ANZAC Day is here, and a host of brilliant NRL matches come with it. Can the Warriors bounce back from their drubbing by the Dragons with a statement win? Will the Rabbitohs be able to calm the Storm and get another on the board in 2024? Read on as we give you the rundown on all of the NRL round eight fixtures, using the latest odds from the best betting sites to outline our predictions.
NRL 2024 Round 8
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
The Titans have put in a spirited effort over the past two weeks. Despite this, they're still winless and rooted to the bottom of the table as they head across the Tasman for their ANZAC Day clash with the Warriors.
Following their defeat to the Dragons, the Warriors will be looking to bounce back with a positive result against the Titans. Although the Gold Coast team showed signs of improvement in round seven, this is a match the Warriors will be aiming to win convincingly. We expect they will as well.
With disappointment brewing in the Titans’ camp, and frustration for New Zealand, this could be a fiery fixture. Back the Kiwis to run away with it as they bounce back from last week’s flop.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
 | Warriors to win | $1.25 |
 | Over 45.5 | $1.91 |
 | Warriors 1-12 | $3.10 |
Official Squads
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Jacob Laban 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Zyon Maiu'u 17. Paul Roache.
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Isaac Liu 17. Josiah Pahulu.
St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters
The second ANZAC Day matchup sees the Dragons host the Roosters at WIN Stadium. The Red V were on fire against the Warriors last week, while Sydney were pipped yet again by the Storm in another close one.
It's been a confusing start for the Roosters. The Sydney boys looked like real contenders early on, but they've been dropping the ball at crucial moments lately. The Dragons, on the other hand, seem to be getting better by the week under Shane Flanagan – something few some coming in 2024.
Can the Roosters get their act together for a full 80 and cut down on the silly mistakes? Or will the Dragons continue their march? It's a tougher call than this fixture usually is, but we believe the away team will nick it.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Highest scoring first half | $2.00 |
| Roosters 1-12 | $3.15 |
| Roosters to win | $1.44 |
Official Squads
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Mosese Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joey Manu 5. Dominic 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. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May.
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The ANZAC Day main event is a showdown footy fans love to see. The Melbourne Storm will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs fresh off a gutsy win against the Roosters. The Storm just seem to find a way to win every week, and Xavier Coates is playing like a man possessed.
The Bunnies showed some much-needed fight against the Sharks the week before last, and come into this one off the back of a bye. It'll be interesting to see whether the break helped them gel as a team, or it will be more of the same in round eight. Fans can hope for more fight and unity from the Rabbitohs, but facing the Storm at AAMI Park is a mighty tough ask.
This should be an easy win for the Storm and we expect to see Xavier Coates continuing his form against a leaky Rabbitohs’ backline.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Storm -14.6 | $1.95 |
| Coates to score a try | $1.80 |
| Storm to win | $1.23 |
Official Squads
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald.
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Jacob Gagai 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Shaquai Mitchell 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Siliva Havili 16. Davvy Moale 17. Jai Arrow.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels
Friday's clash between Manly and Parramatta is a fascinating one. The Eels were absolutely hammered by the Dolphins last week, conceding 40 points in a horror second half. Back in their home comforts this week, the true test will be if Parramatta can rediscover their fighting spirit and challenge the top teams.
Manly, on the other hand, appear to be hitting their straps with Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks forming a solid halves combination. Tommy Trbojevic is also regaining his dominant form. Which wins out? Home ground advantage, or the momentum of a well put together Sea Eagles outfit? We say this one goes the way of Manly, but it’ll be tight.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Under 45.5 | $1.88 |
| Tom Trbojevic to score a try | $1.95 |
| Sea Eagles to win | $1.33 |
Official Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Nathan Brown.
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Ethan Sanders 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi.
Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos
The curtain rises on Super Saturday with the Brisbane Broncos venturing south to Campbelltown for a clash with the Wests Tigers. Last week, Benji Marshall's men pushed the Panthers close, but they had to pay the price for missed scoring opportunities.
With Adam Reynolds back from injury this week, the Broncos boast a potent halves pairing now. Reece Walsh is riding a wave of confidence after his stellar performance against the Raiders. As a result, we say the Broncos' superior attacking firepower will be too much for a Tiger’s outfit that have been valiant so far in 2024.
Look away Wests fans, because we predict there will be a return to some of last season’s results this weekend. Expect a good old-fashioned thrashing in round eight.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Broncos 13+ | $2.00 |
| Broncos to score 30 first | $2.10 |
| Broncos to win | $1.20 |
Official Squads
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jesse Arthars 5. Deine Mariner 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Fletcher Baker.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Super Saturday's finale pits the North Queensland Cowboys against the red-hot Penrith Panthers. The Cowboys' performance against the Sharks was woeful, riddled with unforced errors and a toothless attack. They'll need a significant tactical overhaul and a renewed focus on discipline this weekend.
The Panthers, on the other hand, keep roaring on. Their dominant display against the Tigers showcased a well-oiled machine, functioning seamlessly even in the absence of Nathan Cleary. Based on current form, the Panthers appear clear favourites for a comfortable victory, with a margin exceeding 20 points a distinct possibility.
There’s a chance the Cowboy’s bite back, however, after last weekend’s thrashing. As a result, we’re recommending a host of bets that can come through regardless of whether North Queensland show flashes of brilliance or not.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Over 45.5 points | $2.45 |
| Over 7.5 tries | $2.05 |
| Panthers to win | $1.25 |
Official Squads
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tom Chester 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Rueben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Jason Taumalolo 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Thomas Mikaele.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Jame Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorenson 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner.
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights
Sunday's footy kicks off with the Dolphins hosting the Newcastle Knights. The Phins did well to hang in the game for 50 minutes against the Eels last week, before the Darwin heat finally got to Parramatta. Redcliffe then ambushed them with a flurry of tries, snaffling seven in just 24 minutes.
Meanwhile, Newcastle got overrun by a fired-up Bulldogs team and lost Ponga after 60 minutes to a foot injury, on top of his existing hip problem. With three different halves pairings in the first seven rounds, the Knights look a bit all over the place.
We foresee an easy day in the office for the Dolphins, but Greg Marzhew should score his eighth try for the Knights in as many outings this season.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Dolphins -7.5 | $1.95 |
| Greg Marzhew to score | $2.10 |
| Dolphins to win | $1.45 |
Official Squads
Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenneth Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Oryn Keeley.
Knights: 1. David Armstrong 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Brodie Jones
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
The Sunday finale sees the high-flying Sharks travel to Canberra to take on the injury-hit Raiders. Cronulla were ruthless against the Cowboys last week, racking up a dominant 42-6 victory. They currently boast the best points differential in the competition and are statistically the most successful attacking team.
The Raiders, on the other hand, face a major challenge without Jamal Fogarty for the next three months. While Adam Cook has been performing decently in reserve capacity, replacing Fogarty's experience and leadership will be a significant hurdle.
Taking current form and the Raiders' injury woes into account, it’s hard to see anything other than a Cronulla victory here. Back them to pile on the points and record another easy win in round eight.
| Bookmaker | Bren’s Tip | Odds |
| Sharks to win 13+ | $2.70 |
| Under 7 tries | $2.25 |
| Sharks to win | $1.42 |
Official Squads
Raiders: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. James Schiller 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. Simi Sasagi 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Pasami Saulo.
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. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
