Rugby League

Harry Grant made a statement last week with Melbourne’s spine decimated around him. With four try involvements from four quick rucks, Grant reminded the NRL of his qualities out of dummy-half.   Parramatta’s improvements this year have been a joy to watch. Their middle in particular has tightened up to address the revolving door looks they gifted teams to begin the season. That being said, it’s undoubtedly where the Storm will look to threaten inside-twenty.   Bet Now New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins 8:00pm, Friday | Go Media Stadium, Auckland Tips: The Dolphins (-3.5) line, Jake Averillo try  A number of key…

Melbourne’s ill-discipline cost them against Manly last week and if we know anything about Craig Bellamy, we’ll see a tightened response from the Storm here. They’re still without two key members of the spine but Harry Grant profiles nicely against a Roosters middle that was picked apart by Blayke Brailey last week.  Victor Radley is a big loss for Easts ruck defence and while Siua Wong has enjoyed a much improved season, he can be a spot for Grant behind a quick ruck.   Bet Now North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons 8:00pm, Friday | Queensland Country Bank Stadium,…

North Queensland are on the ropes and running out of time to address their leaky middle defence. The pressure is compounding the injuries an inexperienced backline has made all season; Braidon Burns is a nice addition here in that respect, but his lateral movement will be tested by the Dolphins attack.   Redcliffe are running out of troops in the pack and it’s catching up with them. It’s difficult to tip the Cowboys on their defence (second worst in the NRL) but they might just have enough against the Dolphins here.   Bet Now Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters 8:00pm, Friday |…

It’s safe to assume Cronulla & Redcliffe experienced very different bye round weekends. Fresh off a 50 point hammering of South Sydney, the Dolphins are full of confidence and eyeing off a late run into the 2025 finals series. Cronulla on the other hand are dead in the water and desperate for a response following a horror Origin period. For a side that lost no players to rep duty, Cronulla have missed a golden opportunity to solidify a finals berth. It’s Redcliffe on form but Cronulla with everything to play for. I’m leaving the H2H market here. Tips Herbie Farnworth…

The decider is here! Origin III is heading to Accor Stadium in what is going to be an electric night of rugby league. With the series all square after Queensland brushed off the underdog status in Game II and pulled off a 26-24 win, they now head into enemy territory to try and win back the shield. After dominating three of the four halves played, it all comes down to this for the Blues. They’ve won four of the past six games at Accor Stadium and will be looking to make home advantage count. With that being said, let’s get…

Brisbane have landed on a winning formula in recent weeks but their ability to adapt will be tested here with key players missing in key positions.   Reece Walsh is the obvious omission, but how the Broncos handle the middle without Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan is the concern. Canterbury’s have some absences of their own around the ruck but have repeatedly displayed a willingness to win games in different ways this season.   Brisbane need to start well and avoid getting into the grind with the Dogs.  Bet Now Canberra Raiders vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons 7:30pm, Saturday | GIO Stadium, Canberra…