2024 NRL Round 19 Betting Predictions
Round 19 is a shortened weekend due to Origin 3 on Wednesday but there's still plenty of NRL action. It starts with the surging Bunnies taking on the Dolphins on Thursday night footy in QLD.
Dolphins (6th) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (13th)
The Dolphins are looking to turn their recent form around and avoid a third straight loss when they host the in-form Rabbitohs at Kayo Stadium. Fresh from a bye, the Dolphins will face a Rabbitohs side that's found their groove even with some key players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi out for Queensland Origin duty. The Dolphins have a decent record at Kayo Stadium, winning three out of five games.
The Rabbitohs have bounced back with five straight wins and are feeling confident. However, they'll be without fullback Latrell Mitchell, who injured his foot in the last game. On the bright side, forwards Tevita Tatola and Siliva Havili might return. The Rabbitohs have been on fire, scoring 28 tries to 12 in their past five games, while the Dolphins have conceded at least 24 points in each of their last five matches.
The Bunnies have hit form and the Over is 3-0 when the Dolphins are at this venue so I like the chances of a high-scoring one.
Stadium Record
The Dolphins are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. South Sydney are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
The Rabbitohs are 1-0 against the Dolphins since 2018.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (4th) vs Wests Tigers (17th)
After suffering three consecutive narrow losses, the Sharks are hoping for a change in fortunes when they face the improving Wests Tigers at PointsBet Stadium. Cronulla has been on the wrong end of close matches recently, losing their last three games by four points or less. Despite a strong second-half comeback against the Titans last week, they couldn't overcome a 12-0 halftime deficit in Coffs Harbour. Adding to their challenges, Sharks' halfback Nicho Hynes will miss the upcoming game due to an ankle injury sustained in training, pending further scans to assess the extent of the damage. Historically, the Sharks have had the upper hand against the Tigers, winning 10 of their last 12 encounters.
The Tigers showed resilience in their recent match against the Storm, scoring the first try and putting up a fight before eventually falling short. However, inconsistency has been a persistent issue this season, hindering their progress. Captain Api Koroisau and prop David Klemmer are set to play pending their early guilty pleas after being charged with dangerous contact and a high tackle, respectively. On the road, the Tigers have struggled defensively, conceding 138 points across their last three away games, highlighting an area needing improvement.
No Hynes for the Sharks so I think this will be low-scoring if the Tigers bring their A game in defence. The Under is 12-3 in the Tigers last 15 games in Sydney too.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Wests are 0-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Sharks hold a 4-1 record against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans (15th) vs Parramatta Eels (16th)
The Gold Coast Titans are aiming for their third consecutive victory as they return home to face the Parramatta Eels. Recently, Des Hasler's team has hit their stride with a strong win over the Warriors followed by a close victory against the Sharks in Coffs Harbour last Friday. Jayden Campbell is back from a hand injury to play at five-eighth, and AJ Brimson is listed as 18th man as he recovers from a groin injury. The Titans haven't beaten the Eels at Cbus Super Stadium since 2017.
The Eels have had a challenging season and currently sit at the bottom of the ladder in 16th place. They're on a four-game losing streak but have shown flashes of promise in recent matches. Mitchell Moses is absent due to NSW representative duties, with Daejarn Asi stepping in at halfback. Lorenzo Mulitalo makes his NRL debut on the wing, Blaize Talagi moves to the centres, and Sean Russell is on the reserves list. Historically, the Eels have dominated their matchups against the Titans, winning eight of their last nine encounters.
The Eels are 9-1 against the Over in their last 10 away games and have a good record at Robina.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Parramatta are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Eels are 7-1 against the Titans.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (11th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (10th)
The Broncos will be without key players Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Reece Walsh, adding to their challenges. A hamstring injury to halfback Jock Madden has further complicated matters for Brisbane, who have suffered five consecutive losses, dropping from fifth place on the ladder after Round 11 to 11th going into Round 19. There's hope for the Broncos with the potential return of Kotoni Staggs and Jordan Riki this weekend, which could boost their chances. However, Brisbane has struggled at Suncorp Stadium recently, winning only one of their last five games there. Kotoni Staggs has been particularly effective against the Dragons, scoring five tries in his last four games against them.
The Dragons slipped out of the top eight after a loss to the Roosters and now face Brisbane without Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax due to Origin duties. With tough matches against the Panthers and Storm following their Round 20 bye, it's crucial for the Dragons to secure a win at Suncorp Stadium to stay in contention for the finals and improve their chances of a first finals appearance since 2018. Historically, the Dragons have had the upper hand against the Broncos, winning six of their last eight encounters. But, the Dragons have struggled in recent games without Ben Hunt, winning only one of their last 11 matches in his absence.
Brisbane are now 0-6 ATS and will be missing plenty of talent. So I think the Dragons give them a scare.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. In their last 10 games at the Suncorp Stadium, St. George holds a 2-8 record.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Dragons have won 3 games against the Broncos.
Best Bet
St. George Illawarra Dragons +5.5 = $1.90
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (7th) vs Newcastle Knights (9th)
Manly pulled off a thrilling golden point victory over the Cowboys, with Daly Cherry-Evans once again proving his clutch abilities to push them back into the top eight. However, Cherry-Evans will be absent this weekend due to Maroons Origin duties. The Sea Eagles are bolstered by Tom Trbojevic, playing his second game after returning from injury, and Haumole Olakau'atu, who returns after missing out on the Blues' Origin Three squad. Historically, Manly has dominated their matchups against the Knights at 4 Pines Park, winning nine of their last eleven games there.
The Knights showed resilience in their recent match against the Raiders in Canberra, securing a hard-fought victory with Kalyn Ponga making a strong comeback from injury. However, like Cherry-Evans, Ponga will also be away in Maroons camp this week, alongside centres Bradman Best and Dane Gagai. Despite their personnel challenges, the Knights have been successful on the road recently, winning four of their last five away games.
The Sea Eagles have the edge with Turbo back in the lineup and have won 6 of their last 7 at home.
Stadium Record
Manly are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Newcastle are 2-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the head to head is squared at 2-2 (1 draw).
Best Bet
