NRL tips for this weekend: Betting preview, best bets, odds and predictions for Round 12

22-05-2024
4 min read
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The NRL celebrates Indigenous Round this week, with some tasty matchups on the cards.

Canterbury and the Dragons meet in an important contest for their finals hopes, while Manly and Melbourne resume their rivalry on Friday night.

Fresh off the sacking of Brad Arthur, Parramatta face fellow strugglers the Rabbitohs in a clash both sides will be desperate to win.

MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club

Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 12. All odds via TAB.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. St George Illawarra Dragons prediction, tip, best bet

The Bulldogs have been solid without getting the competition points over the past fortnight, going down in a close one to the Raiders in Magic Round.

Coming off the bye, the Dragons should be well prepared for this one and will be boosted by the return of the dynamic Luciano Leilua off the bench.

Strike weapons Zac Lomax and Tyrell Sloan have been doing the business in attack this season, combining for 14 tries so far.

With several players on both sides pushing their cases for State of Origin selection, this one should be an exciting contest in dry conditions at Accor Stadium.

Prediction: Dragons by 4

Best bet: Dragons H2H ($2.40)

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet

Two of the modern era's great rivals clash at 4 Pines Park on Friday night.

Both sides are coming in understrength, although Manly have been boosted by the returns of Jason Saab and Nathan Brown, while Jahrome Hughes will help carry some of the playmaking load with Cameron Munster injured.

The Sea Eagles are winless in three and will be desperate to turn things around against a Melbourne side whose confidence will be sky high after a Magic Round thumping of the Eels.

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Craig Bellamy has yet again got his side humming and we expect them to be too good for Manly away from home here.

Prediction: Storm by 8

Best bet: Storm -3.5 ($1.90)

South Sydney vs. Parramatta Eels prediction, tip, best bet

Two clubs at the wrong end of the ladder in a clash which shapes as a surprise contender for the match of the round.

South Sydney are yet to win a game under interim coach Ben Hornby, while the Eels will be led by Trent Barrett following the sacking of Brad Arthur.

Hornby has moved Jack Wighton to five-eighth, while Barrett has welcomed back Ryan Matterson from illness.

If the Bunnies are to end their six-match skid, surely this is the game?

Prediction: Rabbitohs by 8

Best bet: Alex Johnston to score a try and Rabbitohs win ($2.75)

Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast Titans prediction, tip, best bet

The two south-east Queensland rivals clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, with the Broncos buoyed by the inclusions of Reece Walsh and Billy Walters, while Kotoni Staggs is injured.

Gold Coast have a makeshift backline in, with Kieran Foran and Jayden Campbell injured and Aaron Schoupp shipped off to Manly, while forward Jaimin Jolliffe has also been sidelined.

Expect the likes of Walsh and Ezra Mam to have a field day against the Titans outside backs and lead Brisbane to a big win.

Prediction: Broncos by 20

Best bet: Broncos -14.5 ($1.95)