The race to the NRL finals is heating up. We look to have lost the Broncos last week and a couple of other teams are on the brink of falling out of contention. The Cowboys take on the Roosters first up in a game crucial to both teams.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, July 30
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Sydney Roosters
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Jaxon Purdue 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Soni Luke 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Ethan King 15. John Bateman 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Kaiden Lahrs Reserves: 20. Kai O'Donnell 21. Liam Sutton 22. Ronald Philitoga
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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Tommy Talau 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Nat Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Egan Butcher 17. Taylor Losalu 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Reece Foley Reserves: 20. Tom Rodwell 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Delasalle Vaa
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Michael Wise, Nick Pelgrave
Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Cowboys were impressive last week in ending the Broncos' finals hopes, while the Roosters struggled to finish off the Knights and were lucky to escape with the win. This is going to be a true test of the Cowboys finals credentials. Can they keep James Tedesco and his Roosters at bay and grab the vital two points at home? It promises to be one of the games of the season.
Tip: Roosters by 8
PointsBet odds: Cowboys $2.35 (+4.5 $1.88) Roosters $1.58 (-4.5 $1.88)
Friday, July 31
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Dolphins
WIN Stadium, 6pm (AEST)
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jacob Halangahu 18. Moses Suli 19. Lyhkan King-Togia Reserves: 20. Emre Guler 21. Christian Tuipulotu 22. Jacob Webster
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Brad Schneider 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles Bench: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Max Plath 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Ray Stone 19. Jake Averillo Reserves: 20. Brian Pouniu 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Isaiya Katoa
Officials
Referee: Kieren Irons Touchies: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, David Munro
Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Dragons had a chance last week against the Titans to show their fans that the future is brighter, but they let them and Clint Gutherson, who was playing his 250th game, down badly. The Dolphins had the week off to work on their injuries. I have learned a lesson and won't be tipping the Dragons again this season, regardless of the opposition.
Tip: Dolphins by 24
PointsBet odds: Dragons $3.85 (+12.5 $1.88) Dolphins $1.25 (-12.5 $1.88)
Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
AAMI Park, 8pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Manaia Waitere 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Trent Toelau 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Hayden Watson 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Shawn Blore 18. Joe Chan 19. Angus Hinchey Reserves: 20. Davvy Moale 21. Stanley Huen 22. Jai Bowden
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Alekolasimi Jones 19. Jed Reardon 20. Sean O'Sullivan Reserves: 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Jake Turpin 23. Jonathan Sua
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Jon Stone, Drew Oultram
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Storm all but ended their finals chances last week with a hard fought loss to the Rabbitohs, during which they added Harry Grant's hamstring to a long list of injuries. The Bulldogs were very impressive in defence against the Warriors and their dysfunctional halves combination combined well enough to create 18 points. The Bulldogs will win a lot of games by restricting opponents to six points.
Tip: Bulldogs by 10
PointsBet odds: Storm $2.55 (+5.5 $1.88) Bulldogs $1.50 (-5.5 $1.88)
Saturday, August 1
Gold Coast Titans vs. New Zealand Warriors
Cbus Super Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Sam Verrills 19. Lachlan Ilias Reserves: 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jett Liu
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Luke Metcalf 20. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava Reserves: 21. Rocco Berry 22. Luke Laulilii 23. Jacob Auloa
Officials
Referee: Jarrod Cole Touchies: Nick Pelgrave, Daniel Schwass
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Titans continued to show improvement last weekend in putting the Dragons away, while the Warriors just couldn't fire up their attack through the thick wall of Bulldogs defence. This is a real danger game for the Warriors who really need to switch on and grab the two points if they are to have any hope of running down the ladder-leading Panthers. Teams who take the Titans lightly are being heavily punished.
Tip: Warriors by 10
PointsBet odds: Titans $2.35 (+4.5 $1.83) Warriors $1.58 (-4.5 $1.95)
Penrith Panthers vs. Canberra Raiders
Glen Willow Regional Stadium, Mudgee, 5:30pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole Reserves: 20. Blaize Talagi 21. Luron Patea 22. Kalani Leuluai-going
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Ata Mariota 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Matt Nicholson 16. Josh Papali'i 17. Daine Laurie 18. Sebastian Kris 19. Joseph Roddy Reserves: 20. Coby Black 21. Savelio Tamale 22. Vena Patuki-Case
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Daniel Luttringer, Damian Brady
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Panthers have not looked themselves of late, losing three of their last five games and struggling during the first half against the Eels. They are making handling errors and missing simple tackles, which just wasn't happening earlier in the season. The Raiiders have been starting to find their 2025 form of late, completely demolishing the Tigers last week. This will be a much tougher task of course, but I think they just might spring an upset, particularly if they pick apart the chinks in the Panthers defensive line.
Tip: Raiders by 6
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.32 (-10.5 $1.88) Raiders $3.30 (+10.5 $1.88)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Newcastle Knights
Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Va'a Semu 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Ben Talty 16. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Ben Hunt 18. Luke Gale 19. Hayze Perham Reserves: 20. Gehamat Shibasaki 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Joshua Coric
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker Bench: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Lachlan Crouch Reserves: 20. Toby Winter 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Connor Votano
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Michael Wise, Tyson Brough
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: Whatever life was left in the Broncos' season was snuffed out last week when the Cowboys won the Queensland derby. The Knights suffered horror injuries to two of their best players and still only lost by two pointes to the Roosters. The Knights have good depth this season and have so much more to play for than the Broncos. Still this could go either way.
Tip: Knights by 8
PointsBet odds: Broncos $1.50 (-5.5 $1.88) Knights $2.55 (+5.5 $1.88)
Sunday, August 2
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Ocean Protect Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Jesse Colquhoun 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Jayden Berrell Reserves: 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Niwhai Puru
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. John Radel 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Lachlan Hubner Bench: 14. Jye Gray 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Sean Keppie 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Edward Kosi Reserves: 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Tallis Duncan 22. Adam Elliott
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Clayton Wills, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Sharks were very impressive last week in dismantling the Sea Eagles at Brookvale. The Rabbitohs put on a display of spirited football to run down the Storm in a real battle that deeply wounded the Storm's finals chances. It is hard to see the Rabbitohs overcome the high-flying Sharks, unless they catch them on an off day. But, the Sharks of recent times seem to have their consistency problems fixed.
Tip: Sharks by 10
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.28 (-11.5 $1.88) Storm $3.60 (+11.5 $1.88)
Wests Tigers vs. Parramatta Eels
CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Heamasi Makasini 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Sunia Turuva 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Heath Mason 15. Charlie Murray 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Tristan Hope 19. Starford To'a Reserves: 20. Javon Andrews 21. Ethan Roberts 22. Bunty Afoa
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Junior Paulo 16. Teancum Brown 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Joash Papali'i 19. Toni Mataele Reserves: 20. Araz Nanva 21. Ryley Smith 22. Jonah Pezet
Officials
Referee: Liam Kennedy Touchies: Tom Cambourn, Phil Henderson
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Tigers have completely fallen apart since Jarome Luai announced he was leaving to play for PNG, The Adam Doueihi disaster last week was just the latest symptom of a crumbling club. The Eels put up a gallant effort against the Panthers but just couldn't contain them in the second half. If the Tigers are refusing to play, both mentally and physically, the Eels should win this.
Tip: Eels by 16
PointsBet odds: Tigers $2.90 (+8.5 $1.88) Eels $ (-8.5 $1.88)
BYE:
Sea Eagles:
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.