A full round of footy is lined up this week in the NRL, and there are plenty of big questions set to be answered.
Can the Sea Eagles take advantage of a healthy squad? How will the Panthers manage without star halfback Nathan Cleary? Can the Storm respond after their shellacking?
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 15.
Odds courtesy of BlueBet.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Wests Tigers prediction, tip, best bet
The Titans have scored a hefty 55 per cent of their tries on the left-hand side this season, with winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira contributing the most.
Naturally, he is the favourite to score on Thursday, but his short odds are unappealing.
For this reason, we're backing Brian Kelly to find the line. The left-sided centre has only scored twice in 2023, but with plenty of the Tigers' defensive attention likely to be put on Khan-Pereira, we think Kelly might sneak over.
Averaging 23.8 points per game this season, Gold Coast have a good chance to put some solid points on the board again.
BEST BET: Brian Kelly anytime tryscorer ($2.62 with BlueBet)
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Dolphins prediction, tip, best bet
The Sea Eagles have been a tough team to read this year - last week they limped to a loss against the Knights, just one round after their thrashing of the Raiders.
So which Manly side will show up on Friday night?
In front of a fervent Brookvale crowd, we're predicting there to be plenty of points scored by the home side.
The return of athletic winger Christian Tuipulotu will be a boost, along with the inclusions of Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Aloiai and Tom Trbojevic.
The Dolphins regularly battle hard, but we find it hard to imagine them keeping the Sea Eagles quiet.
BEST BET: Sea Eagles over 4.5 tries ($1.71 with BlueBet)
Sydney Roosters vs. Penrith Panthers prediction, tip, best bet
The Panthers are still arguably the best team in the competition, but their recent win over the Dragons was far from smooth.
Now, they will have to march on without their star halfback Nathan Cleary, who will miss several weeks with a hamstring injury.
The competent Jack Cogger is his replacement, but a change at No. 7 is rarely straightforward.
As for the Roosters, they finally returned to the winner's circle last round, with James Tedesco answering his Origin critics with a strong attacking display.
At home, we think that Trent Robinson's side will be able to hold their own against the reigning champions.
BEST BET: Roosters +4.5 ($1.90 with BlueBet)
Melbourne Storm vs. Cronulla Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
Described by Craig Bellamy as a 'putrid' performance, Melbourne's heavy defeat to the Cowboys last round was concerning.
Whilst the Storm have suffered a number of surprising and disappointing losses this season, they have generally bounced back every time.
Loss to the Sea Eagles? Backed up by a win over the Warriors. Defeat against the Rabbitohs? Followed by a victory over the Broncos.
It is also worth noting that the Storm have won four of their last five matches against the Sharks, and have been in strong form at home this season.
Bellamy will want a response from last week's shellacking, and we're expecting Melbourne to win by at least a try.
BEST BET: Storm -4.5 ($1.90 with BlueBet)
