<p>Top of the table tussles, golden point epics and game-changing injuries, last week had a little bit of everything, so NRL round 25 has a lot to live up to.</p> <p>Luckily with everything still to play for all over the ladder, there should be plenty of drama to feast our eyes on in round 25.</p> <p>How will Penrith fare without Nathan Cleary who is injured yet again? Can the Storm all but secure the minor premiership this week? And can the Tigers win back-to-back games to take another step away from the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/most-wooden-spoons-of-all-time">wooden spoon</a>?</p> <p>So many questions! How about some answers? For the latest news, analysis, odds and more, check out our NRL round 25 tips and predictions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, August 22, 7:50pm AEST – Leichhardt Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NRL round 25 opens with the Wests Tigers welcoming the Manly Sea Eagles to their spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval.</p> <p>While this doesn’t look like a box office clash on paper, there’s plenty to play for here. The Sea Eagles can essentially secure their participation in the 2024 finals with a win, while two points will take the Tigers one step closer to avoiding a third straight wooden spoon.</p> <p>Wests picked up their first win in eight attempts against the rudderless Rabbitohs last week, but against a solid Sea Eagles side staring down September, we don’t see them running it back here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/wests-tigers-v-manly-sea-eagles-8480797">Manly Sea Eagles.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Tom Trbojevic first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, August 23, 6:00pm AEST – Go Media Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Bulldogs are officially locked in for the 2024 finals after their impressive 30-10 win over the Dolphins last start.</p> <p>Their opposition this week, the Warriors, have been playing only for pride for a few games now, but should have some additional motivation in this one.</p> <p>This game marks Shaun Johnson’s final game for his beloved Warriors in New Zealand.</p> <p>They play away next week and then have a bye in the final round of the regular season, so round 25 will be the last chance for the Warriors home support to say farewell to one of their greatest ever players.</p> <p>No doubt his teammates will put in a performance befitting of his immense contribution to the club, but will it be enough to take down the red-hot Doggies?</p> <p>Probably not, but this one could be a lot closer than most people think, with the Warriors shaping as our value bet of the week for those who feel like backing a roughie.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-canterbury-bulldogs-8480801">Canterbury Bulldogs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Shaun Johnson anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, August 23, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you whip out the stethoscope, you’ll be able to detect a faint pulse emitting from the Brisbane Broncos.</p> <p>Yes, last year’s beaten grand finalists are still alive in 2024, just. They need to win all of their remaining games, rectify their horrendous points difference and have certain results go their way, but yes, they can still, technically, play finals footy in 2024.</p> <p>Another dose of healing elixir gets delivered to Suncorp Stadium this week in the shape of the second-last Parramatta Eels, who are slipping towards the spoon.</p> <p>This game is just what the doctor ordered for the embattled Broncos and should ensure they stay 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/brisbane-broncos-v-parramatta-eels-8480802">Brisbane Broncos.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Kotoni Staggs to score two or more tires.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 24, 3:00pm AEST – GIO Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Raiders race is effectively run after their horror showing in the tropics last week. With their season on the line, they offered minimal resistance to the Cowboys and were trounced 42-4.</p> <p>Now they must face the Penrith Panthers, who are set to be without main men Nathan Cleary yet again in 2024.</p> <p>After being hamstrung for much of this season, Cleary injured his shoulder in his side’s narrow defeat to table toppers Melbourne last time out.</p> <p>One team’s trash is another team’s treasure and while Penrith will be devastated to lose their No.7, you can bet Canberra won’t be missing him.</p> <p>Still, Penrith have proved they can get it done without their star man and should have little trouble despatching of the Raiders 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-penrith-panthers-8480804">Penrith Panthers.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jarome Luai anytime try scorer.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Storm vs The Dolphins Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 24, 5:30pm AEST – AAMI Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A Melbourne win here will all but deliver the NRL minor premiership to Victoria this year.</p> <p>It won’t be easy for Bellamy’s boys though, with the Dolphins fighting to make the finals in only their second ever season in the NRL.</p> <p>After their defeat to the Dogs, they now sit one win behind St George in ninth. However, thanks to their superior points difference, they just need to draw level on points to jump them into the final’s places.</p> <p>To win here is a big ask however and it may be more about damage limitation for Wayne Bennett’s men. They may look to preserve their superior points difference and pick up the wins they need in the final fortnight of the competition.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/melbourne-storm-v-dolphins-8480805">Melbourne Storm.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Under total match points.</p>

<h2>South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 24, 7:35pm AEST – Stadium Australia</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Two sides on the wrong end of two crazy finishes meet in NRL round 25, with both looking to return to the winner’s circle.</p> <p>The Knights were the latest victim of golden point heartbreak, going down 19-18 to Cronulla, while the Rabbitohs thought they’d stolen a rare win from the Tigers with a last gasp try, only for a forward pass to be called.</p> <p>The Knights are one of those teams in the log jam of sides who are technically still alive, but need a minor miracle to transpire if they are to make the eight.</p> <p>The first part of said miracle would be a win here, although it won’t take divine intervention to beat a side who lost to the Tigers.</p> <p>Newcastle are good value to mathematically keep their season alive for at least one more week here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/south-sydney-rabbitohs-v-newcastle-knights-8480809">Newcastle Knights.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Dane Gagai first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 25, 2:00pm AEST – Robina Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The day the Titans find consistency is the day they become a genuine premiership threat.</p> <p>They possess some of the most naturally gifted players in the game with the likes of Keano Kini, Jojo Fifita and Jayden Campbell, yet their fans must rip their hair out watching some of the defensive efforts their side serve up week in, week out.</p> <p>The Chooks have sewn up their spot in the eight after seeing off Parra last start and are smart money to also finish top four.</p> <p>We are backing them to see off the Titans here in a match that should keep the score attendant very busy indeed.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/gold-coast-titans-v-sydney-roosters-8480810">Sydney Roosters.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM – Keano Kini, Jojo Fifita, Joey Manu and Dom Young anytime try scorers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St George Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 25, 4:05pm AEST – Wollongong Showground</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final game of NRL round 25 sees the Dragons welcome old foes the Cronulla Sharks to the Gong.</p> <p>The Dragons aren’t done yet in season 2024 and their gutsy win over the Titans last week moved them into eighth on the ladder.</p> <p>The final finals place is now theirs to lose, so expect them to hang on to it for dear life over the next three weeks.</p> <p>Their opponents this week Cronulla have shown everyone over the last fortnight that halfbacks are apparently optional, having won both games where hooker Blayke Brailey has deputised at No.7.</p> <p>If Nicho Hynes is able to return in time for finals footy, the Sharks could be a real dark horse for the title.</p> <p>They triumphed in golden point last week and to be honest, we wouldn’t be surprised to see something similar transpire here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-cronulla-sharks-8480815">Cronulla Sharks.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Winning margin - Sharks 1-5.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Queensland Cowboys – BYE</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After their resounding 42-4 win over the Raiders last week, the North Queensland Cowboys get a week off to rest up for the run in to the finals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>