Just three points separate the top eight coming into Round 7 of the NRL.
After two golden point matches last week, we could be set for another slate of tight and unpredictable encounters.
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 7. All odds via TAB.
Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet
It's been tricky to get a read on the Roosters this year.
The Tricolours have picked up three wins and three losses but have had to navigate several injuries.
Despite this, they knocked off the Knights in Newcastle last round and now return to Allianz Stadium to host the Storm.
The Roosters may be the home team on Thursday night, but it's not necessarily an advantage, with Trent Robinson's side not beating Melbourne on their turf since 2019.
Melbourne sit second on the ladder, and although some of their wins haven't been convincing, they continue to find ways to grind out results.
With Nelson Asofa-Solomona returning for the Storm, the visitors can match the Roosters' forward pack.
They also have an advantage in the halves, with Sam Walker's absence a blow for the home team.
Prediction: Storm by 4
Best bet: Storm H2H ($1.85)
Parramatta Eels vs. Dolphins prediction, tip, best bet
In a reflection of how tight the NRL ladder is, the Dolphins sat at the summit last week, but could potentially fall out of the top eight with a loss this round.
Wayne Bennett's side will head to Darwin on Friday to face an Eels side that is gathering some momentum.
Trai Fuller will play his second NRL game when he fills in for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, while Herbie Farnworth also remains out for the Dolphins.
This might stunt their attack, although Parramatta have let in at least 20 points in four of their last five games.
We believe the Eels can still nab a win with a full-strength team, but it could be a high-scoring affair in hot and dry conditions in the Northern Territory.
Prediction: Eels by 6
Best bet: Eels H2H + Over 44.5 points ($2.60)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
It was a case of 'no Ryan Reynolds, no problem' for the Broncos last week, and they have a good chance of picking up another win without their star halfback in Round 7.
They will host a Raiders side that scraped past the struggling Titans last round.
Zac Hosking – who made an impressive start to 2024 – is out with an injury and will be a big loss for the visitors.
Considering form and the home-ground advantage, the Broncos should be able to comfortably win this one.
Brisbane have also shown they can pile on the points, and the Raiders have struggled to contain attacking teams at times this season, most recently against the Sharks.
Prediction: Broncos by 14
Best bet: Broncos -8.5 ($2.00)
Cronulla Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys prediction, tip, best bet
We have a top-four clash to wrap up this week's round when the Sharks host the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.
Sione Katoa and Murray Taulagi are out for their respective teams, but those two absences almost balance each other out.
It's tricky to predict the result of this match, but there should be plenty of points regardless of who wins.
This is a historically high-scoring fixture with over 40 points scored in each of their last three clashes.
At home, we're giving Cronulla the edge, although it could easily go either way.
Prediction: Sharks by 2
Best bet: Over 43.5 points ($1.75)
