2024 NRL Round 6 Betting Predictions
Get ready for another wild weekend of NRL action as we chat about our NRL Round 6 betting predictions!
Newcastle Knights (12th) vs Sydney Roosters (10th)
The Knights bounced back in style last round, getting their second win of the season by giving the Dragons a proper drubbing in the pouring rain at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the Dragons couldn't find their groove, the Knights had a blast splashing around in the wet, slamming in five tries. Jackson Hastings, fresh off a stint working on his game in the NSW Cup, came back strong in the No.7 jersey, while his partner in crime, Jack Cogger, set up two tries with some bloody brilliant kicks. No changes to the lineup that did the business against the Dragons in Round 5. The Knights have been pretty unstoppable at home, winning eight out of their last nine games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Roosters are licking their wounds after a gut-wrenching loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night and they'll be out for redemption against the Knights. But it won't be a walk in the park. The Roosters might have a solid track record against the Knights, winning 12 out of their last 14 games against them, but they'll be missing some key players. Skipper James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker are both in concussion protocols, and winger Dom Young copped a two-match ban for a high tackle.
9 out of the Roosters' last 13 matches have stayed UNDER the total match points.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 8-2 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Roosters are 4-1 against the Knights in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Melbourne Storm (3rd) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (13th)
The Storm are powering through despite a few bumps in the road with injuries and suspensions to their star players. Sitting pretty in third on the ladder after five rounds, they're looking good for a top 4 finish once again, especially after putting the Broncos in their place. Coach Craig Bellamy might have had a few choice words about the 32 points they let slip against last year's grand finalists though, but the boys showed some true grit by clawing back from eight points down early in the second half. With a solid 3-0 record at home this season and legends like Munster and Jahrome Hughes back in action, they're aiming to make hay while the sun shines. They'll be facing off against the Bulldogs, Roosters, Rabbitohs and Titans in the next month before some of their key players get snatched up for Origin duty. Let's not forget, the Storm have been on an absolute tear, winning their last 12 games at AAMI Park.
Now, onto the Bulldogs – they've been giving it a fair crack this year and they're showing some real promise in 2024. But they'll be facing a real test of their mettle when they hit the road to Melbourne. With skipper Stephen Crichton sliding into fullback duty to cover for Blake Taaffe, who's out with a nasty case of concussion, Jacob Kiraz is shifting to centre and Josh Addo-Carr is making his return on the wing after a concussion of his own. But the Bulldogs haven't exactly been road warriors lately, only managing to snag one win out of their last 10 away games.
5 out of the last 6 games between Melbourne and Canterbury at AAMI Park have stayed UNDER the total match points.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 12-0 in their last 12 games at this venue. Canterbury are 1-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Storm are 6-1 against the Bulldogs since 2018.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (11th) vs Dolphins (1st)
The Broncos are copping a fair bit of heat with all those injuries. Last week's close shave against the Storm was their third loss in five games this season. But they're getting a boost with gun fullback Reece Walsh back in action after a facial fracture. Too bad skipper Adam Reynolds and winger Deine Mariner are sidelined with injuries, though. But, when the Broncos are playing at Suncorp Stadium, they're a whole different beast. They've piled on a whopping 134 points in their last four wins there.
Now, let's talk about the new kids on the block – the Dolphins. They've been cruising since their first loss, bagging three wins and even snagging 2 points after a bye. Their latest win was a ripper – a 26-16 victory over the Wests Tigers at home. Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been on fire, scoring five tries in his last three games.
When it comes to night games, the Dolphins have been keeping it low-key. Each of their last six night games has gone UNDER.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. The Dolphins are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Broncos are 2-0 against the Dolphins.
Best Bet
New Zealand Warriors (6th) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (7th)
The Warriors are gunning for their fourth win in a row when they face off against the Sea Eagles in Auckland. Riding high after Shaun Johnson's top-notch performance, they got their third win in a row. Let's not forget, the Warriors have been on a roll at Go Media Stadium, winning six out of their last seven games there. With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Kurt Capewell back in the mix, they're looking even more solid.
As for the Sea Eagles, they're buzzing after a ripper win against the Panthers. After coming from behind to topple the premiers at 4 Pines Park, they're ready for their next challenge. But they've gotta watch out for their away record – it's been a bit rough after some tough trips to Parramatta and Wollongong. With Ben Trbojevic sliding into the centres to cover for Reuben Garrick, who's out under concussion protocol, they're keen to break their dry spell in Auckland, where they haven't won since 2017.
Manly has been on fire, covering the line in each of its last four games against New Zealand.
