NRL Round 14 Tips: Best Bets and Predictions
Round 14 shapes as one of the trickiest betting rounds of the season.
Several contenders are coming off tough stretches, Origin selection continues to impact team lists and there are a number of games where recent form and market prices don't quite align.
The Cowboys and Broncos look vulnerable, the Knights continue charging towards the top four and Penrith are beginning to look like the Penrith of old.
Here are our best NRL Round 14 tips, predictions and try scorer picks for every game.
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles
Best Tip: Sea Eagles -3.5
Manly have quietly become one of the form teams of the competition, winning seven of their last nine matches and consistently finding ways to grind out close victories.
South Sydney welcome back several key players, but the Sea Eagles have looked far more settled over the past two months. Their edge attack continues to create opportunities and Tom Trbojevic's influence around the ball has lifted dramatically during their recent run.
Brookvale has once again become a difficult venue for opposition teams and Manly should have enough class to cover a small line.
Try Scorer Tip: Haumole Olakau'atu Anytime Try Scorer
Olakau'atu remains one of the NRL's premier attacking back-rowers and shapes as a major threat on Manly's left edge.
Storm vs Knights
Best Tip: Knights +3.5
The Knights are one of the hottest teams in the NRL right now.
They enter Round 14 on a four-game winning streak and continue finding points from all areas of the field. Dylan Lucas, Fletcher Sharpe and Greg Marzhew have all been outstanding during Newcastle's recent run.
Melbourne remain difficult to trust. Their attack has looked clunky at times and they have consistently struggled to put quality opposition away.
Even if the Knights fall short, the start looks valuable.
Try Scorer Tip: Greg Marzhew 2+ Tries
Marzhew continues to thrive on Newcastle's left edge and has scored regularly throughout their winning streak.
Roosters vs Raiders
Best Tip: Raiders Head-to-Head
Canberra are beginning to look like the side that surged into finals contention last season.
The Raiders have been competitive against elite opposition and looked significantly sharper in recent clashes against Penrith and North Queensland.
The Roosters have dropped consecutive games and their attack has struggled for consistency. Canberra's forward pack can lay the platform needed to grind out another important away win.
Try Scorer Tip: Xavier Savage Anytime Try Scorer
Savage remains Canberra's biggest finishing threat and continues to benefit from the Raiders' expansive attacking style.
Cowboys vs Dolphins
Best Tip: Dolphins -4.5
This could be a statement performance from Kristian Woolf's side.
The Dolphins return from the bye with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Kodi Nikorima and Tom Flegler all available. Meanwhile, North Queensland appear to be feeling the effects of a demanding stretch without a bye.
The Dolphins have won the last three meetings between the clubs and look the fresher side entering Round 14.
Try Scorer Tip: Jack Bostock 2+ Tries
Bostock continues producing elite numbers on the edge and has become one of the competition's most reliable multi-try scorer options.
Broncos vs Titans
Best Tip: Broncos Head-to-Head
Backing Brisbane has been a frustrating experience this season, but this shapes as a game they simply have to win.
The Titans have failed to score more than 12 points in each of their last four matches and continue struggling to generate attacking momentum.
Brisbane welcome back several important players and should have enough quality to get the job done at Suncorp Stadium.
Try Scorer Tip: Payne Haas Anytime Try Scorer
Haas brings up his 150th NRL appearance and should be heavily involved through the middle. The inspirational prop is capable of crashing over close to the line.
Panthers vs Tigers
Best Tip: Panthers -13.5
The premiers are building nicely.
Nathan Cleary is controlling games again, their defensive system is back to elite levels and Penrith have won five of the last six meetings against the Tigers.
The Tigers improve significantly when Apisai Koroisau plays, but Penrith's class across the park should eventually tell.
Try Scorer Tip: Casey McLean Anytime Try Scorer
Penrith's left edge continues generating opportunities and McLean has developed into one of the competition's most consistent try scorers.
Sharks vs Dragons
Best Tip: Sharks -11.5
Cronulla look to have rediscovered their best football.
The Sharks have won 10 of their last 11 meetings against the Dragons and continue dominating possession through their powerful middle rotation.
St George Illawarra finally broke through for their first win of the season, but backing that performance up against Cronulla is a much tougher assignment.
Try Scorer Tip: Teig Wilton Anytime Try Scorer
Wilton has scored five tries in his last three games at Sharks Stadium and remains one of Cronulla's most dangerous attacking forwards.
Bulldogs vs Eels
Best Tip: Bulldogs -5.5
Canterbury should bounce back here.
The Bulldogs remain firmly in finals contention and possess a significant edge in both defence and overall squad depth.
Parramatta have shown plenty of fight despite their injury issues, but Canterbury's pack should control field position and create enough chances to cover the line.
Try Scorer Tip: Jethro Rinakama Anytime Try Scorer
Rinakama continues finding the line and shapes as a strong option against an Eels defence that has struggled on the edges.