With State of Origin done and dusted, we have seven uninterrupted rounds of footy to close out the 2024 NRL regular season.
Just four points cover the teams placed between 6th to 13th, so results from here out will be crucial.
MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 21. All odds via TAB.
Parramatta Eels vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet
There are several crunch clashes this round, but this certainly isn't one of them.
In a battle of 1st vs 16th, the Storm are heavily favoured to take the win, as they look to maintain their four-point buffer at the top of the table.
Parramatta may be boosted by their home crowd, but it is hard to see how they can break down Craig Bellamy's uber-consistent side.
The Eels have conceded just 14 per cent of their tries this season through the middle (per Stats Insider), so if you're hunting for tryscorers, look to Melbourne's wingers and centres.
We're tipping Jack Howarth to build on his recent run of form and find the line again.
Prediction: Storm by 14
Best bet: Jack Howarth 1+ try/Storm to win ($2.10)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prediction, tip, best bet
The Broncos have a potentially tricky run home as they look to push into the top eight, and it begins with a tough match against the Bulldogs.
Suncorp Stadium has typically been a fortress for Brisbane but Kevin Walters' side has struggled to click into gear at home this season.
This match has the potential to be a low-scoring one. Canterbury have been resolute defensively this year, which sees them sit in 6th despite a relatively small points total of 346.
We're expecting a close encounter – as many of the Bulldogs' recent games have been – but with the Broncos building on last week's win and snagging another two points.
Prediction: Broncos by 4
Best bet: Either team by 10 or less ($2.15)
Sydney Roosters vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet
This could be the match of the round, as the Roosters and Sea Eagles battle for a top-four spot.
The Tricolours will be desperate to rebound after last week's loss to the Storm, but it will not be easy against a Manly side who are riding a three-game win streak.
If both teams' recent form is anything to go by, we should be in for plenty of points – the Roosters have scored 40+ in two of their last three matches, while the Sea Eagles have scored 30+ in their last two.
Manly are a much better team with Tom Trbojevic in the side, although the Roosters have a considerably stronger line-up on paper, particularly when it comes to their forward pack.
We're predicting them to outmuscle their opponents at home.
Prediction: Roosters by 10
Best bet: Roosters to win/Over 50.5 points ($2.60)
Canberra Raiders vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet
We're still two months away from the end of the regular season, but this almost feels like a must-win clash for both sides if they want to play finals footy.
The Rabbitohs are looking to complete an unlikely recovery and crack the top eight and should feel confident about heading to Canberra.
These two sides haven't faced off in the nation's capital since 2021, and it is the Bunnies who hold the head-to-head advantage in the fixture, winning five of their nine meetings at the ground.
Both teams have struggled defensively at various times this season, so it could turn into a Sunday shootout.
If that's the case, we like Souths to get the job done.
Prediction: Rabbitohs by 8
Best bet: Rabbitohs 1-12 ($3.80)
