<p>A trio of returning stars are already threatening to flip the remainder of the regular season on its head and there’s more set to return in NRL round 21.</p> <p>Nathan Cleary, Adam Reynolds and Jamal Fogarty all returned from extended stints on the sidelines to lead their teams to victory and breathe new life into the minor premiership and top eight race.</p> <p>Melbourne <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/rugby-league-positions-explained">standoff</a> Cameron Munster will be looking to do the same this week in his rumoured return and keep Storm chasers the Panthers at bay in their quest to steal top spot off his team before season’s end.</p> <p>With State of Origin now in the rearview mirror and the shield secured south of the border, we can focus on nothing but regular season footy from here on out. Starting with NRL round 21.</p> <p>Round 21 also marks the final week of Sportsbet’s <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/try-july-2024">Try July</a>, so make sure to tune in for the last wave of creative post-try celebrations, as players across the NRL and Sportsbet team up to raise money for Toni Hunt and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.</p> <p>For the latest news, analysis, odds and more, check out our NRL round 21 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 26, 6:00pm AEST – Go Media Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Kicking things off in NRL round 21 are the Warriors and the Wests Tigers. Speaking of kicking, look away now Warriors fans.</p> <p>Too soon? For those who missed last week’s action, if not for a converting disaster class from third-string goalkicker Chanel Harris-Tavita the Warriors could have and should have beaten the Raiders.</p> <p>With Shaun Johnson and Adam Pompey out of action the tee was thrown to CHT, and the unfortunate five-eighth ended up missing a sitter from in front of the sticks to level the score late on, ultimately costing his side the game.</p> <p>Mercifully this week, at home against the last placed Tigers, goalkicking shouldn’t be the deciding factor for the Warriors who have enough quality to see them off, even if they have to go up in fours.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-wests-tigers-8405876">New Zealand Warriors.</a></p> <p><strong>Sugar says:&nbsp;</strong>All aboard the hyphen-highway here. Tigers have conceded 24 tries in their last three games.</p> <p><strong>Sugar's tip: </strong>Addin Fonua-Blake/Roger Tuivasa-Sheck/Dallin Watene-Zelezniak -&nbsp; Player A, B &amp; C to combine for 3+ tries.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 26, 8:00pm AEST – CommBank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After Mitchell Moses was ruled out for the rest of the season in the State of Origin decider, we put a thick red line through the rest of Parramatta’s season.</p> <p>They may not win another game for the rest of the season and if they do, it surely won’t be this one.</p> <p>With Cameron Munster set to return, the Storm’s sensational season looks set to just get better and better, while the Eels year from hell doesn’t seem to be subsiding anytime soon.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/parramatta-eels-v-melbourne-storm-8405877">Melbourne Storm.</a></p> <p><strong>Sugar says:</strong>&nbsp;Really struggling to see how the Eels will score 18 points against the Storm. Parra are&nbsp; 1 from 8 without Moses. Their last two matches they have only managed 16 points against both the Titans and the Bunnies.</p> <p><strong>Sugar's&nbsp;tip:</strong> Under Eels Total Points.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 27, 3:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After seven games without a win, the Broncos are back in the winner’s circle thanks to the exploits of their returning stars.</p> <p>Their Origin stars played through the pain to back up against the Knights, but their biggest inclusion was that of injured halfback and skipper Adam Reynolds.</p> <p>The influence of the returning Reynolds was plain for all to see, as he straightened the Broncos previously rudderless attack towards the opposition tryline.</p> <p>The Broncos have to be near-perfect from here on out if they want to make a splash come September.</p> <p>With all of their stars on deck, they are one of the most stacked sides in the competition and are certainly capable of going on a serious run, starting on Saturday night.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/brisbane-broncos-v-canterbury-bulldogs-8405903">Brisbane Broncos.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Bulldogs line.</p>

<h2>North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 27, 5:30pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cowboys find themselves smack bang in the middle of the finals log jam, as they desperately cling on to eighth place on the ladder.</p> <p>Their two-point win over the Doggies last time out, showed they have the grit and determination to play September footy, but Cronulla are a different kettle of fish.</p> <p>A 58-6 win and a bye are how the Sharks have prepared for this one, so the Cows will have to be ready.</p> <p>No Nicho Hynes remains a concern for the visitors and their lofty position on the ladder means they can afford to drop a game or two before season’s end. North Queensland cannot.</p> <p>Look to the Cowboys for a bit of value this week as they attempt to upset the Sharks in front of their adoring fans.