Stadium Record
New Zealand are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. Manly are 0-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Sea Eagles are 3-2 against the Warriors in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles +6.5 = $1.85
Parramatta Eels (14th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (2nd)
The Eels have had a ripper record at CommBank Stadium, winning nine out of their last 12 games there. After copping two losses in a row, they're back home for Round 6 to take on the Cowboys. But the Eels haven't been looking too crash hot lately. They got smashed 41-8 by the Raiders in Round 5 and without injured halfback Mitchell Moses, their attack was a bit all over the shop. Dylan Brown and Blaize Talagi struggled to steer the ship and to top it off, they gave away a whopping 10 penalties.
As for the Cowboys, they haven't had much luck at Parramatta since way back in 2015. But this could be the perfect time to turn it around. Even though they had a bit of a scare from the Titans last Sunday, they've still climbed up to second spot on the ladder. But Todd Payten's gotta be sweating over their defence – they've let in a massive 60 points in their last two games. With Zac Laybutt out with a torn ACL, they've called up Tom Chester to fill in at the centres.
The Eels are struggling to score without Moses, just 16 and 8 pts in the last 2 weeks. So I think the Cowboys overturn a poor record in Sydney against them.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. North Queensland are 0-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Eels are 5-4 against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys -2.5 = $1.90
South Sydney Rabbitohs (17th) vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (4th)
The Rabbitohs are up against the Sharks in a must-win showdown, but they'll be missing Latrell Mitchell, who's copped a suspension. After getting smashed by the Warriors 34-4, the Bunnies are struggling, sitting dead last on the ladder with only one win out of five games. They're scoring way less than last season, averaging just 14 points per game. It's not just Latrell they're missing – star players like Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham are out with injuries, too, taking away a big chunk of their firepower. But at least they've got a good track record against the Sharks at Accor Stadium, winning their last seven games there.
On the flip side, the Sharks are off to a ripper start this season, nabbing wins against the Warriors, Bulldogs and Raiders. Briton Nikora's back from suspension, adding more firepower to the team. With Nicho Hynes leading the charge and a solid forward pack behind him, the Sharks are in a good groove. They've got some big games coming up against the Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Raiders, and Dragons, and they'll be looking to keep their winning streak alive.
South Sydney hasn't covered the line in their last 12 matches, which ain't a good sign for this matchup.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Cronulla have a 3-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8, the Rabbitohs hold a 5-3 record.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks -9.5 = $1.85
Wests Tigers (9th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (15th)
The Tigers had a shocker with 11 errors in their loss to the Dolphins. They'll be keen to get back to their winning ways like they did against Parramatta on Easter Monday, playing with more composure and commitment. But it's been a tough slog for them at Campbelltown Stadium lately, with six games in the past two seasons and no victories to show for it. Plus, with John Bateman out due to concussion, Alex Seyfarth's stepping up to fill the gap in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Flanno's Dragons copped a hiding against the Knights, racking up 18 errors in the process. It was rough as guts out there at McDonald Jones Stadium and they'll need to tighten up their game against the Tigers. Hame Sele's back from a calf injury to prop up the team, shifting Jack de Belin to the bench and Michael Molo's out of the lineup altogether. Despite their recent struggles, the Dragons have had some luck at Campbelltown, winning three out of their four games there.
Should be a close finish between two fairly similar sides so I like the chances of the margin falling under 6.5 pts.
Stadium Record
Wests are 1-9 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, St. George have a 1-0 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Tigers hold a 6-4 record.
Best Bet
Triple Margin I - Any Other Result = $2.60
Canberra Raiders (5th) vs Gold Coast Titans (16th)
The Raiders are on fire with Xavier Savage, Seb Kris, Matt Timoko and Ethan Strange tearing it up , smashing the Eels in Round 5 - 41-8. Coach Ricky Stuart's got a ripper pack with Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii leading the charge up front, and Hudson Young, Morgan Smithies, and Pasami Saulo bringing some real grunt and skill. So this looks like a comfortable matchup for them coming up against the struggling Titans and the Raiders want to move into the top 4.
Meanwhile, the Titans are facing a tough slog without a win yet and new coach Des Hasler's got his work cut out for him. They've been leaking points like no tomorrow, giving up 28 points or more in nine straight games. With their recent shocker against the Cowboys where they let in 35 points, while the Raiders piled on 41 against the Eels, it's probably gonna be another rough day for Hasler.
In the past, the Raiders have had the wood over the Titans, covering the line in eight of their last nine clashes. And the Titans? Well, they've copped a hiding in their last four games, losing by 13 points or more each time.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Since 2018, Gold Coast have a 1-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Raiders hold an 8-2 record against the Titans.
Best Bet
