Round 17 is done and dusted and what an awesome round it was! Just a few of the highlights last week were the Titans upsetting the Brisbane in a QLD derby while Drinkwater and the Cowboys ambushed the Rabbitohs. Now onto round 18 where all Origin players are battling for a spot in the Origin arena. We are here to help you find value across all 8 games.
NRL 2023 Round 18
Sharks vs Dragons
Kicking off the round we have the Sharks hosting the Dragons in a local derby. The Sharks will be well rested coming off the bye while the Dragons are coming off a disappointing 30-point loss at home, moving them to bottom spot on the ladder. The Sharks have proven to be a classy outfit this year, particularly strong against weaker opposition such as this week. The Dragons on the other hand had been in some decent form before last week, winning 2 of their previous 4 beating both the Roosters and Rabbitohs.
Both sides are coming into this one almost at full fitness and will be looking to put in a solid performance. Nicho Hynes will be making his claim for the NSW Blues while the Dragons will look to put the Ben Hunt sage behind them, needing a good performance to silence the media attention. There is no doubt the Sharks are the better side here and should get it done, but I think the bookies have disrespected the Dragons here and the line is too big.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
 | Dragons to score 3+ tries - Yes | $2.28 |
 | Dragons +18.5 | $1.87 |
 | Dragons +9.5 first half | $1.89 |
Predicted Squads
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron Mcinnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mat Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Michael Molo 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack De Belin 14. Talatau Amone 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Zane Musgrove
Warriors vs Rabbitohs
Kicking off Friday Night Footy we have the Warriors hosting the Rabbitohs. The Warriors are coming off a masterclass from Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, pushing them up to 4th spot, while the Rabbitohs were embarrassed by the Cowboys at home, causing them to slip down to 8th spot. The Rabbitohs have really struggled lately, missing their star fullback Latrell Mitchell due to a calf injury. They have lost 3 of their 4 games since he has been injured. The Warriors on the other hand are in incredible form, winning 3 in a row, giving them a real chance to play finals footy, with potential for a top 4 finish.
Both sides will come into this one relatively unchanged. While we know how devastating Cody Walker and the Rabbitohs can be, they will need to find form to win this one. The Warriors are at home, in the best form we’ve seen from them in recent years and I think they should be too good here.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Warriors to win the first half | $1.95 |
| Warriors -1.5 | $1.85 |
| Team with highest scoring half - Warriros | $1.80 |
Predicted Squads
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Mitch Barnett 17. Tom Ale
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taafe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Siliva Havili 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Storm vs Panthers
Our second game on Friday Night is undoubtedly game of the round with the 3rd place Storm hosting the league leaders, the Panthers. Both sides are coming off impressive wins with the Panthers securing an 8-point win over the Knights despite resting all their Origin players while the Storm beat the Sea Eagles by 18-points at home. The Panthers should be the fresher of the 2 sides here, with all of their Origin stars having a rest while the Storm will be high on confidence after a 3-game winning streak.
This one should be a tight battle as a win could take either side into first place. While the Panthers are without Cleary, they have shown their ability to win without him, winning 2 of their 3 games since his injury. The Panthers defense has been immense this year, conceding the least points by 85 points this season! I expect this one to be another low scoring tight affair.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Either team by 6 or less | $2.70 |
| Panthers +1.5 | $1.87 |
| Under 38.5 | $1.91 |
Predicted Squads
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Will Warbrick 3. Justin Olam 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Aaron Pene 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tariq Sims
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeom Salmon
Raiders vs Titans
Kicking off Super Saturday we have the Raiders hosting the Titans. The Raiders are coming off a crucial 2-point win over the Roosters away, while the Titans impressively beat last week’s league leaders, the Broncos. Both sides have been impressive this year, challenging for a top 8 spot, particularly the Raiders who have won 8 of their last 10 games. While the Raiders have been impressive, they have had a tremendous ability to win close games, with every single one of their wins being by 8-points or less.
The Titans forward pack will be strengthened as they welcome back Tino from a hard-earned rest. Kieran Foran returned to the side last week, linking excellently with David Fifita who scored a try and got an assist, continuing his incredible season. The Raiders have taken a big hit to their forward pack, losing Papalii to injury and I think this loss may be too much to overcome the inform Titans.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Titans +1.5 first half | $1.93 |
| Titans +3.5 | $1.87 |
| Titan to win | $2.25 |
Predicted Squads
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jared Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Ellot Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Pasami Saulo
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiano Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Klese Haas
Cowboys vs Tigers
Our second game on Saturday sees the Cowboys hosting the Tigers. The Cowboys are coming off a masterclass, beating the Rabbitohs 31-6 away, while the Tigers had the bye but will be losing to snap their 3-game loss streak. The Cowboys have now won 3 in a row, taking down the Rabbitohs, Storm and Panthers making a late charge for a finals spot. The Tigers on the other hand have lost their 2 most experienced and influential players, Brooks and Korisau to injury. The Tigers have looked poor since their injuries, slowing any momentum they were gaining.
