NRL Round 17 Tips: Best Bets and Predictions
Round 17 shapes as one of the most difficult tipping rounds of the season, with several underdogs capable of causing an upset and a number of games expected to go right down to the wire.
The Warriors and Dolphins meet in what could be the game of the round, while Penrith look to bounce back after a rare defeat and Melbourne face a tricky trip to Brookvale.
Here are the best NRL Round 17 tips and predictions for every game this weekend.
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Best Tip: Rabbitohs Head-to-Head
The Rabbitohs receive a massive boost with Cameron Murray and Brandon Smith returning through the middle. South Sydney looked far more dangerous last week and their forward pack should generate enough momentum to give Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell plenty of attacking opportunities.
Parramatta are always dangerous with Mitchell Moses steering the side around, but South Sydney look slightly better balanced heading into this clash.
Best Try Scorer: David Fifita Anytime Try Scorer
Fifita has quickly become one of South Sydney's most dangerous attacking weapons and gets a favourable matchup on the right edge against a Parramatta defence that has struggled to contain powerful back-rowers close to the line.
Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Best Tip: Titans Head-to-Head
The Titans welcome back Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and continue to improve with key players returning from injury. Gold Coast have looked much more dangerous through the middle in recent weeks, while the Bulldogs continue to rely on narrow victories and have struggled badly away from home this season.
Best Try Scorer: Brian Kelly Anytime Try Scorer
The Bulldogs have leaked tries to left-edge attackers throughout the year and Kelly gets a favourable matchup against a defence that has been vulnerable on the edges.
Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters
Best Tip: Roosters Head-to-Head
The Roosters were outstanding last week and look like one of the form teams of the competition. Their defensive performance against Cronulla was elite and they continue to look more settled than Brisbane, who are still searching for consistency despite several key players returning.
Best Try Scorer: James Tedesco Anytime Try Scorer
The Broncos have struggled defensively through the middle and Tedesco remains one of the best support runners in the game. If the Roosters generate quick ruck speed, the veteran fullback should find opportunities around the football.
Dolphins vs New Zealand Warriors
Best Tip: Warriors Head-to-Head
This shapes as the game of the round. The Dolphins regain several stars, but the Warriors continue to prove they can win regardless of injuries or personnel changes. Their defensive structure has been outstanding all season and they remain one of the most complete teams in the competition.
Best Try Scorer: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Anytime Try Scorer
The Dolphins have shown vulnerability against roaming fullbacks and CNK continues to pop up around the ball in support play. He shapes as one of the better value try scorer plays of the weekend.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Best Tip: Panthers Head-to-Head
Penrith don't often lose consecutive games and welcome back several elite players for this trip to Townsville. The Cowboys are always dangerous at home, but the Panthers still boast the best defensive system in the competition and should bounce back strongly.
Best Try Scorer: Izack Tago Anytime Try Scorer
North Queensland have conceded plenty of opportunities on the edges and Tago gets one of the better matchups in the Panthers backline. He offers more value than some of Penrith's more heavily backed outside backs.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm
Best Tip: Storm Head-to-Head
Melbourne looked much closer to their best last week and continue to find ways to win despite several injury concerns. Manly lose key personnel and the Storm's class across the spine should prove the difference in a high-quality contest.
Best Try Scorer: Will Warbrick Anytime Try Scorer
Warbrick has become Melbourne's preferred aerial target and continues to score tries at an elite rate. If the Storm spend extended periods attacking Manly's line, he should receive opportunities.
Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Best Tip: Raiders Head-to-Head
Canberra have been inconsistent, but they remain a much stronger side than the ladder suggests. The Dragons continue to struggle away from home and the Raiders should control possession and field position for long periods in this matchup.
Best Try Scorer: Savelio Tamale Anytime Try Scorer
Tamale gets one of the most favourable edge matchups of the round and continues to look dangerous whenever Canberra shift the ball early.
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers
Best Tip: Knights Head-to-Head
The return of Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Lucas and several key players gives Newcastle a huge boost. Their left-edge attack looks particularly dangerous and the Knights appear close to fielding their strongest lineup of the season.
Best Try Scorer: Greg Marzhew Anytime Try Scorer
Marzhew remains Newcastle's premier finisher and gets a favourable matchup against a Tigers edge defence that has leaked tries throughout the year.