With the State of Origin opener around the corner, seven teams will enjoy a bye this week, leaving just five matches to be played.
It is set to be an unpredictable weekend of action, with teams missing some of their star players to Origin camp.
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 13. All odds via TAB.
MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Parramatta Eels vs. Cronulla Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
While some teams are entering this round without key players, it is the opposite for the Eels.
They are welcoming back star halfback Mitch Moses, as well as captain Clinton Gutherson, Will Penisini and Wiremu Greig.
This will be a major boost for a struggling Parramatta side but there are questions around whether Moses and co. will integrate quickly enough.
While the absence of Cameron McInnes and Nicholas Hynes will be felt, Cronulla still have the bulk of their team together.
It's worth noting the Sharks stunned the Storm in Melbourne without their No. 7, so they should know how to approach this one too.
Prediction: Sharks by 8
Best bet: Sharks to win ($2.25)
Newcastle Knights vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs prediction, tip, best bet
This should be an entertaining Friday night encounter, with two physical sides coming head-to-head.
Bradman Best remains out injured as the Knights look to build on their four-match win streak.
The Bulldogs won this reverse fixture earlier this season but have some significant omissions this time around.
They'll miss stars in three major parts of the field – halves, backline and forwards – in Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau.
In front of a raucous home crowd, we like the Knights to get the job done.
Prediction: Knights by 10
Best bet: Knights -4.5 ($1.95)
Penrith Panthers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons prediction, tip, best bet
This is a very tricky match to predict.
There are so many player absences and changes that we're not going to list them all.
Both forward packs are strong, so this game could be decided by the enforcers.
While the Panthers have more omissions, it is hard to look past them considering the consistency of the team as a whole.
Even without their stars they can still be trusted to do a job.
Prediction: Panthers by 6
Best bet: Panthers 1-12 ($3.10)
Dolphins vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had only just returned for the Dolphins from injury, but he's being whisked away again this week for Origin.
Felise Kaufusi is the only other teammate away in camp, while the Raiders will be without Hudson Young.
Both teams are coming off losses, although the fourth-placed Dolphins have been better in recent weeks.
Canberra have shown flashes of brilliance this year but their inconsistency makes it hard to tip them.
Regardless, with both sides relatively unaffected by Origin, this should be a good clash.
Prediction: Dolphins by 6
Best bet: Either team by 12 or less ($1.75)
Sydney Roosters vs. North Queensland Cowboys prediction, tip, best bet
Origin camp will see several stars miss this clash.
However, the Roosters have a stronger side on paper, and should have the tools required to maintain their impressive form.
They have been scoring points at will in recent weeks, and the Cowboys have struggled defensively at times in 2024.
If you're looking to back a tryscorer, consider a snubbed James Tedesco, who has missed out on Origin this year.
Prediction: Roosters by 14
Best bet: Tedesco try + Roosters win ($1.90)