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/nth-queensland-cowboys-v-cronulla-sharks-8405926">North Queensland Cowboys.</a></p> <p><strong>Sugar says:</strong>&nbsp;Both teams over the last three&nbsp;games have dramatically improved their defence. Sharks last three&nbsp;average just 13.6ppg conceded, meanwhile the Cowboys average&nbsp;15.</p> <p><strong>Suagr's tip:</strong>&nbsp;Under total match points.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 27, 7:35pm AEST – Allianz Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This one has all the makings as the game of NRL round 21. Both the Sydney Rooster and the Manly Sea Eagles sit side-by-side on the ladder as they jostle for a top four position.</p> <p>The result of this one will go a long way to deciding who finishes in the top four, so expect both sides to go all out.</p> <p>The Roosters were in fine form until they ran into the table-topping Storm last week, while the return of Tom Trbojevic has launched the Sea Eagles into title contention.</p> <p>The runaway fullback was imperious in their 38-8 destruction job of the Titans last week, recording two tries, three try assists, three line break assists and a line break of his own.</p> <p>His form is so electric at the moment that if he stays injury free, he can lead his side to victory here and to the top four.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/sydney-roosters-v-manly-sea-eagles-8405928">Manly Sea Eagles.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Tom Trbojevic anytime try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 28, 2:00pm AEST – Wollongong Showgrounds</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dear the rest of the NRL, consider this your official warning, he’s back, Nathan Cleary is back.</p> <p>The Penrith superstar made his long awaited return from injury last week against the Dolphins and wasted no time reminding everyone what they were missing.</p> <p>He booted a two-point field goal in Golden Point to win his side the game and keep Penrith in the race for the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/most-nrl-premierships-of-all-time">minor premiership.</a></p> <p>Meanwhile, their opponents this week, the Dragons, have finally found some consistency in 2024 and as a result find themselves on the precipice of the top eight.</p> <p>However, we doubt they’ll be able to stop&nbsp;the seemingly undeniable Penrith and the seismic superstar Cleary, as they begin their charge for consecutive premiership number four.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-penrith-panthers-8405945">Penrith Panthers.</a></p> <p><strong>Sugar says:&nbsp;</strong>The Dragons are 3 from 3 at this ground&nbsp;and Sloan has a cracking strike rate here (he&nbsp;loves the fast track). Penrith&nbsp;have a problem on their right hand side. They've&nbsp;conceded 32 tries there this year versus just three&nbsp;in their middle and 12 on their left.</p> <p><strong>Sugar's tip:</strong>&nbsp;Tyrell Sloan anytime try scorer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 28, 4:05pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The penultimate game of NRL round 21 is an all-Queensland affair as the Dolphins host the Titans at Suncorp Stadium.</p> <p>The Titans are out of the running in 2024 and have only pride to play for which showed last week in their thrashing at the hands of Manly.</p> <p>The Dolphins on the other hand are currently inside the eight and even have a shot at making top four should results go their way, as this one should.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/dolphins-v-gold-coast-titans-8405947">The Dolphins.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 28, 6:15pm AEST – GIO Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Departing dummy half Damien Cook announced himself as a goal kicking centre as he guided the Bunnies back to winning ways last week against the Tigers.</p> <p>He’ll be hoping to stay in the middle this time out and that injuries don’t force him to play elsewhere against the Raiders.</p> <p>This is a huge game for both sides as they scramble to make the eight. The Bunnies can’t really afford to drop any more points from here on out and the Raiders are in a similar boat.</p> <p>The return of Jamal Fogarty is a timely one for the Green Machine and he was instrumental in snapping their four-game losing streak last week against the Warriors.</p> <p>However, if not for some wayward kicking form the Kiwi’s they probably would have clocked five defeats on the spin, as they actually scored less tries than their opponents.</p> <p>The Bunnies just have that little bit more to play for here and that desperation can sometimes be the difference between a narrow win and a narrow loss. There won’t be much in it, but we’re tipping the Rabbits to keep their season alive for at least another week.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canberra-raiders-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-8405948">South Sydney Rabbitohs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM – Damien Cook and Jamal Fogarty to score or assist.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Newcastle Knights – BYE</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After becoming the Broncos’ first victim in eight games, the Knights get a week off to lick their wounds and regroup.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>