A sold-out Anzac Day clash between the Dragons and Roosters headlines Round 8 of the NRL season.
Three matches are scheduled for Thursday, before a sole match on Friday, two on Saturday and another pair on Sunday.
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 8. All odds via TAB.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters prediction, tip, best bet
Looking at the two team lists on paper, the Roosters should be heavy favourites, but recent performances from the Dragons have many thinking they can beat the Tricolours on Anzac Day.
After two consecutive wins, Shane Flanagan's side appears to be hitting their straps, but playing against the star-studded Roosters in front of a packed-out Allianz Stadium will be a major test.
If they can replicate last week's performance – where they got fullback Tyrell Sloan in open space and then defended strongly as a team – they have every chance.
We think this will be a close one, although the Roosters' experience will shine through in such a big game.
Prediction: Roosters by 2
Best bet: Either team by 8 or less ($2.30)
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet
In a change to their traditional ANZAC Day fixture with the Warriors, the Storm will instead welcome the Rabbitohs to Melbourne.
There is no hiding the fact that this is a daunting task for the Bunnies, who are still searching for the second win of the season.
It may be a question of how much Melbourne wins by, with Craig Bellamy's side enjoying a strong start to the campaign.
In 2024, the Storm have scored 50 per cent of their tries on the left edge (per Stats Insider), so expect Xavier Coates to thrive again aerially and take advantage of a Rabbitohs back line that is low on confidence.
Prediction: Storm by 14
Best bet: Xavier Coates to score 2+ tries ($3.75)
Wests Tigers vs. Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet
They may only be separated by two points on the ladder, but there is a significant gap in quality between these two teams.
However, the head-to-head record shows that the Tigers have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, winning four of their last five meetings.
It is worth noting though that Brisbane smashed the Tigers 46-12 last year.
Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo are big losses for the visitors, but the return of Adam Reynolds will help to counteract that.
This one might be closer than some think, but the Broncos have the tools required to grab another win.
Prediction: Broncos by 8
Best bet: Broncos H2H + over 45.5 points ($2.25)
Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
Didn't we watch these two teams face off a few weeks ago?
Yes, we did.
Following their clash in March, the Raiders will host the Sharks in the reverse fixture.
After blowing a three-try lead in Cronulla, Canberra rebounded the following game with a thumping win over the Eels, but it's been tough going since then.
Without Jamal Fogarty in the halves, it is going to be challenging for them to outscore a free-flowing Sharks side.
The home-ground advantage may give the Raiders a helping hand, but it's hard to see them winning this one.
Prediction: Sharks by 8
Best bet: Sharks -6.5 ($1.90)
