2024 NRL Round 7 Betting Predictions
The NRL rolls on into Round 7 and the action starts with a blockbuster matchup between the Roosters and Storm in Sydney on Thursday night footy.
Sydney Roosters (9th) vs Melbourne Storm (2nd)
The Roosters are feeling pretty good after a ripper win against Newcastle last week. Even with a bunch of big names out, they still managed to get their fourth win of the season. But, the Roosters haven't managed to topple the Storm in Sydney since 2019. Joey Manu was an absolute star for the Roosters in the last game but will be lost to Rugby next season. Skipper James Tedesco's back from his concussion, so Joey Manu's shifting back to the centres and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's sliding over to the wing.
The Storm are sitting pretty in second spot on the ladder after snatching another tight win from the Bulldogs on Friday, boasting a solid 4-1 record after the first six rounds. But here's the thing - all four of those wins came at AAMI Park. Thursday night's showdown against the Roosters is a chance for Craig Bellamy's men to show they can keep their winning streak rolling even on the road. The Storm have dominated the Roosters lately, winning eight out of their last nine matchups against 'em. Plus, Kiwi powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona's making his season debut at prop.
Melbourne's had 15 out of their last 20 interstate night matches go UNDER.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 8-4 at this venue since 2018. Melbourne are yet to play at the new SFS.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Storm are 8-2 against the Roosters.
Best Bet
St. George Illawarra Dragons (13th) vs New Zealand Warriors (7th)
So, the Dragons haven't had much luck stringing together wins since 2022. But hey, they were on fire in their last game! With the departing Zac Lomax tearing it up and Jaydn Su'A causing chaos on the left edge, the Red V took down the Tigers in style, bringing their record to three wins and three losses. Now, they're lookin' to keep the good times rolling in Wollongong after pulling off a massive upset against the Sea Eagles in Round 4. With Jack Bird out with a head knock, Zac Lomax's moving back to the centres and Christian Tuipulotu's coming in on the wing.
The Warriors have been on a roll at WIN Stadium, winning their last two games there. Last week, they had a real nail-biter against Manly. Down 22-14 with just two minutes to go, they pulled off a miracle comeback, taking the game to golden point and coming away with a draw. They snagged a single competition point, which could be really handy down the track. Jazz Tevaga's sitting this one out with a hamstring injury.
New Zealand's been spot-on, covering the line in each of their last five matches as the favourites in Australia.
Stadium Record
St. George are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. New Zealand are 2-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Warriors are 7-3 against the Dragons.
Best Bet
New Zealand Warriors -6.5 = $1.90
Parramatta Eels (11th) vs Dolphins (5th)
The Eels had a bit of a rocky start in 2024, losing three out of their first five games. But hey, they got their groove back and took down the Cowboys at home. They've been struggling without Mitch Moses, who's been sidelined with an injury. But fear not - deputy playmaker Daejarn Asi stepped up big time and helped the Eels hand the Cowboys just their second loss of the season. Now, Coach Brad Arthur's crossing his fingers and hoping the familiar turf of TIO Stadium in Darwin can help them make it two in a row for the first time this season. They've got a pretty good track record up there, winning six out of their last nine games played in Darwin.
The Dolphins are in a rough trot with injuries and suspensions at the moment and it ain't getting any easier. They've lost star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to a hamstring injury for the next month. Utility Anthony Milford's been slapped with a two-week ban for dangerous contact too. Last season, they had their depth tested and now it's happening all over again. So, they'll need to dig deep and make sure whoever's pulling on that red jersey is ready to give it their all. With Tabuai-Fidow out, Trai Fuller's taking over at fullback for his second NRL game.
Parramatta's been smashing it, winning 8 out of their last 9 matches as the favourites. The Dolphins are struggling with a heap of key injuries so it won't be easy.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 3-2 at this venue since 2018. The Dolphins have never played here.
Head to Head Record
The Eels hold a 1-0 record against the Dolphins.
Best Bet
Penrith Panthers (6th) vs Wests Tigers (12th)
So, Penrith got a bit of a breather in Round 6 with the bye, which was probably a good thing after taking a hit from the Sea Eagles. The Panthers were looking a bit banged up, but hey, the week off might've done them some good. Nathan Cleary's still out with an injury, but Scott Sorensen's back in action. The break probably did Jarome Luai a world of good too as he's been hobbling around with an injury. The Panthers are unstoppable during the day usually, winning their last 10 daytime games. But Bathurst's been a bit of a mixed bag for them lately, with only two wins in their last five games there.
Now, let's talk Tigers. They've been struggling to find the try line lately, scoring under 17 points in four out of five games this season. Last week, they fell short against the Dragons, putting their positive momentum from back-to-back wins in Rounds 3 and 4 in jeopardy. Despite usually finishing lower on the ladder than the Panthers, the Tigers have actually had a decent run against them. They've won two out of their last four matchups against Penrith, including their only clash last year.
