We're at the business end of the NRL season, with the top eight still far from settled.
There's plenty of interest at the top of the table too as the Panthers look to hunt down the Storm for the minor premiership.
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 23. All odds via TAB.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet
The Rabbitohs' head-to-head record with the Storm is not pretty.
In the 40 games played between the sides, South Sydney have won seven.
And in the Rabbitohs' last five home fixtures against the Storm, they have won once.
Melbourne were flat in their recent loss to the Dragons, but it's hard to imagine them not rebounding against the Bunnies.
While the loss of Eliesa Katoa will be notable, a win for the ladder leaders is very attainable.
Expect to see Cameron Munster grow in influence as he continues his return from injury.
Prediction: Storm by 12
Best bet: Cameron Munster 1+ try / Storm win ($2.40)
Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers prediction, tip, best bet
The Eels haven't had the season they would have hoped for, but they have shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks.
However, it won't be enough to tame a Panthers outfit gaining momentum as the finals approach.
Penrith will have their eyes on the minor premiership with the Storm faltering slightly last week.
If recent matches from both teams are anything to go by, we should be in a high-scoring game on Friday night.
The Panthers should have no problem picking up the two points at CommBank Stadium. Although, expect the Eels to show up against their local rivals, especially in the first half.
Prediction: Panthers by 12
Best bet: 1st half line - Eels +8.5 ($1.75)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet
The Broncos' 2024 season continues to go from bad to worse, with their Queensland rivals the Cowboys now eight points ahead of them
Considering their recent form, it's hard to imagine how Kevin Walters' team will turn things around, particularly in Townsville.
This campaign, North Queensland have only scored 13 per cent of their tries through the middle (per Stats Insider), while the Broncos have conceded just 14 per cent of the time in the same location.
We're predicting plenty of action on the wings, with Cowboys flyer Murray Taulagi (four tries in his last two games) to find the line.
Prediction: Cowboys by 10
Best bet: Murray Taulagi 1+ try / Cowboys win ($2.15)
Newcastle Knights vs. Wests Tigers prediction, tip, best bet
Time is running out for the Knights to make the top eight.
Playing the Tigers this week may be a blessing or a curse – Benji Marshall's team have no final hopes but also have nearly nothing to lose.
Playing at home is usually an advantage, however, the Knights have only won two of their last five matches in Newcastle.
They also have the fourth-worst points difference (-105) in the competition, so the signs aren't exactly positive for Adam O'Brien's side.
With their season practically on the line, expect them to get the job done, but only by a fine margin.
Prediction: Knights by 6
Best bet: Knights 1-12 ($3.30)
