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Read our NRL expert tips and analysis for every game of the 2024 premiership season with Betfair’s NRL analyst. Includes game summaries, predictions, tips and best Back and Lay bets for every round. NRL tips for the upcoming round are online now!
BRISBANE BRONCOS VS SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Brisbane -7.5 at $1.80 or better 
The two Las Vegas losers square off and travel certainly plays a part here with the Broncos getting a massive advantage by staying at home. The Rabbitohs have also been rocked by injury with Jai Arrow joining a long list. This is a nice spot for the Broncos, who have covered 15 of 20 at Suncorp off a loss while they have beaten Souths in three of the last four clashes.
CRONULLA SHARKS VS CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Cronulla -8.5 @ $1.65 or better
The Sharks look a very good bet to give a disheveled Bulldogs team a fair whipping. The Sharks are off a very good win against the Warriors and have dominated Canterbury of late with 11 wins in the last 13 clashes. The Sharks have covered seven of nine at Shark Park while Canterbury are very poor as a big underdog, covering just nine of 26 as an underdog of six or more points.
PENRITH PANTHERS VS PARRAMATTA EELS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Penrith -7.5 at $1.75 or better
Parramatta have got the best of Penrith in the last two meetings – both notable upsets against their rivals – but the Panthers stung by defeat are a highly reliable proposition. Penrith have covered 12 of 15 off a loss and have covered six straight at BlueBet off a loss. Mitch Moses is also carrying an injury that really hampered him against Canterbury. The minus is the play.
CANBERRA RAIDERS VS WEST TIGERS
Betting Strategy
BACK: West Tigers +7.5 at $1.70 or better
LAY: Canberra at $1.65 or shorter 
Canberra are absolute poison at such a short quote and can be taken on in both head-to-head betting and at the line. The Raiders have covered just 7 of 30 when favoured by more than a try and just 12 of 38 when playing off a win. The Tigers begin a new era and they are all-in on rookie Lachlan Galvin. With a solid pack, the Tigers can win this.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS VS NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Betting Strategy
BACK: North Queensland-7.5 at $1.75 or better
North Queensland were arguably the most impressive team in Round 1 and they can do a number on an overrated Newcastle team that really disappointed. The Cowboys are in a good spot with 10 covers from their last 14 at home when favoured by more than a converted try. Newcastle have covered just nine of 24 interstate and key rake Jayden Brailey remains out.
MELBOURNE STORM VS NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Melbourne-7.5 at $1.70 or better
The Storm have completely dominated the Warriors for a long time and that won't end this week off a stellar performance holding the defending premiers to zero. Melbourne have won 14 straight against the Warriors with the last seven all by at least eight points. The Storm backup well from big defensive showings with 14 covers from 20 off conceding 10 or fewer. Melbourne have covered all four off a shutout the last three years.
MANLY SEA EAGLES VS SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Sydney Roosters at $1.80 or better
Difficult game to get a grip on with both teams off a Vegas win. Manly have lost Jason Saab while the Roosters are without the suspended Spencer Leniu. The Rooters have won seven of 10 against the Sea Eagles, with three covers in the last four. They have more talent across the park and particularly on the edges, where they can expose Manly.
THE DOLPHINS VS ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Betting Strategy
BACK: Dolphins at $1.75 or shorter
The final game of the round is the closest in betting. The Dolphins were very poor last week but Wayne Bennett has wasted no time making two key changes in dumping Tesi Niu and Sean O'Sullivan. The Saints dominated the Titans in Round 1 but did open the year as clear wooden spoon favourites. They have covered just four of 12 off a double digit win. The Dolphins are the value.
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