The mighty Magic Round is finally here! Last weekend was a cracker, with tight contests decided by the finest of margins. This weekend, fans can expect more of the same. A mouth-watering clash between the Sharks and Roosters awaits, while the Warriors and Rabbitohs would dearly love a win as well. As the hype for the upcoming round of fixtures continues to build, we’ve got betting tips for all eight matches.
NRL 2024 Round 11
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs
The curtain rises on Magic Round 2024 with a belter – the Canberra Raiders taking on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The Green Machine return to action two weeks after their comeback win over Manly. Meanwhile, the Dogs are licking their wounds after a close tussle with the mighty Panthers.
This one's a real toss-up. Both of these teams have abysmal records at Suncorp Stadium, but we expect the Bulldogs defence to deliver once again. Cameron Ciraldo’s men are leaking only 15.5 points per game, which makes them the third-best defensive unit in the division. They should be able to shackle the Raiders’ attack and grind out a narrow win.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
 | Raiders to score first | $2.02 |
 | First half total under 18 | $2.36 |
 | Bulldogs 6-10 | $5.00 |
Official Squads
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Emre Guler
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jacob Preston
Manly Sea Eagles vs Brisbane Broncos
The Friday night blockbuster sees the Manly Sea Eagles soar into Brisbane to face the hometown heroes, the Broncos. For two weeks running, Manly have stormed out of the blocks only to falter in the second half.
The Broncos, meanwhile, continue to defy the odds with powerhouse performances despite injuries. With all of Magic Round being played at their home ground of Suncorp Stadium, they'll no doubt be looking to give the Brisbane faithful something to cheer about.
The Sea Eagles will be without their talismanic fullback Tom Trbojevic. This won’t help, as they’ve already been struggling to keep up the steam throughout the whole 80 minutes. Considering this, a win for the Broncos should be a pretty safe bet here.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Broncos 13+ | $2.12 |
| Ezra Mam to score | $2.17 |
| Ezra Mam to score first | $14.00 |
Official Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tolu Koula 2. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Karl Lawton 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Matthew Lodge.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Tyson Smoothy 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski
Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights
Newcastle have scraped two wins despite missing their star player. However, victories against the struggling Warriors and Wests Tigers might be a false dawn for the Steel City outfit. The Titans, on the other hand, come into this game after a morale-boosting win over the Cowboys and a gutsy performance against Melbourne. Their recent form edges them slightly ahead in our book.
For those who are a little superstitious, we’ve got some worrying stats for the Titans fans. The Gold Coast outfit have lost their last ten games played on Saturday. And this match? It’s on a Saturday…
However, we believe the Titans will be able to shake off their Saturday hoodoo. Their recent resurgence seems to be the real deal, particularly since it comes off the back of several close losses. We say they claim the bragging rights in this one, just.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Titans 1-12 | $3.75 |
| Jojo Fifita to score | $2.41 |
| Titans to win | $2.80 |
Official Squads
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Chris Randall 7. Sam Verrills 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Joe Stimson
Knights: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Kai Pearce-Paul 16. Brodie Jones 17. Jack Hetherington
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are racking up points like there's no tomorrow, with Sam Walker playing the best footy of his career. But a daunting challenge awaits, as they take on the table-topping Sharks. Cronulla have quietly strung together five wins on the bounce, conceding a measly 13 points a game on average.
With their skipper Nicho Hynes sidelined, however, we reckon the Sharks' resolve might just crack under the Roosters' relentless pressure. Don't expect a repeat of the Roosters' recent romps though, this one should be a proper arm wrestle. Back Cronulla to make the spread, and for Walker to continue his stellar form with another try on the weekend.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Sharks +3.5 | $1.95 |
| Sam Walker to score | $4.20 |
| Sharks first half, Roosters second half | $8.00 |
Official Squads
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cam McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Sifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Fetalaiga Pauga 5. Dom Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Terrell May
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys have slumped to five straight losses, while you'd need a calendar from March to find the Rabbitohs' solitary win this season. It's a real dogfight at the bottom of the table, and neither side seems to have a clue how to dig themselves out. Who will take this chance to grab some momentum?
None of the underlying stats give us a clear picture of how this might end. It’s a real head-scratcher, but considering the Cowboys’ poor record against the South Sydney outfit, we will go for a Rabbitohs win.
One thing that is clear is how bad each team has been defensively this year. This could turn out to be a try-fest, with some good odds for total score markets at the bookies.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Rabbitohs 1-12 | $4.35 |
| Total score 54+ | $2.24 |
| Rabbitohs to win | $3.30 |
Official Squads
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Izaac Thompson 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Dion Teaupa 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Siliva Havili 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Tom Burgess 17. Taane Milne
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Villiami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Jason Taumalolo
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers
The Sunday proceedings kick off with what seems to be mismatch – the New Zealand Warriors clash with the mighty Penrith Panthers.
The Warriors were early premiership hopefuls, but their form has fallen off a cliff recently. Four straight losses and a draw against Manly paint a bleak picture. The Panthers, on the other hand, are just unstoppable. They're the last team an out-of-sorts outfit like the Warriors wants to face.
We don’t need to crunch the numbers to say that the Panthers are the downright favourites in this match. If the Warriors can get a result, it would be a statement win the Kiwis desperately need, but that seems highly unlikely. We’re keen to keep the door open for a Wahs resurgence though, so have found some great wagers that will come good regardless of who wins.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Last try after 75 minutes | $2.00 |
| Second half with most tries | $2.21 |
| Highest scoring second half | $1.95 |
Official Squads
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jacob Laban
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Mavrik Geyer
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels
The Eels have been plagued by injuries and even the fit blokes haven't been firing on all cylinders. The Storm, on the other hand, are a juggernaut at Suncorp Stadium, boasting a win rate of 76 percent there. Even with a few injuries of their own, we don’t see that record changing.
Tyrone Wishart impressed last week for the Storm and another run-out will only do him good. This one could be a real thumping for the Eels. Expect Xavier Coates to maintain his hot try scoring form too, and run in at least one in the second half to outscore Maiko Sivo.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Storm 13+ | $2.02 |
| Coates to outscore Sivo in second half | $3.20 |
| Over 8.5 tries in total | $2.00 |
Official Squads
Storm: 1. Sua Fa'alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jack Howarth 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald
Eels: 1. Blaize Talagi 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Wests Tigers vs Dolphins
Magic Round 2024 wraps up with the Wests Tigers taking on the high-flying Dolphins. The Fins have been a real surprise package this year, putting in some solid performances with only the occasional dip in form. They're a cracking team to watch, and the much-anticipated return of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will only add some firepower and leadership to their squad.
The Tigers, on the other hand, have been steadily improving week by week. They've been a bit unlucky with only two wins to show for their efforts recently. However, in contrast to other seasons, they seem to be gelling as a team with each game. Unfortunately, we believe the Dolphins might just be a bridge too far for them this time around. Back the home side to run away with this one late.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Dolphin 13+ | $2.15 |
| Dolphins -10.5 | $1.95 |
| Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to score | $2.20 |
Official Squads
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Bud Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Fonua Pole 16. Asu Kepaoa 17. Sione Fainu
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Connelly Lemuelu
