NRL 2025 – Round 24 preview, predictions and tips
It’s part two of the NRL’s Indigenous Round this week, and there are some absolute crackers that could make or break some club’s seasons.
On Thursday, the Panthers will kick the round off against the Storm in a game that could easily be a dress rehearsal for the Grand Final.
Then on Friday, the Warriors will be looking to bounce back having dropped out of the top four when they take on the Dragons. That’s followed by a mouthwatering clash between the Roosters and the Bulldogs. The Chooks need to win to keep up their top eight push, while the Dogs are still eyeing up the Minor Premiership.
Three games on Saturday start with a very winnable game for the 7th-placed Sharks against rock-bottom Gold Coast, then it’s the battle of Brisbane as two sides with work to do for a Finals spot face off at Suncorp – the Broncos and the Dolphins. Then, it’s a dead rubber between the Rabbitohs and the Eels at Allianz.
A double header on Sunday sees Manly face a must-win game with the Tigers, before the Cowboys and the Knights face off in another dead rubber.
What a weekend we have in store. Read on for the full previews…
- Thursday 14th August – Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Friday 15th August – New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Friday 15th August – Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 16th August – Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 16th August – Brisbane Broncos vs The Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Saturday 16th August – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Sunday 17th August – Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Sunday 17th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Thursday 14th August – Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Panthers have been unstoppable in recent weeks, and their 12-48 win at Newcastle in Round 23 made it nine straight wins. Just as importantly though, it lifted them into the top four for the first time this year.
Melbourne are on a pretty strong run of their won with nine wins from their last 10 games, including a 22-2 victory over the Broncos in Round 23. They come into this game in 2nd – two points behind the Raiders.
Team news
The Panthers are unchanged from 1-17 from last week’s win at Newcastle.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey Mclean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Jack Cole 20. Daine Laurie 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Trent Toelau
Ryan Papenhuyzen is ruled out with concussion for Melbourne, so Nick Meaney switches to fullback and Marion Seve comes into the centres. Otherwise, the Storm are unchanged from 1-17.
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Marion Seve 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Alec Macdonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Kane Bradley 20. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 21. Lazarus Vaalepu 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
My prediction – Penrith Panthers 12-10 Melbourne Storm
This could be an absolute classic and it’s hard to split these two, but with home advantage and slightly more momentum coming into this game, I’m tipping the Panthers – just.
Betting tips
Because I’m expecting such a tight contest I’m getting straight on the Panthers to win by 1-12 points, which is 17/10. Xavier Coates has 16 tries in 16 games for Melbourne this year, including six in his past four games, so I’m backing him for an anytime try as well, at 10/11.
Friday 15th August – New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Form guide
The Warriors have been wobbling in recent weeks, and their 32-14 loss to the Bulldogs last weekend made it three straight defeats. Not only that, it means they’ve dropped out of the top four, and there’s a couple of sides breathing down their neck too.
The Dragons picked up an impressive 22-14 win over the Sharks last weekend to make it back-to-back victories. A Finals spot looks a little out of reach though, with the Red Vee four points outside the 8th, and sitting down in 11th.
Team news
The Warriors recall Tanah Boyd in place of Te Maire Martin after he failed his HIA last week. Kurt Capewell is also out with concussion, but Wayde Egan returns from injury in a huge boost, while Eddie Ieremia-Toeava joins the bench for his second career game.
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Edward Kosi 21. Tom Ale 22. Kayliss Fatialofa 25. Bunty Afoa
Mat Feagai and Michael Molo are back this week for the Dragons. Moses Suli and Blake Lawrie drop out of the 17.
Dragons team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mat Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Jack De Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Jacob Halangahu 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Christian Tuipulotu
My prediction – New Zealand Warriors 20-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
After three straight losses I’m expecting a reaction from the Warriors this week against a side with nothing to play for but pride. They won’t have it all their own way though.
Betting tips
I’m getting on the Warriors with a -4 handicap at 10/11. I’m also getting on Leka Halasima to score an anytime try, which is 17/10. The 19-year-old has five from his past five starts, and he’s back in the run-on side this week after being benched in Round 23.
