The final major bye round hits the NRL this week with the State of Origin decider looming large on the horizon.
There are just five matches in Round 19 although there is still plenty of intrigue with Cronulla and Brisbane desperate to arrest their losing streaks.
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, South Sydney have a chance to make it six wins in a row when they face the Dolphins without Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray.
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Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 19. All odds via TAB.
Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet
The Bunnies have stitched together five wins in a row to resurrect their season and give themselves a genuine shot at playing finals.
During this run, which started back in Round 12 against Parramatta, Ben Hornby's side have posted 30 points or more in three of their five victories.
Their defence has also turned a corner after they have conceded just 40 points across their past four games.
Across the same time period, the Dolphins have lost four of their last five games.
Their sole win came in Round 15 when they edged the Sharks in a high-scoring 30-28 thriller, which was headlined by a conversion miss from Nicho Hynes on the siren.
The two side's contrasting runs of form have coincided with the announcement of Wayne Bennett's return to Redfern in 2025.
Yet despite the differing moods around the two clubs in recent weeks, the Bunnies face a tough task in keeping their momentum with Mitchell ruled out through injury and Murray missing due to Origin duty.
The partnership between Jack Wighton and Cody Walker will be more integral than ever if Souths are to remain in the top-eight race at Kayo Stadium.
Prediction: Rabbitohs by 6
Best bet: Rabbitohs 1-12 ($3.80)
Cronulla Sharks vs. Wests Tigers prediction, tip, best bet
Cronulla were sitting pretty at the top of the ladder just six weeks ago after winning nine of their first 11 games.
However, ever since being taken to the cleaners by Penrith in Round 12 - they lost 42-0 at home - the Sharks have been on a downward spiral.
And things have gone from bad to worse for Craig Fitzgibbon's side with Hynes now facing an extended period of time on the sidelines.
Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson will start in the halves together for the first time with the duo forced to try and reverse Cronulla's fortunes.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers are languishing in the all-too-familiar spot of last place on the ladder, with Benji Marshall's first year in the hot seat becoming a slog.
The Tigers have conceded 40 points per game in the past two weeks and have won just four matches all year.
Their attack is the worst in the league, while the Sharks will be without their talisman for a clash which may develop into a scrappy affair.
Prediction: Sharks by 4
Best bet: 0-5 tries ($6.00)
Gold Coast Titans vs. Parramatta Eels prediction, tip, best bet
After a dreadful start to life under Des Hasler, Gold Coast have turned things around to win three of their past five matches.
Their most impressive win came against the New Zealand Warriors two weeks ago, when they piled on 66 points onto the hapless visitors.
The Titans return home for the first time since that result, with Parramatta now firmly in their sights as they are set to welcome Jayden Campbell and possibly AJ Brimson back from injury.
The Eels are leaking points at an alarming rate and are on a four-game losing streak.
Mitch Moses is away on Origin duty and will be a massive miss, while their forward leader Junior Paulo has been sidelined with a foot injury.
Just one place and one win separates the two clubs on the ladder but it's hard to see Trent Barrett's side cutting that gap on the Glitter Strip.
Prediction: Titans by 10
Best bet: Titans 1-12 ($3.30)
