The NRL season couldn’t be any more exciting as we enter Round 25 with finals-like games everywhere you look.
Dive into BetDeluxe’s previews and best bets for every match.
game of the week: Knights vs. Rabbitohs
20th August 2:00pm
As close to a final as any game this weekend, the seventh-placed Newcastle Knights will look to extend their current six-game winning streak when they host the eighth-placed Rabbitohs at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Victory for either side will go a long way to securing a finals berth, but the Knights have been the form side of the competition over the last two months. They rubberstamped their incredible run with a dominant 42-6 victory over the Bulldogs on Sunday, with Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew, Leo Thompson, and Adam Elliott all named in the NRL Team of the Week.
Most importantly for the Knights and their fans, Jackson Hastings has been named to play despite a syndesmosis injury, while star centre Bradman Best will return from an adductor strain.
Souths have been a picture of inconsistency and frustration this year, but they seemingly did enough against the Dragons (26-14) and took their record to 2-2 over the past four games. Alex Johnston’s double will pique the interest of the Knights’ coaching staff, given he’s scored 15 tries in his nine games against them.
The Rabbitohs will enter the match as favourites after winning 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights, but it would certainly not surprise to see Kalyn Ponga et al. extend their winning streak to seven for the first time since 2001-02.
TIP: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Newcastle +2.5
- Leg 2: Under 48.5 points
- Leg 3: A Johnston score anytime
- Leg 4: D Young score anytime
- Total: $12
Cowboys vs. Sharks
17th August 7:50pm
One of several must-win games this weekend, with the Cowboys sitting in ninth spot on the ladder. Finals will depend heavily on their ability to end the Sharks’ two-game winning streak, but they will glean confidence from the return of star back-rower Jeremiah Nanai. An 8-3 home record is enough to lean towards the Cowboys.
TIP: Cowboys to win @ $1.54
Warriors vs. Sea Eagles
18th August 6:00pm
The Warriors have been the surprise packet of the 2023 season, and there’s no reason for the third-ranked team to take the foot off the accelerator as they attempt to lock in a top-four spot. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) returns for the Warriors, while the Sea Eagles will lose Brad Parker and Ben Trbojevic. With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak punching home 16 tries in his last 11 games, the Warriors should be able to secure their sixth straight.
TIP: Warriors 13+ @ $1.80
Eels vs. Roosters
18th August 8:00PM
We’ve asked this question more than once throughout the season, so once more won’t hurt; are the Roosters back in form? Trent Robinson’s disappointing team has pieced together consecutive wins against the Dolphins and Sea Eagles and given themselves a tiny glimmer of finals hope. Unfortunately for the Eels, they will need to keep their season alive without Mitch Moses, but the return of Maika Sivo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard will provide a little bit of respite.
TIP: Roosters to win @ $1.59
Tigers vs. Dolphins
19th August 3:00PM
The 17th-placed side will not often go into their Round 25 clash as $1.32 favourites, but here we are with the Wests dominating the market. It comes on the back of an impressive 22-30 loss against the Warriors and several key outs for the Dolphins, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (HIA), Connelly Lemuelu (HIA), Kenny Bromwich (HIA), Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) and Ray Stone (toe). A brutal end to a brave first campaign for the Dolphins.
TIP: J. Isaako anytime scorer @ $1.76
Titans vs. Panthers
19th August 5:30pm
Things don’t get any easier for the Titans in their quest for finals as they attempt to end a two-game losing streak against the competition’s benchmark. While AJ Brimson’s return helps the Titans’ cause, the Panthers will also welcome Jarome Luai and Mitch Kenny back into their starting side. Another one for the likely minor premiers.
TIP: Panthers 13+ @ $1.33
Dragons vs. Storm
19th August 7:35pm
The Storm is picking up, and it’s coming for Wollongong. After scoring nine tries from nine individual players in their 48-2 dismantling of the Raiders, Craig Bellamy and the Storm’s quest for another top-four finish is well and truly on track. The Dragons’ record at WIN Stadium is just two from six this season, and we don’t see that improving anytime soon.
TIP: H. Grant anytime scorer @ $2.55
Raiders vs. Bulldogs
20th August 4:05pm
The only statistic the Raiders will care about this week is their -120 points differential, which could come back to haunt them on the road to finals. After failing to deliver a punch in their 48-2 loss to the Storm, expect Ricky Stuart’s men to come out firing against a Bulldogs outfit that hasn’t beaten them in seven games.
TIP: Raiders to win @ $1.31