Friday 15th August – Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Roosters were sensational last week against the Dolphins, as they ran in 11 tries for a 12-64 win. That made it back-to-back victories in their ‘do-or-die’ games woth Manly and the Dolphins, but there’s still work to do to claim a top eight spot. The Chooks are currently 9th, with only points difference keeping them outside the Finals spots.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, bounced back from a surprise loss at the Tigers in Round 22 to coast past the Warriors, 32-14. The win keeps them in 3rd, comfortably clear of 4th-placed Penrith and right on the tails of Melbourne and Canberra.
Team news
The Roosters are missing Siua Wong to concussion, so there’s a reshuffle in the forward pack, and Blake Steep joins the bench.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Egan Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Junior Tupou
The Bulldogs name an unchanged 17 from their victory over the Warriors last week. Connor Tracey could make an early comeback from injury after being named on the extended bench.
Bulldogs team: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Jake Turpin 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Connor Tracey 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 18-22 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
This is another contender for game of the round, and it feels like a Finals match come early. I’m backing the Bulldogs to edge it, but this could go either way.
Betting tips
There’s just a +/- 1 handicap between these two, so I’m getting on the Bulldogs in the outright market at 5/6. Again, I’m expecting a close contest, so I’m backing them to win by 1-12 points as well, which is 21/10.
Saturday 16th August – Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Sharks suffered a surprise 22-14 loss to the Dragons last time out, following a run of four straight wins. They remain in 7th though – two points inside the Finals spots with a bye still to come.
The Titans, meanwhile, were unlucky to lose for a second straight win, as the Rabbitohs beat them 18-20 on the Gold Coast. The loss means they switched places on the ladder, with the Titans dropping to the bottom.
Team news
Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns come into the Sharks’ starting side with Jesse Ramien and Briton Nikora ruled out. Jesse Coquhuon and Daniel Atkinson both come into the 17 as well, and they’re named on the bench.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Chris Veaila
Three big returns for the Titans with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Phil Sami and Moeaki Fotuaika all back on deck. Brian Kelly is ruled out with concussion and Alofi Khan-Pereira has a hamstring injury. Keano Kini could make his first appearance of the year after injury. He’s been named 18th man.
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Phillip Sami 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Tony Francis 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Klese Haas 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 18. Keano Kini 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Tom Weaver 22. Allan Fitzgibbon
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 24-16 Gold Coast Titans
I’ve been impressed with the Titans in recent weeks and I can’t see them being steamrollered here. That said, this is the sort of game the Sharks should be licking their lips at when it comes to getting two more points on the board.
Betting tips
The Sharks are just 1/3 for the win, so I’m backing them to score first and win instead, which is 5/6. It’d the same odds for Ronaldo Mulitalo to score a try and the Sharks to win, so I’m backing that too. Otherwise, he’s just 4/7 for an anytime try.
Saturday 16th August – Brisbane Broncos vs The Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
The Broncos were comfortably beaten 22-2 in Melbourne last time out, but a double injury blow to their first-choice halves in the same play was a huge factor in the defeat. They remain 6th – two points insode the top eight.
As for the Dolphins, they were hammered 12-64 by the Roosters in Round 23. They remain inside the top eight, but the Chooks are breathing down their necks and they can’t afford too many more slip-ups.
Team news
With Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam ruled out through hamstring injuries for the Broncos, Ben Hunt and Billy Walters are the new halves pairing. Cory Paix comes in as starting hooker and Tyson Smoothy joins the bench. Selwyn Cobbo is also ruled out with a hamstring injury, so Josiah Karapani comes in on the wing.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Va’a Semu 20. Jock Madden 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Josh Rogers
Kenny Bromwich is named in the Dolphins’ 17 for his first NRL action since Round 8 with Francis Molo suspended.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Max Feagai 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Josh Kerr 17. Kenny Bromwich 18. Peter Hola 19. LJ Nonu 20. Trai Fuller 21. Harrison Graham 22. James Walsh
My prediction – Brisbane Broncos 28-18 The Dolphins
With the Broncos missing their first choice halves, but the Dolphins suffering a 52-point thrasing last week, I have no idea where to start with this one. Brisbane usually turn up when they’re playing at Suncorp though, so I’m backing them to win this one.
Betting tips
The Broncos have a -2 handicap for this game, so I’m getting on that at 10/11. I’m backing them to win by 1-12 points too, which is 2/1.
Saturday 16th August – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
After nine straight defeats, the Rabbitohs finally picked up their seventh win of the season last weekend in an 18-20 win at the Titans. The victory lifts the Bunnies off the bottom, into 16th.
