NRL Round 24 betting preview & predictions | August 14–17, 2025

With just four weeks left in the 2025 NRL home-and-away season, Round 24 kicks off on Thursday, August 14, featuring must-win games for finals contenders and dangerous underdogs. These clashes could be decisive in the race for the top eight.

Here’s our game-by-game rugby league betting breakdown with value picks for every matchup.

• 

  Fast Payouts

Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers

Thursday, August 14 – 7:50pm AEST – CommBank Stadium

Penrith’s nine-game winning streak has propelled them back into the top four, but Melbourne’s Thursday night record is outstanding — 14 wins from their last 15. The Storm will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes, yet Cameron Munster and Harry Grant still have the ability to orchestrate an upset. The Panthers are the betting favorites with the top online sportsbooks, but Melbourne’s proven big-game credentials make them great value.

New Zealand Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons

Friday, August 15 – 8pm NZST – Go Media Stadium

The Warriors have dropped three in a row and now face a Dragons side embracing the giant-killer tag after back-to-back wins over top-eight teams. Shane Flanagan’s men are defending with resilience and producing clutch plays in attack. Given New Zealand’s recent issues, the Dragons shape as one of the weekend’s best underdog bets.

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs

Friday, August 15 – 8pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

The Roosters are on a tear, racking up 84 points and conceding just 16 over their last two games. Sam Walker’s kicking game and James Tedesco’s leadership have them peaking perfectly for the run home. Canterbury’s defense is solid, but the Tricolors’ momentum and dominant home record over the Dogs tip the balance.

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Saturday, August 16 – 3pm AEST – PointsBet Stadium

Cronulla have dominated the Titans, winning 10 of their last 11 meetings. Even without Briton Nikora, the Sharks still boast plenty of attacking weapons in Nicho Hynes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Addin Fonua-Blake. If their offense clicks early, this one could blow open.

Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins

Saturday, August 16 – 5:30pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium

Injuries have hit Brisbane hard with Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Selwyn Cobbo all sidelined. The Dolphins were humbled by the Roosters last week but remain a dangerous counter-attacking team — and they’ve already beaten the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium this year. Expect the outsiders to lift for this derby.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels

Saturday, August 16 – 7:35pm AEST – Accor Stadium

Latrell Mitchell’s return gives Souths a lift, but they’re still heavily undermanned. Parramatta’s attack has surged with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown reunited, and their edge speed has been cashing in. Against a weakened Rabbitohs defense, the Eels can control field position and cover the spread.

Wests Tigers v Manly Sea Eagles

Sunday, August 17 – 2pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

Manly’s season is hanging by a thread after three straight losses, and Tom Trbojevic is the key to sparking a turnaround. The Tigers are competitive but vulnerable defensively, particularly against Daly Cherry-Evans’ kicking game and Manly’s dangerous outside backs. If the Sea Eagles find rhythm, this could get ugly.

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights

Sunday, August 17 – 4:05pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Cowboys have a stranglehold over Newcastle in Townsville, winning their last six home clashes against the Knights. With Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden pulling the strings and Jeremiah Nanai wreaking havoc on the edge, they should apply constant pressure to a struggling Newcastle defense.

NRL Round 24 multi of the week

• Storm H2H
• Dragons H2H
• Roosters H2H
• Sharks 13+
• Dolphins H2H
• Eels -3.5
• Sea Eagles 13+
• Cowboys 13+