The Cowboys on the other hand have found some real form, particularly Scott Drinkwater. He had 4 try assists, 3 linebreaks and a linebreak assists to extend his run of spectacular form. With the Cowboys in the form they are in, desperate to win in order to stay in contention for finals, against an undermanned Tigers side, I can only see this going one way.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Cowboys/Cowboys | $1.50 |
| Cowboys -13.5 | $1.87 |
| Cowboys to lead after 20 minutes | $1.75 |
Predicted Squads
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Griffin Neame 17. Jordan Mclean
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Asu Kepaoa 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Starford To’a 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Alex Twal 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’I 12. Shawn Blore 13. John Bateman 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Tommy Talau 16. Alex Twal 17. Alex Seyfarth
Broncos vs Dolphins
Our final game of Super Saturday sees the Broncos hosting the Dolphins, making it the Broncos 2nd Queensland derby in as many weeks. Both sides had a week to forget, with the Dolphins losing at home to the Eels while the Broncos lost at home to the Titans. Despite the Dolphins inspiring early season form, they have hit a roadblock, losing their last 3 games and slipping down to 11th spot. Injuries have played their part, with Gilbert out for the season while Marshall-King has missed the past few weeks with a shoulder injury, potentially returning this week.
Despite the Broncos loss, they have been in great form, winning their previous 3 games. A win here will go a long way to securing a top 4 position, which the Broncos will be desperate for. The Broncos looked a tired side last week with 4 Origin players backing up and after 6 days off, I expect them to bounce back. I think the Broncos at home should be too good for this Dolphins side.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Broncos to win the first half | $1.40 |
| Broncos -13.5 | $1.87 |
| Broncos to win | $1.20 |
Predicted Squads
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakua 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Tapau
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Brayden Mcgrady 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Felise Kaufusi 13. Ray Stone 14. Connelly Lemuelu 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Harrison Graham
Bulldogs vs Knights
Kicking off our Sunday Ticket we have the Bulldogs hosting the Knights. The Bulldogs will be well rested after having the bye last week, while the Knights suffered an 8-point defeat to the Panthers. While both sides are currently on a 3-game losing streak, I’d argue the Knights have been far more impressive recently. The Knights have lost their last 3 games by a combined 14 points to the Broncos, Roosters and Panthers while the Bulldogs have lost their last 3 by 61 points to the Eels, Roosters and Sharks.
There is no doubt that the Knights are the better team here and will be looking for a much-needed win. Despite their losses, Kalyn Ponga has been in good form, scoring 2 tries, assisting 1 and getting 4 linebreaks in his past 3 games. I think the Knights backline is too powerful and classy for the Bulldogs and I expect them to take this one.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Knights/Knights | $2.25 |
| Knights -2.5 | $1.87 |
| Knights to win | $1.68 |
Predicted Squads
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Karl Oloapu 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okunborl 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Khaled Rajab 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Chris Patolo 17. Corey Waddell
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliot 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Mat Croker 17. Jack Hetherington
Sea Eagles vs Roosters
Our final game of the round sees the Sea Eagles hosting the Roosters. Both sides are performing well under expectations this year, with the Sea Eagles sitting in 13th while the Roosters are in 12th. The Roosters looked good in patches last week, relying on individual brilliance to create tries, yet it was too little too late, after going down 18-0. The Sea Eagles were unable to compete against a far better Storm side without Tom Trbojevic.
While the Roosters have been abysmal this season, I think they are the better outfit than Manly without Tom. Tom Trbojevic is the heart and soul of Manly’s attack, both their key scorer and creator and without him I can’t see who fills the void. While I don’t expect the Roosters to be overly impressive, with the Suaalii returning I think they will have too much to offer for the Sea Eagles to handle.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Roosters to win the first half | $1.88 |
| Roosters -2.5 | $1.89 |
| Roosters 1-12 | $3.10 |
Predicted Squads
Roosters: 1. Jamed Tedesco 2. Joseph Suaalii 3. Billy Smith 4. Joey Manu 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Warea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victory Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Nathan Brown 16. Angus Crichton 17. Egan Butcher Hargreaves
Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Aaron Woods 17. Benjamin Condon
