The Roar’s NRL expert tips and predictions: Round 24

Hey Roarers!

My goodness – a weekend full of close nail-biting matches. It was collectively 362-104 by the end of the round, only two games had a margin under ten. Bonkers.

Let’s recap –

Once. Twice. Three times a Liam. The Panthers’ Liam Martin bombed two tries to eventually go on and score the winning four-pointer in Penrith’s last-minute victory against the Bunnies at Accor Stadium. The premiers proved once again to never write them off in their 26-22 win on Thursday night and stuffed up many punter’s perfect round right off the bat.

The Cowboys were able to put their emotions regarding Paul Green to the side and bounce back for a 48-4 thumping of the Warriors in Townsville on Friday night. And as we now know, poor Tommy Dearden showed just how tough he is, playing most of the match a bit worse for wear.

The Storm then gave the Broncos a 60-12 hiding up at Suncorp during the second match of the night. The men in purple have well and truly got out of their rough patch – have Brisbane now fallen into it?

The wallopings continued throughout Super Saturday, with Eels cruising to a 42-6 win against the Dogs at CommBank in the first game of the day. I can’t keep up Parramatta, are they winning this thing or what?

The Sharks embarrassed the Sea Eagles on their member’s appreciation day at 4 Pines Park with an impressive 40-6 win at 5:30 pm. They broke a 14-year drought of wins at Brookvale, retained the Steve Rogers trophy, and handed Kieran Foran a loss for his last game in Manly colours at home.

Then we had this monstrosity. The Roosters farewelled the SCG by bringing up a 72-6 cricket score against the Tigers. It was a far cry from the side that beat the Broncos a few weeks ago, with Fox NRL commentator Corey Parker labeling the Tiger’s performance “dismal, awful” and “putrid”.

On Sunday down in Wollongong, the Titans somehow managed to get worse against fewer players. With 15 minutes to go, the Titans trailed by only four. After the Dragons’ Francis Molo was sent off they managed to let in 16 unanswered points to lose 46-26.

And in the final match of the round, my Knights led the Raiders 22-8 at halftime. That’s it, nothing else happened, let’s move on.

AJ, Mary, Paul and you legends in the crowd all tipped 7/8, Mike got 6/8 and I picked 5/8. AJ and Paul are still neck and neck, leading the charge on 128. Mary and The Crowd are just behind on 124, Mike is out on 114 and I finally cracked triple digits, now on 103.

Ok, onto round 24 – two to go!

We kick off tonight at 7:50 pm when the Broncos host the Eels at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane are hanging onto eighth spot for dear life, while Parra will be hoping to keep their top four chances alive.   

In the first Friday night game, the Warriors travel to Penrith to take on the premiers at BlueBet Stadium at 6:00 pm. Jarome Luai and James Fischer-Harris return for the home side – this game could be a blowout.

We then head down to Melbourne at 7:55pm, where the Storm and the Roosters battle it out at AAMI Park in the match of the round. Both teams are back in form, have some big names returning and are eyeing a top four finish. Strap yourselves in for a beauty!

In the first match of Super Saturday, we head down to the nation’s capital to see the Raiders and the Sea Eagles at 3:00pm. The Green Machine are desperate to make the finals, while Manly are just looking desperate.

We make our way up to the Shire where the Sharks host the Bulldogs at 5:30pm. Cronulla are now not only trying to get their hands on a top two spot but are wanting to send Andrew Fifita out a winner in his final game at home.

Then we head across town to Accor Stadium to see the Bunnies and the Cowboys at 7:35pm for the final match of the day. Souths will be wanting to make up for letting last week’s game against the Panthers slip through their fingers, while the Cowboys are laser-focused on securing a home final.

(Sigh) Then we come to Sunday’s blockbusters.

Our first game at 2:00pm sees the Tigers take on the Dragons at CommBank. I was beginning to worry we weren’t going to get out to CommBank this round – crisis averted. The Tigers are coming off an absolute humiliation against the Roosters, while the Dragons managed to score more points while down a player last week.

To finish off the round we head up to the Gold Coast where the Titans host my Knights at Cbus Super Stadium at 4:00 pm. The Titans smashed Manly, then got beaten by a 12-man Red V. We led the Raiders by 14 at halftime, then forgot how to play in the second half. Maybe go and mow the lawns while this is on.

I’m going to let our lovely Mary lead us off this week.

If you would like to see how you go up against the Experts this round, just remember to get your tips in below by 5:00 pm tonight to be counted in The Crowd’s tips.

Good luck with your tipping everyone!

Mary Konstantopoulos

Eels, Panthers, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Titans.

This game is absolutely crucial to the makeup of the ladder. The Broncos were absolutely embarrassed by the Melbourne Storm last week and surprisingly, Kevin Walters has opted to not make any changes. This Broncos team and its line-up is slightly different to that team that looked almost unstoppable mid-way through the season. I’m tipping the Eels, hoping that the ‘good’ Eels turn up and seek revenge on that Broncos team that embarrassed them at home a couple of weeks ago.

The Panthers are starting to get their players back from injury and suspension and should have no trouble beating a Warriors team that is really struggling when not in New Zealand. 

The next game is a tough one. I’m going to tip the Storm given they have the home-ground advantage, but the Roosters are one of the in-form teams in the competition, with the shift in playmaking duties having a positive impact. 

The Raiders will beat the Sea Eagles and keep their top eight hopes alive. It’s a shame that the debacle around the Pride jersey had such a negative impact on Manly’s season and the Sharks will have another 2 guaranteed points when they beat the Bulldogs. 

The next game should also be a cracker and I expect the Bunnies to bounce back against a Cowboys team that has not looked as strong away from home and which has had a reshuffle with Tom Dearden out.

