<p>Blink and you’ll miss it. All of a sudden, we’re at the halfway point of the 2024 NRLW season.</p> <p>Surprise packets have emerged, and some heavyweights have begun to slip. With time running out before the finals, teams need to click into gear before it’s too late.</p> <p>Remember, only the top four play finals footy in the NRLW, so September spots are at a premium and as it stands, sides like reigning premiers Newcastle, are currently outside the cutoff.</p> <p>Can they get their act together in NRLW round 5? Let’s find out! For the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting advice for Newcastle’s next game, as well as for the rest of the competition, check out our NRLW round 5 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Parramatta Eels Women vs Newcastle Knights Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 24, 11:00am AEST – Eric Tweedale Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking of defending champ the Knights, they kick off NRLW round 5, travelling to face the inform Parramatta Eels.</p> <p>Last year’s wooden spooners Parra find themselves third at the midway point this term and are shaping as a legitimate dark horse for the title.</p> <p>Veteran Rachel Pearson has been steering her side around the park with ease and class allowing younger players like Rory Owen, Cassey Tohi-Hiku and Kennedy Cherrington to shine.</p> <p>If they are able to upset Newcastle here, we are anointing them genuine premiership threats.</p> <p>That will be easier said than done, however. Newcastle may be fifth, but last week they lost to ladder leader Cronulla, despite scoring more tries than their opponents. They need to fix their goal kicking pronto, or risk losing more closely fought encounters, such as this one.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/parramatta-eels-women-v-newcastle-knights-women-8491901">Parramatta Eels Women.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Kennedy Cherrington anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Canberra Raiders Women vs North Queensland Cowboys Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 24, 12:45pm AEST – GIO Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cowboys ride into this one full of confidence after a thrilling one-point victory over the Titans that keeps them in the hunt for finals footy.</p> <p>Halfback and captain Kirra Dibb was the hero, nudging over the decisive field goal to split the two sides 11-10.</p> <p>They travel to the nation’s capital in NRLW round 5 to face a Canberra side with just the one win so far in 2024.</p> <p>This game is the perfect opportunity for the North Queenslanders to saddle up and continue their charge up the ladder.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/canberra-raiders-women-v-north-queensland-cowboys-women-8491903">North Queensland Cowboys Women.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Under total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Titans Women vs Sydney Roosters Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 25, 12:00pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After starting the season in style, the Titans have recorded back-to-back losses to crash back down to earth.</p> <p>They’re now outside of the finals places and to make matters worse, they have to face the red-hot Roosters in NRLW round 5.</p> <p>The Chooks have shaken off preseason injuries to some of their key stars to take up roost in the upper echelons of the ladder and have now been installed as the premiership favourites.</p> <p>We’re tipping the Tri-colours to condemn the Titans to three straight losses here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/gold-coast-titans-women-v-sydney-roosters-women-8491906">Sydney Roosters Women.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Isabelle Kelly first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wests Tigers Women vs Brisbane Broncos Women</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 25, 1:45pm AEST – Leichhardt Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Only one side remains winless in the NRLW and that is the Wests Tigers. Unfortunately for their fans, the Tigers seem to be doing their best to emulate their male counterparts, with both sides currently at the foot of their respective ladders.</p> <p>The misery doesn’t look like it’s going to let up this week either, with the Tigers taking on the barnstorming Broncos who have broken into the top four off the back of their win over the Raiders last week.</p> <p>The Queenslander triumphed 28-22 last week, with young winger Stacey Waaka the hero. She scored two tries in just her second ever NRLW game, including the match winner and looks primed to add to her tally here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/wests-tigers-women-v-brisbane-broncos-women-8491913">Brisbane Broncos Women.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Stacey Waaka first try scorer.</p>

<h2>St George Illawarra Dragons Women vs Cronulla Sharks Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 25, 6:10pm AEST – WIN Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final game of NRLW round 5 two sides at opposite ends of the ladder do battle.</p> <p>The all-conquering Cronulla Sharks are the only undefeated side left in the NRLW, with four wins from four. They’re top of the pops after their thrilling win over defending champs Newcastle and don’t seem like being knocked off their perch anytime soon.</p> <p>Their opponents St George on the other hand, have just the one win in 2024 and are currently second last. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who we’ll be backing here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/st-george-illawarra-dragons-women-v-cronulla-sharks-women-8491971">Cronulla Sharks Women.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Big win little win – Sharks 13+</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRLW 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>