Rabbits’ revival, woeful Warriors, terrific Titans. What a week. There were plenty of crazy results and epic battles last time out, with more on the horizon in round 17.
First there’s State of Origin to look forward to, then plenty of regular NRL action. Can the Storm consolidate top spot even further? Will the Warriors bounce back from their mauling for the ages?
Also, which Origin stars will survive Wednesday night and backup for their club sides?
Let’s dive in. For the latest news, analysis, odds and more check out our NRL round 17 tips and predictions.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction
Friday, June 28, 8:00pm AEST – Stadium Australia
Kicking off the round 17 festivities are the Bulldogs and the Sharks. Nicho Hynes' omission from the NSW side for State of Origin Game 2 ensures he will be on deck for Cronulla here.
They’re coming off a bye too, while the Doggies are off a loss. A fresh side and a fresh Hynes with a point to prove? We like the Sharks here.
Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks.
Betting tip: Nicho Hynes anytime try scorer.
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction
Saturday, June 29, 3:00pm AEST – Go Media Stadium
What happened to the Warriors? Without any warning they decided to concede 66 points to the Titans, yes, the Titans!
The Titans, who until that game were, wait for it, dead last. Forget dead last, they’d lost to the Tigers the week before, yes, the Tigers!
Rugby League never fails to shock and surprise, so they’ll probably end up beating the Broncos this week.
It sounds ludicrous, but the game is in New Zealand, the Broncos have been struggling of late and are more than likely to be without most of their Origin stars.
However, after last week, the Warriors find themselves in the “do not back under any circumstances” basket, so we’re going with the baby Broncs to pip them here.
Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Broncos.
Betting tip: Under total match points.
Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels Prediction
Saturday, June 29, 5:30pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium
Just like that, the Parramatta Eels find themselves in the all too familiar surrounds of last place.
Just when the Blue and Gold faithful thought the dark days of the 2010s, which saw them collect numerous wooden spoons, were over, two years removed from a Grand Final appearance, they find themselves rooted to the foot of the ladder.
When even the Titans and Tigers are above you, you know you’ve got serious problems. If Mitchell Moses fails to back up from Origin, we give them zero hope on the road against Newcastle.
Head-to-head prediction: Newcastle Knights.
Betting tip: Bradman Best anytime try scorer.
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Prediction
Saturday, June 29, 7:35pm AEST – AAMI Park
No Munster, no problems. Despite being without the Queensland and Australian standoff, the Storm are soaring, sitting pretty at the top of the table.
They also welcomed back gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen last week, who turned in a match winning display.
He scored a try and made a game saving tackle in the dying moments of their top four clash against the Dolphins.
Papenhuyzen and the rest of his teammates now get to host a Canberra side who were rolled by the Tigers last time out. No doubt they’ll be licking their lips at the thought of this one.
Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm.
Betting tip: Ryan Papenhuyzen anytime try scorer.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs The Dolphins Prediction
Sunday, June 30, 2:00pm AEST – Jubilee Stadium
The consistently inconsistent Dragons return from the bye with the Dolphins on their doorstep.
This game could go either way depending which incarnation of the Red V decides to show. As it stands though we must back top four aspirants the Phins, after they pushed the table topping Storm all the way last week.
Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins.
Betting tip: Jamayne Isaako first try scorer.
Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction
Sunday, June 30, 4:05pm AEST – Penrith Stadium
The two sides set to be affected by State of Origin the most tangle on Sunday arvo.
This one will be settled by who has the most stars back up from Wednesday night. As it stands though, Penrith are at home, the superior team and have the deepest squad. We’ll be siding with the back-to-back-to-back premiers here.
Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.
Betting tip: SGM – Sunia Turuva and Scott Drinkwater anytime try scorers
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers Prediction
Sunday, June 30, 6:15pm AEST – Allianz Stadium
The final game of NRL round 17 sees the Sydney Roosters welcome the Wests Tigers to Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.
Both sides picked up wins last week, with the Roosters moving into the top four and the Tigers moving a step away from another wooden spoon.
The Tigers’ high scoring win over Canberra was highlighted by a spine tingling moment when luckless utility Adam Doueihi scored a runaway intercept try on his return from injury.
Despite numerous knee surgeries the Lebanon international still had plenty of toe to race away and score after reading the Canberra offense like a Harry Potter book.
That being said, they’ll need a little bit more magic if they’re to win this one on the road against the rampaging Roosters.
Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Roosters.
Betting tip: SGM – Joey Manu and Adam Doueihi anytime try scorers.
South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, Gold Coast Titans – BYE
The Rabbitohs cap off four wins on the bounce with a bye this week. They’re joined by the side they beat last time out, the Sea Eagles, as well as the Titans, who get a week off to celebrate their record breaking 66-6 to win over the Warriors.