NRL tips for this weekend: Betting preview, predictions and odds for Round 8

Joshua Mayne

NRL tips for this weekend: Betting preview, predictions and odds for Round 8 image

The footy continues after an absorbing slate of long weekend action.

Two early premiership contenders will face off on Thursday, before three clashes take place on ANZAC Day.

A pair of matches on Saturday and Sunday will then follow.

Below are The Sporting News' predictions and best bets for selected Round 8 matches — all odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.

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Brisbane Broncos vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prediction, tip, best bet

There are plenty of fascinating games this round, but this match arguably sets up as the pick of the bunch.

Both teams are considered to be among the premiership contending pack, with this clash set to be a good indicator of their capabilities.

Brisbane, who have lost back-to-back games, typically perform well at home, but their Round 6 defeat to the Roosters suggests Suncorp isn't always a fortress.

The Broncos must also contend with the losses of Jordan Riki and Reece Walsh.

It's so hard to tip against the undefeated Bulldogs, who look like they can outwork and outmuscle just about any team in the comp right now.

If they can extend their winning streak on Thursday, it would be another huge boost in confidence.

Prediction: Bulldogs by 8

Best bet: Bulldogs -4.5 ($1.90)

Sydney Roosters vs. St George Illawarra Dragons prediction, tip, best bet

In recent years, the Roosters have typically come into this traditional ANZAC Day clash as the higher-ranked team, but it's a different story in 2025.

However, despite sitting in 16th, the Tricolours are slight favourites for their match with the 7th-placed Dragons, according to the bookmakers.

The Red V are currently on a two-match win streak as they continue to earn gritty victories under Shane Flanagan.

There are question marks surrounding their ability to perform on big occasions, though. 

The Roosters have won four of their last five encounters with the Dragons, and have typically performed well on ANZAC Day.

We think this will be close, with the experienced members of the Tricolours' squad helping them across the line.

Prediction: Roosters by 2

Best bet: Either team by 8 or less ($2.20)

Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet

Remarkably, the Storm have never lost to the Rabbitohs in Melbourne.

That's 19 trips to the Victorian capital for Souths ... without a single victory. 

Craig Bellamy's side could be for the taking after a shock loss to the Dolphins last week, although they rarely suffer back-to-back losses. 

However, after conceding over 20 points in both of their last two games, the Bunnies could be vulnerable defensively.

Melbourne will be desperate to respond, and could pour on the points under the lights at AAMI Park.

Prediction: Storm by 16

Best bet: Storm over 39.5 points ($3.45)

Penrith Panthers vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet

The Panthers snapped a surprise five-match losing streak last week and will look to build on their newfound confidence in Round 8.

Mitch Kenny's absence at hooker will be felt, but it's hard to look past Penrith if they play like they did against the Roosters.

On the other hand, the Sea Eagles are doing it tough, having lost three matches on the bounce.

However, in a major boost for Manly, star fullback Tom Trbojevic is set to return, which should raise the level of their entire attack.

We still think the reigning champions' momentum will be too much for the visitors to handle, though.

Prediction: Panthers by 10

Best bet: Casey McLean anytime tryscorer ($2.10)

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Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News currently based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and a journalist at Ministry of Sport. Joshua specialises in rugby league, motorsport and tennis. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.