<p>While all eyes will be on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/predictions/state-of-origin-game-3-2024">State of Origin Game 3</a> this week as NSW and QLD battle it out in the decider, it might be easy to forget there is still NRL round 20 to look forward to!</p> <p>What a round of footy it promises to be too. We’re entering last chance saloon territory for certain sides and their finals aspirations, while there are a number of clashes taking place at the more pointy end of the table.</p> <p>NRL Round 20 also presents another opportunity for players to continue raising money for Toni Hunt and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as Sportsbet’s <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/try-july-2024">Try July </a>initiative is still in full swing.</p> <p>So, who will back up from Origin? Who will begin a finals charge? And what creative post-try celebrations will we see this week? So many questions, let’s try and find some answers!</p> <p>For the latest news, analysis, odds and more, check out our NRL round 20 tips and predictions below.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 19, 8:00pm AEST – GIO Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NRL Round 20 gets underway with the Raiders welcoming the Warriors to the nation’s capital.</p> <p>Both of these sides desperately need a win if they want to participate in September footy.</p> <p>Sitting precariously in 11th and 12th on the ladder respectively, time is running out for both the Warriors and the Raiders.</p> <p>The Wahs have been all over the shop recently, whereas the Raiders have been consistent. Consistently terrible. They’ve lost four on the trot and the missing experience of injured halfback Jamal Fogarty is finally starting to tell for Ricky Stuart’s side.</p> <p>Lose here and we’re officially putting a line through the Green Machine’s season. That being said, get the red pen at the ready, Warriors in an absolute nailbiter.</p> <p>Also, with rumours of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck potentially moving to the wing to get more involved, he’s one to watch this week in the first try scorer market.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canberra-raiders-v-new-zealand-warriors-8389716">New Zealand Warriors.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Roger Tuivasa-Sheck first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 20, 3:00pm AEST – Industree Group Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Rabbits’ run of five straight wins came to an end last week at the hands of the Phins, but if there was ever a time to jump straight back on the wagon, this is it.</p> <p>They get to face the Tigers here in round 20, who had 58 put on them by Cronulla last Friday. To the surprise of absolutely no one, we will not be backing Wests to get up here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/south-sydney-rabbitohs-v-wests-tigers-8389855">South Sydney Rabbitohs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Alex Johnston to score two or more tires.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 20, 5:30pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Seven, yes seven losses in a row now for last year’s runners up Brisbane. Decimated by injuries and Origin representation, sure, but still, seven on the spin is a little out of hand.</p> <p>It really is now or never for Kevin Walters’ side if they want to play finals footy.</p> <p>Due to the severity of their situation, we expect all their Origin stars to play through the pain and back up for this must win match.</p> <p>Their participation should be enough to see the Broncs home over a Newcastle side who had the stuffing knocked out of them last week by Manly.</p> <p>That being said, lose here and the red pen will be getting a proper workout in round 20, as we will also be ruling out the Broncs for season 2024.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/newcastle-knights-v-brisbane-broncos-8389860">Brisbane Broncos.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Kotoni Staggs anytime try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 20, 7:35pm AEST – AAMI Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Grab the popcorn, this is the headline fixture of NRL round 20. Origin absentees threaten to ruin this blockbuster, but there should be enough stars on deck to ensure this clash does not disappoint.</p> <p>Without fail, there is always fireworks when these two sides square off and as they’re both riding high on the ladder, this one should be extra special.</p> <p>Both sides hit the 40-point mark in their last outings and are both coming off a bye, so they’ll be raring to go.</p> <p>The main battle will be between the fullbacks, James Tedesco and Ryan Papenhuyzen. Two players of Origin quality, but who have been overlooked due to extenuating circumstances, namely the form of Dylan Edwards.</p> <p>They will both have a big say on the outcome of this one, but, topping the table and playing at home, we simply can’t go past the Storm here. However, we will be shocked if there is more than a converted try in this one.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/melbourne-storm-v-sydney-roosters-8389869">Melbourne Storm.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM – Papenhuyzen anytime try scorer, Tedesco to score or assist &amp; Storm to 1 to 5 margin.</p>

<h2>Penrith Panthers vs The Dolphins Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 21, 2:00pm AEST – Penrith Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Without being overly convincing and without the services of star man Nathan Cleary, the Penrith Panthers have snuck into second.</p> <p>Post-origin, with Cleary’s return nearing closer, the boys from the foot of the mountains could be about to mount a charge for their fourth straight <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/most-nrl-premierships-of-all-time">NRL premiership</a>, starting here.</p> <p>The Phins have been very impressive in only their second season in the big time, and we see them winning enough games over the next seven weeks to ensure they play finals, just not this one.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/penrith-panthers-v-dolphins-8389874">Penrith Panthers.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Under total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 21, 4:05pm AEST – Brookvale Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both Manly and the Titans won last week, but don’t let those results pull the wool, there’s only one real favourite here and they aren’t from the Gold Coast.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the Titans, there’s no prizes for beating Parra these days, who are doing their best to keep the Tigers company at the foot of the ladder.</p> <p>Manly on the other hand we’re scintillating in their 44-6 dismantling of Newcastle last week. They scored some stunning team tries, largely off the back of star man Tom Trbojevic.</p> <p>As well as hitting his best “that’s gold” for Try July, Turbo Tom also showed why the NSW selectors probably should have gambled on his hamstrings to hold and picked him to replace the injured Latrell Mitchell for Game 3.</p> <p>He ran riot against the Knights last week and at Brookie against this particular opponent, could be set to do so again this week.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/manly-sea-eagles-v-gold-coast-titans-8389893">Manly Sea Eagles.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Tom Trbojevic to score or assist.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 21, 6:15pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Along with the Storm vs Roosters clash, this may just be the hardest game of Round 20 to predict.</p> <p>So much of Canterbury’s success has come at home this season, leading us to question their credentials as road dogs.</p> <p>If Maroons’ five-eighth Dearden doesn’t back up for the Cows, we like the Dogs, but assuming he does, it will narrow the margin here significantly.</p> <p>However, Dearden isn’t the only one the Cowboys will be sweating on, with Cotter, Holmes, Nanai and Robson also very likely to take significant damage in what will be an all-out war between both states.</p> <p>This could be the perfect time for the Bulldogs to get their away form in line with their home performances and capitalise on North Queensland’s impending Origin hangover.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/nth-queensland-cowboys-v-canterbury-bulldogs-8389895">Canterbury Bulldogs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Matt Burton to score or assist.</p>

<h2>St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, Cronulla Sharks – BYE</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Sharks and Dragons get a rest after impressive wins, while the hapless Eels get a week off to ponder how they are going to avoid the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/most-wooden-spoons-of-all-time">wooden spoon</a>&nbsp;in 2024.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>