The Eels’ recent upturn in form continued with a 19-18 win over the Cowboys in Round 23. That victory lifted them above North Queensland into 13th.
Team news
Lachlan Hubner suffered a head knock last week, so Shaquai Mitchell comes into the Rabbitohs‘ 17 for the first time this year. Cody Walker is named in the extended squad as he eyes a return from injury.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Siliva Havili 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Sean Keppie 11. Jacob Host 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Jai Arrow 14. Shaquai Mitchell 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Brandon Smith 17. Thomas Fletcher 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Cody Walker
The Eels name an unchanged 17 from the one who started last week against the Cowboys. That means another appearance in the centres for the previously exiled Dylan Brown. Isaiah Iongi is on the extended bench as he eyes a return from injury.
Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Luca Moretti 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Jordan Samrani 19. Dan Keir 20. Haze Dunster 21. Isaiah Iongi 22. Toni Mataele
My prediction – South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-20 Parramatta Eels
The Rabbitohs are a different proposition with Latrell Mitchell back in the side again, but even so, the Eels have improved as well in recent weeks, so I’m backing them to edge it.
Betting tips
I’m backing the Eels with a -2 handicap at 10/11. I’m getting on them to win by 1-12 points as well, which is 15/8.
Sunday 17th August – Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Tigers had a bye in Round 23, but the previous week they picked up a very impressive 28-14 win over the Bulldogs. They’re 12th on the ladder and look certain to avoid a fourth consecutive wooden spoon, although a Finals spot looks out of the question.
Manly have seen their own Finals hopes go up in smoke over the past few weeks, and their 28-12 loss at Canberra made it three in a row. They remain just two points outside the top eight, but the Roosters sit between them and the 8th-placed Dolphins.
Team news
Starford To’a returns for the Tigers, so Brent Naden drops out of the 17. Charlie Murray comes onto the bench with Alex Seyfarth suspended.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Heath Mason 19. Brent Naden 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Luke Laulilii
Manly are missing Jake Trbojevic to concussion, but Ben Trbojevic is back from his own head knock. Lehi Hopoate is also back from injury, but Tom Trbojevic is preferred at fullback, so he starts on the wing Reuben Garrick moving to centre and Tommy Talau to the bench. Caleb Navale also comes into the 17 this week.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Tommy Talau 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
My prediction – Wests Tigers 12-24 Manly Sea Eagles
Manly really are in the last chance saloon this week – unless it’s already too late – so I’m expecting them to lift for this one.
Betting tips
I’m backing Manly with a -2 handicap at 10/11. Tolutau Koula looks the best value of the likely tryscorers at 1/1. He’s got 14 in 19 this year, including two in his last two.
Sunday 17th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Form guide
The Cowboys were narrowly beaten 19-18 by the Eels in Round 23, but it’s still five defeats in six for North Queensland, who have dropped to 14th.
They’re just one place and one point above the Knights, who suffered a heavy 12-48 loss at home to Penrith last weekend. That made it five straight losses for Newcastle, who will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the wooden spoon.
Team news
Coen Hess will miss the rest of the Cowboys’ season through suspension, which opens up a spot for Jordan McLean to return from injury. Karl Lawton returns from a suspension of his own, while Thomas Mikaele and Harrison Edwards are back from injury. Marly Bitungane, Nicholas Lenaz and Kaiden Lahrs drop out.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Viliami Vailea 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs
The Knights will give an NRL debut to Connor Votano at fullback, with Fletcher Hunt dropping out of the 17. Phoenix Crossland is ruled out with a head knock, while Brodie Jones and Matt Arthur join the bench.
Knights team: 1. Connor Votano 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jackson Hastings 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Fletcher Hunt 22. Jack Hetherington
My prediction – North Queensland Cowboys 20-10 Newcastle Knights
With nothing to play for, I’d hope both of these sides put on a bit of a show and chuck the footy around a bit. Really, this game could go either way, but I’m leaning towards the Cowboys, just because they’re at home.
Betting tips
Jaxon Purdue continues to be priced far too generously in the anytime try market, so I’m getting on him again at 7/5. He scored a double last week to make it 11 from 13 games when playing in the centres.
I’m tipping the Knights to score less than 18.5 points as well, which is 5/6. They’re the only team in the NRL yet to crack 300 for the year, which is 65 points worse than the next worst side.
