2024 NRL Round 20 Betting Predictions
The Blues claimed the 2024 State of Origin series on Wednesday so now we turn our attention to the NRL season and Round 19 has plenty of juicy matchups. It starts with a crucial clash between the Raiders and Warriors in Canberra on Friday night footy.
Canberra Raiders (11th) vs New Zealand Warriors (12th)
The Raiders lost a close game at home against Newcastle, with star fullback Kalyn Ponga leading the visitors to a 16-12 win. Canberra has struggled at GIO Stadium this season, losing their last four games. They're looking to turn things around against the Warriors on Friday night. A big boost for the Raiders is the return of halfback Jamal Fogarty, who will play his first game since a biceps injury in Round 7.
The Warriors had a tough battle against the Bulldogs and felt unlucky to lose 13-12 to a Matt Burton field goal in extra time. They have only won three out of nine games in Australia this season. Injuries to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Marcelo Montoya have caused another lineup shuffle, with Taine Tuaupiki starting at fullback, Ali Leiataua in the centres, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing. On a positive note, Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored five tries in his last seven games against the Raiders.
The Warriors have an excellent record in Canberra, covering in their last 6. The Raiders have struggled at home this year so I think the Warriors get the upset.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. New Zealand are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Warriors are 6-4 against the Raiders.
Best Bet
New Zealand Warriors WIN = $2.00
South Sydney Rabbitohs (15th) vs Wests Tigers (17th)
The Bunnies almost pulled off a late win against the top-eight Dolphins, but missed goal-kicking ended their five-game winning streak with a 36-28 loss. The Rabbitohs have won seven of their last eight games against the Tigers, and winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his last five games against them. There's just one change to the starting side from last week's loss to the Dolphins, with NSW back-rower Cameron Murray returning in place of Jai Arrow.
The Wests Tigers are desperate after what coach Benji Marshall called their worst performance of the season, losing 58-6 to the Sharks. To make matters worse, skipper Api Koroisau suffered a calf injury and might miss this match. The Tigers have conceded 138 points in their last three games and haven't won in Gosford since 2011.
Wests have given up 40+ pts in 3 straight and the Bunnies also leak points. So I like the Over in day conditions.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 2-1 at this venue since 2018. Wests are 4-4 in their history.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Rabbitohs hold an 8-2 record against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Newcastle Knights (10th) vs Brisbane Broncos (13th)
The Newcastle Knights are aiming to stay in the top eight race as they host the Broncos on Saturday night. The Knights were thoroughly beaten by Manly in Round 19, losing 44-6 as the Sea Eagles backs dominated. The Knights have only won two of their last nine games against the Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Broncos, also undermanned in their loss to the Dragons, have four representative stars hoping to return this weekend as they try to break a six-game losing streak. The Broncos have won their last four games against the Knights, and centre Selwyn Cobbo has scored eight tries in four games against Newcastle.
Should be a tough one for the Broncos with their stars backing up. So I like the Knights at home, they're 7-1 ATS after a loss.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue. Since 2018, Brisbane have a 1-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Broncos are 4-1 against the Knights in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Newcastle Knights +3.5 = $1.90
Melbourne Storm (1st) vs Sydney Roosters (3rd)
Melbourne Storm are four points ahead of the second-placed Panthers, with the Roosters two points behind in third. The Storm claimed a tough victory over the Roosters in Sydney in Round 7, with Xavier Coates making the difference in their 18-12 win. Melbourne has lost just one game at home this season and is on a five-game winning streak. They've also won nine of their last ten games against the Roosters.
The Roosters are looking to keep their minor premiership hopes alive as they travel south to face the Storm on Saturday night. They won four matches in a row before last weekend's bye, scoring 136 points in the process. Roosters winger Dominic Young has been in great form, scoring 11 tries in his last nine games.
Usually a low-scoring grind between these two sides so I expect the Under to salute.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 9-1 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney are 2-3 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Storm hold a 9-1 record.
Best Bet
Penrith Panthers (2nd) vs Dolphins (6th)
The Penrith Panthers welcome back champion halfback Nathan Cleary, who has played just five matches this season, with his last appearance in Round 10 when he suffered a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs. The Panthers have won four and lost three games without Cleary but still remain in the top four and ready to make a strong push.
The Dolphins have already notched nine wins in their second season and have a realistic shot at their first finals berth, despite losing Euan Aitken to a pectoral injury. If Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi come through Origin Three unscathed, they should be ready for this big test against the Panthers in front of a tough crowd. The Dolphins have won four of their last six away games.
The Panthers defence is on fire and the Under has saluted in their last 3 games.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. The Dolphins are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
The Panthers are 1-0 against the Dolphins.
Best Bet
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (7th) vs Gold Coast Titans (14th)
Manly's backline went wild against the Knights, scoring eight tries and keeping Anthony Seibold's team in seventh place on the ladder. The Sea Eagles will be keeping an eye on Origin reps Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic after Wednesday night's decider to see if they can recover in time for this game. Given how well the team performed on Sunday without them, Seibold might give them a rest to keep them fresh for a big clash against the Roosters in Round 21 and a final push for September. Manly has won four of their last six games against the Titans.
The Titans' speedsters scored all four tries in their 24-16 win over the Eels. With three straight wins, they're coming to coach Des Hasler's old stomping ground full of confidence, aiming for a late challenge for a finals spot. With Jayden Campbell back from a hand injury, AJ Brimson finding his form, and David Fifita a force on the edge, the Titans have plenty of firepower to trouble Manly. The Titans have won six of their last eight games at 4 Pines Park.
Like the chances of the Over, it's 5-1 at Brooky in the last 6 games and both sides can score points quickly.
Stadium Record
Manly are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Gold Coast are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys (8th) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (5th)
The Cowboys have only won three of their seven games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2024. With five of their remaining seven games at home, they need to turn their stadium into a fortress. Coach Todd Payten will be closely watching Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Val Holmes, and Jeremiah Nanai after Wednesday night's Origin decider to decide if they'll play on Sunday. Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has been in great form, scoring six tries in his last six games.
The Bulldogs come to Townsville with high confidence after two nail-biting golden point wins over the Sharks and Warriors, making their first finals appearance since 2016 a real possibility. They've conceded less than 20 points in five of their last six games, but they've struggled away from home, losing seven out of eight games in 2024.
The Dogs are 5-0 against the Under as their defence has improved a lot so I think this will be low-scoring too.
Stadium Record
North Queensland are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Canterbury have a 1-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Cowboys hold a 3-2 record against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
