We have seven NRL matches to look forward to this weekend after Queensland took home the State of Origin series.
Most teams' Origin stars are named to back up, so we can expect a high-quality round.
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets.
Odds courtesy of BlueBet.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. New Zealand Warriors prediction, tip, best bet
Things aren't great off the field for the Dragons at the moment, but they have a match to play this week and a chance to give fans something to cheer about.
The Dragons have had mixed fortunes playing in Wollongong this season, claiming a big win over the Dolphins but also losing narrowly to the Bulldogs.
Interestingly, the Red V have a strong record over the Warriors, winning eight of their past 10 matches at home against the New Zealand side.
Both teams come into this clash off wins, and whilst there is no doubt that the Warriors are a superior outfit, the Dragons will want to bring the fans back onside after a challenging season.
We think they can at least keep it close.
BEST BET: Dragons +8.5 ($1.67 with BlueBet)
Melbourne Storm vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet
The Storm appear to be hitting their straps, riding a two-game win streak and looking their typical clinical selves.
As for the Sea Eagles, they have been a tricky team to read this year. They wiped the floor with the Dolphins a fortnight ago but were pummelled by the Eels last round (although that was without their Origin stars).
Tom Trbojevic's absence through injury is a major blow, although Daly Cherry-Evans is named to back up.
This match presents an opportunity for the Storm to pick up a strong win over their rivals.
Justin Olam returns from injury along with their three Origin stars, so we're expecting them to rack up the points at home.
BEST BET: Storm 13+ ($2.17 with BlueBet)
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. North Queensland Cowboys prediction, tip, best bet
The Cowboys have conceded a disproportionate 43 per cent of tries down their right-hand side, leaving them vulnerable to try-scoring machine Alex Johnston.
The Souths winger has already scored 12 four-pointers this year and is primed to add to his tally at home on Sunday.
Notably, the Rabbitohs have won their last seven straight games against the Cowboys, so there should be plenty of points on offer.
BEST BET: Alex Johnston to score two tries ($3.00 with BlueBet)
Sydney Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
The Raiders will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins against the Roosters in the NRL for the first time since 2018.
Ricky Stuart's side have won two of their last three games against the Tricolours in Sydney, so a result is certainly there for the taking.
As for the Roosters, they have struggled to click this season and are in serious danger of losing back-to-back games at Moore Park for the first time since 2018.
Expect this one to be a tight affair, with the visitors at least giving the home side a scare.
BEST BET: Raiders +4.5 ($1.80 with BlueBet)
