhile, following their thrilling golden-point victory against the Dolphins, the Green Machine faced a reality check with a 34-16 loss to the Cowboys in front of their home crowd. As they travel up the Hume, the Raiders have no excuses and retain Hudson Young star second-rower despite his omission from the Blues' squad for Game Two. They might also welcome back Corey Horsburgh from injury. The Raiders have won their last eight encounters against the Wests Tigers.
The Under has a perfect 8-0 record when the Tigers are at Campbelltown and I hope their defence can come to play against the Raiders on Sunday too.
Stadium Record
Wests are 0-10 in their last 10 games at this venue. Canberra are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Raiders are 8-1 against the Tigers since 2018.
Best Bet