The Dragons will beat a Tigers side, who surely cannot sink any lower last week and with a toss of the coin, the Titans will beat the Knights.

Paul Suttor

Eels, Panthers, Roosters, Raiders, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Titans

Brisbane are petering out and Parramatta are unreliable but the Eels should win a close one.

The Warriors will do well to keep the Panthers under 50 as they celebrate the minor premiership with a big win.

Melbourne are peaking and have a home-ground advantage but the Roosters to win a nail-biter. 

Canberra are still below par but Manly are woeful. Still showing no pride, fellas.

Cronulla have trouble with Canterbury but will grind out a victory.

Souths will be too desperate for the Cowboys.

The Dragons will outlast the Tigers who are down to a strong NSW Cup team with all their outs.

Gold Coast have shown signs of life in the past couple of weeks, as have Newcastle, so after tossing a coin, Titans.

AJ Mithen

Eels, Panthers, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Bunnies, Dragons, Titans

My youngest kid is vomiting all over me so I’m taking this 4-minute stretch to gift you this week’s winning tips. That’s what true heroes do!

Eels over fading broncos.

Panthers over warriors sheesh.

Storm over roosters in a grindy belter.

Your presumptive champions the peoples team the Canberra raiders to lay 56 on a pathetic Sea Eagles.

Sharks over dogs by heaps.

Likewise, bunnies over cowboys.

Dragons to smash Tigers and Titans to smash Knights

Mike Meehall Wood

Eels, Panthers, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Cowboys, Dragons, Titans

Parra will beat the Broncos. I say this for no other reason than that I think they won’t and they usually do the opposite of me.

Panthers over Warriors by a million

For the same reason, Melbourne will beat the Roosters

Canberra need to win, Manly don’t so it’s got to be the Raiders

Sharks are on a hot streak, Dogs are on the beach

Souths need to win, Cowboys don’t, so Bunnies for me

Knights v Titans is the Spoonbowl we deserve: Titans in a shocker

Tigers v Dragons is the Who Cares? Bowl…I suppose, the Dragons are better so them

Danielle Smith

Eels, Panthers, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Cowboys, Dragons, Knights

I can’t see the Broncos being as bad as they were last week, but Eels should win in a close one.

Panthers not in a close one.

Cannot wait for this game. My back-and-forth tip. Hmmmm…..Storm.

This could be an exciting one if both teams get to show off their attacking flare, but Sharkies for the win.

I haven’t tipped against them all year, and I’m not starting now. Cowboys.

I’m going Dragons, but not because they are good.

And in a perfect way to end the round, the battle of the busteds. As always, I’m tipping my Knights.

Round 24	AJ	Danielle	Mary	Mike	Paul	Crowd
BRI V PAR	PAR	PAR	PAR	PAR	PAR	?
PEN V NZL	PEN	PEN	PEN	PEN	PEN	?
MEL V SYD	MEL	MEL	MEL	MEL	SYD	?
CAN V MAN	CAN	CAN	CAN	CAN	CAN	?
CRO V CBY	CRO	CRO	CRO	CRO	CRO	?
SOU V NQL	SOU	NQL	SOU	NQL	SOU	?
WST V STI	STI	STI	STI	STI	STI	?
GLD V NEW	GLD	NEW	GLD	GLD	GLD	GLD
Last Round	7	5	7	6	7	7
Total	128	103	124	114	128	124

James Graham’s tips and PlayUp odds for this weekend  courtesy of the Bye Round Preview Podcast

Brisbane Broncos ($2.25) v Parramatta Eels ($1.65)

Thursday 7:50 pm, Suncorp Stadium

“The Broncos will be embarrassed by their performance last week at home. I’m expecting to see a strong response, but I think Parramatta have got to aim for that home semi so that’s why I think Parra will get the victory.”

Penrith Panthers ($1.01) v New Zealand Warriors ($17.00)

Friday 6:00 pm, BlueBet Stadium

“Surprise surprise. I’m going for Penrith to obviously get the victory in this particular game. Nostradamus here!”

Melbourne Storm ($1.57) v Sydney Roosters ($2.40)

Friday 7:55 pm, AAMI Park

“This is the match of the round, I’m so excited about this game. Melbourne They had that little stumble about a month ago and a lot of people were quick to sort of write them off and say they’ve lost their mojo. But they’re back. And the Roosters are just so impressive. I know Melbourne are going to be favourites in Melbourne but I’m backing the Roosters.

Canberra Raiders ($1.20) v Manly Sea Eagles ($4.50)

Saturday 3:00 pm, GIO Stadium

“Another must-win game for Canberra, only complacency stands in the way from Canberra and the victory. Manly look dejected, tipping Canberra.”

Cronulla Sharks ($1.06) v Canterbury Bulldogs ($9.50)

Saturday 5:30 pm, PointsBet Stadium

Sharks are in great form and Fitzy knows how to get the job done. Grand final hero Andrew Fifita plays his last home game. They won’t let him down!

South Sydney Rabbitohs ($1.50) v North Queensland Cowboys ($2.60)

Saturday 7:35 pm, Accor Stadium

Huge game here with lots on the line. Souths will want to secure a top 8 finish before next week. Lattrell was amazing despite being in poor field position last week. I’m expecting more opportunities than last week for him, I’m going Souths.”

Wests Tigers ($3.10) v St George Illawarra Dragons ($1.37)

Sunday 2:00 pm, CommBank Stadium

“Dragons not much to play for here but Tigers poor and Dragons did well to hold on with 12 last week. Going Dragons”

Gold Coast Titans ($1.45) v Newcastle Knights ($2.75)

Sunday 4:05 pm, Cbus Super Stadium

“Last time Gold Coast were at home they put in an impressive display against Manly, so Gold Coast.”