<p>NRL round 18 means we are well and truly into the second half of the season. It’s approaching make or break for a number of teams, while others appear beyond saving.</p> <p>The Storm are starting to pull clear as the other top teams negotiate injuries to key personnel and worrying form slumps.</p> <p>There are also sides in the bottom half of the table who it seems will not go quietly (the Rabbitohs and the Warriors), while there are others who have all but accepted their fate (The Eels and the Tigers).</p> <p>What will NRL round 18 serve up in this season that has become increasingly more unpredictable as the weeks roll by.</p> <p>For the latest news, analysis, odds and more check out our NRL round 18 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>NRL round 18 also marks the start of Sportsbet’s annual Try July initiative! Learn more <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/try-july-2024">here!</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, July 4, 7:50pm AEST – CommBank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What’s the matter Parramatta? Everything it seems. The only thing keeping the Blue and Gold off the foot of the ladder at the moment is the Tigers.</p> <p>The only bright spark for the rudderless Eels at the moment is boom rookie Blaze Talagi, who is yet to recommit to the club beyond this season.</p> <p>This week they face a fully rested and red hot Rabbitohs who are on a four-game win streak, lead by the rampaging Latrell Mitchell, fresh off helping NSW to victory in State of Origin Game II.</p> <p>We’re tipping five from five for the Bunnies who haven’t given up hope of sneaking into the finals, despite their horror start to the season.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/parramatta-eels-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-8352776">South Sydney Rabbitohs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM – Blaze Talagi and Latrell Mitchell anytime try scorers.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 5, 6:00pm AEST – Coffs International Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This shapes as an interesting clash. The Titans are coming off a record 66-6 win over the Warriors and a bye, while the Sharks have lost their last two games by a total of just three points.</p> <p>Normally we don’t touch the Titans, but with the Sharks undergoing a crisis of confidence and on neutral territory of Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast could present the value bet of the week.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/cronulla-sharks-v-gold-coast-titans-8352797">Gold Coast Titans.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Under total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 5, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Headlining NRL round 18 is this grand final rematch between Brisbane and Penrith.</p> <p>Both sides were severely undermanned last week due to Origin and injuries and were beaten by sides they would normally be tipped to take care of.</p> <p>It all depends who is back on deck this week, but Brisbane are at home and in need of a big performance, as they sit precariously in 10th at the moment.</p> <p>We’re backing them to get a small measure of revenge for last year’s grand final and just pip the Panther here on the back of some brilliance from their slew of returning Origin stars such as Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, among others.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/brisbane-broncos-v-penrith-panthers-8352801">Brisbane Broncos.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Reece Walsh anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 6, 3:00pm AEST – Stadium Australia</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs are the real deal it seems. The Belmore boys are up to fifth after their one-point win over the third placed Sharks.</p> <p>They’ve found their identity, they’ve found their rhythm and their big name signings such as Matt Burton, Reed Mahoney and Viliame Kikau appear to have finally found their feet.</p> <p>Now they entertain a Warriors’ outfit whose last road game ended in a 60-point loss, to the Titans of all people. We’ll be taking the Bulldogs here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-v-new-zealand-warriors-8352812">Canterbury Bulldogs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM – Stephen Crichton &amp; Roger Tuivasa-Sheck anytime try scorers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 6, 5:30pm AEST – Leichhardt Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s top vs bottom, the Tigers vs the Storm. You don’t have to be a Rugby League genius to figure this one out. Yes, we are tipping Melbourne here.</p> <p>Leichhardt is good for at least a six-point swing, however. So don’t be surprised to see the final scorecard read 50-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/wests-tigers-v-melbourne-storm-8352818">Melbourne Storm.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Over total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 6, 7:35pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A Penrith-sized scalp last week has the Cowboys’ season back on track, as they now find themselves inside the top eight.</p> <p>They now face one of the sides they leapfrogged – Manly. This game has huge repercussions for the make up of the eight so no doubt both sides will be up for it.</p> <p>At home in humid Townsville, the in-form Cowboys are simply too appealing to overlook.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/nth-queensland-cowboys-v-manly-sea-eagles-8352820">North Queensland Cowboys.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Scott Drinkwater to score or assist.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 7, 2:00pm AEST – Allianz Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Two of last week's best performing sides lock horns in this round 18 clash. The Roosters rolled Wests to launch themselves into the top four, as they begin to hit top form at the right time of the season.</p> <p>Elsewhere, the Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde of the NRL, the Dragons, were all Jekyll this week. That means they played well, for anyone under 65 reading this.</p> <p>The swept aside the Phins, who as a result surrendered their top four holding to the Tri-Colours.</p> <p>The link up between Roosters skipper James Tedesco and his rampaging outside backs should strike fear into the heart of every team in the NRL.</p> <p>We are doubtful the Dragons, who are more hot and cold than a Katy Perry hit, will be able to offer the sufficient resistance required to keep them at bay.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/sydney-roosters-v-st-george-illawarra-dragons-8352822"> Sydney Roosters.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM – James Tedesco to score or assist and Dom Young anytime try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 7, 4:05pm AEST – GIO Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final match of NRL round 18 sees the Canberra Raider welcome the Newcastle Knights to GIO stadium.</p> <p>Both sides are running out of time in their quest for finals footy but are still well within striking distance of the eight.</p> <p>For us, this is the hardest match of the round to predict, but some of the tries Newcastle scored in their victory over Parra have us siding with them here.</p> <p>Tearaway centre Bradman Best was on one against the Eels, grabbing a stunning double and there could be more to come down in the Nation’s Capital.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canberra-raiders-v-newcastle-knights-8352824">Newcastle Knights.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Bradman Best first try scorer.</p>

<h2>The Dolphins – BYE</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Phins and feet up for the Dolphins this week, who have a bye in NRL round 18.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>