Penrith and the Wests Tigers have been keeping it low-scoring, with each of their last 9 matches going UNDER.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 3-2 in their last 5. Wests are 1-0 in their history.
Head to Head Record
In the last 9, the Panthers hold a 6-3 record.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans (16th) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (8th)
Poor old Hasler copped a real gut punch last week with the Titans falling in golden point against the Raiders, leaving them with a rough 0-5 start. But, the Titans have come out on top in their last two clashes with the Sea Eagles. Jayden Campbell's out with a dodgy knee after last week's loss, so Phillip Sami's stepping up to fullback. AJ Brimson's back in the halves with Kieran Foran, and David Fifita's starting this time around after coming off the bench in Round 6.
The Sea Eagles are heading up north to face off against their old coach Des Hasler for the first time since he jumped ship back in 2022. Manly had their own heartbreak last round, getting chased down late by the Warriors and ending up in golden point. They walked away with a point for their troubles, but no winner could be found even after 10 extra minutes. Coach Anthony Seibold's got some good news though - four big names are making a comeback. Matt Lodge is back in action after a nasty ACL injury, and Reuben Garrick and Nathan Brown are back in the mix after sitting out last week. Even winger Jason Saab's making his return after doing his hammy back in Round 1.
Gold Coast's been keeping the night matches low scoring, with 7 out of their last 8 going UNDER.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue. Since 2018, Manly have a 3-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Sea Eagles are 3-2 against the Titans in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (10th) vs Canberra Raiders (3rd)
The Broncos have been on fire lately, winning their last five games at Suncorp Stadium. They smashed the Dolphins last week with a solid 28-14 win. Now that Reece Walsh is back and Payne Haas might make a comeback, the Broncos are keen to find their groove and rack up some wins before the Origin madness hits in June.
The Raiders have had the Broncos' number lately, winning four out of their last six games against them. Last time they faced off in Brisbane, the Raiders took the win with a 20-12 victory. Jordan Rapana was on fire with a double, and Papalii ran wild. The Raiders had a nail-biter last week, going the full 90 minutes to squeeze past the winless Titans in golden point. Coach Ricky Stuart must be stoked with their ability to pull through in tight spots. But they'll need to be better against the Broncos at Suncorp.
Brisbane and Canberra have been involved in plenty of high-scoring clashes, with 7 out of their last 8 matches going OVER.
Stadium Record
In their last 5 games at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane holds a 4-1 record. Canberra are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 7, the Raiders are 4-3 against the Broncos.
Best Bet
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (15th) vs Newcastle Knights (14th)
Last week, the Dogs got oh so close against the Storm, but even a Josh Addo-Carr hat-trick couldn't get them their third win of the season. On the injury front, the Bulldogs have copped a beating lately. Max King (wrist), Kurt Mann (hand) and Harrison Edwards (neck) are still sidelined, but good news - Blake Taaffe's back from a concussion. Connor Tracey's now playing fullback after moving from the wing just before the kick-off in Round 6.
Now, let's talk about the Knights. They had a ripper start against the Roosters, but couldn't hold them off in the end, losing 22-20 at McDonald Jones Stadium. Coach Adam O’Brien's sticking with the same lineup though. Here's a fun fact - the Knights have won five out of their last six games against the Bulldogs.
Canterbury's been keeping it tight at home, with 8 out of their last 9 matches against Newcastle going UNDER.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Newcastle have a 2-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Knights have won 4 games against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (1st) vs North Queensland Cowboys (4th)
Cronulla shot straight to the top of the ladder after smashing South Sydney 34-22 and they're keen to keep the momentum going with a third win in a row. The Sharks have been owning the Cowboys lately, winning 10 out of their last 11 games against them. But, bad news for the Sharks - winger Sione Katoa copped a one-game suspension for a clumsy high tackle. On the bright side, coach Craig Fitzgibbons is starting to see some of his injured forwards coming back. Toby Rudolf came back last week, and now Dale Finucane and Braden Hamlin-Uele might be back in action come Sunday.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, had a rough one against the Eels, losing 27-20 on Saturday night. Their next challenge ain't any easier too - they're up against the Sharks, sitting pretty at the top of the ladder. North Queensland had a shocker last week, making 11 errors and giving away eight penalties in the last game. They better clean up their act if they wanna bounce back against the Sharks. Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt's been on fire, scoring eight tries in his last seven games against the Sharks.
Cronulla's been keeping things low scoring, with 10 out of their last 12 matches going UNDER.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. North Queensland are 1-3 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Sharks hold a 9-1 record against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
