Round 23 is in the books and what a round it was! The Panthers put on a clinic at home, showing why they are the competition favourites, while the Broncos beat the Cowboys and the Sharks bounced back to upset the Rabbitohs. Now onto round 24, filled with mouthwatering encounters! Stay tuned as we help you find value across all 8 games.
NRL 2023 Round 24
Sea Eagles vs Panthers
Kicking off the round we have the Sea Eagles hosting the Panthers. The Sea Eagles are coming off a disappointing loss to the Roosters, likely pushing them out of contention for finals footy while the Panthers dominated the Storm, keeping a tight hold on 1st place. The Panthers have really come into form, both in attack and defense, conceding just 6 points in their last 2 games combined and scoring at least 20 points in each of their last 9 games. For the Sea Eagles, things have gone from bad to worse, losing Matt Lodge to a knee injury, joining Aloiai and Paseka, leaving them very short on middle forwards.
There is no doubt that the Panthers are the far better side here, trying to secure the minor premiership, whereas the Sea Eagles is all but over if they don’t win this week. While the Panthers should definitely win this one and quite comfortably, I think the line here is just too big for a team needing a win to keep their season alive.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
 | Panthers total tries 4.5-6.5 | $2.70 |
 | Sea Eagles +20.5 | $1.90 |
 | Under 42.5 | $1.91 |
Official Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dean Matterson 15. Aaron Woods 16. Kelma Tuilagi 17. Ethan Bullemor
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Zac Hosking 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 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. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Jaemon Salmon
Sharks vs Titans
Our early Friday Night game sees the Sharks hosting the Titans. The Sharks are coming off a very impressive win against the Rabbitohs, silencing the critics, while the Titans are coming off a gutsy loss, playing with 12 men for most of the game. There were lots of concerns surrounding the Sharks with their poor form and loss of Will Kennedy to injury, but the whole team stepped up last week, particularly Braydon Trindall. The Sharks now sit on 28 points, 2 points ahead of 9th spot. The Titans showed a lot of heart, competing with the Warriors despite losing Fotuaika to a sendoff early in the game.
The Titans lost Brimson in the warmup and of course Fotuaika is suspended, however Campbell is a great replacement for Brimson and Tino comes in to replace Fotuaika, returning from suspension. The Titans have looked impressive the last 2 games and I expect Tino to be fired up after missing a few weeks of footy. While the Titans season is all but over, I expect them to be fired up for this one and to make it a contest.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Either team by 6 or less | $3.15 |
| Titans +8.5 | $1.87 |
| Either team to win by 1-12 | $2.00 |
Official Squads
Sharks: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameon Mcinnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jesse Colquhoun 17. Matt Moylan
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiano Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Erin Clark 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Isaac Liu 16. Klese Haas 17. Keano Kini
Broncos vs Eels
Our second game on Friday Night sees the Broncos hosting the Eels. The Broncos are coming off an impressive 16-point win against the Cowboys, putting them just point difference behind the Panthers, while the Eels are coming off a close win against the Dragons. The Broncos showed once again that they are a serious contender this year, comfortably taking care of the Cowboys without their star halfback Adam Reynolds. The Broncos sit on 36 points, 3 wins ahead of 5th spot, all but guaranteeing them a top 4 finish. The Eels on the other hand rallied late, scoring 3 tries in the last 20 minutes to win by 6 points.
The Eels welcomed back Dylan Brown last week, who got a linebreak and a try assist. I expect his combinations to continue to develop as he gets some more match fitness. The Eels sit in 9th spot and know a win would aid them tremendously in their push for finals footy. While the Broncos should win this one, I expect the Eels to make it close.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Broncos 1-12 | $3.10 |
| Eels +11.5 | $1.87 |
| Either team to win by 1-12 | $2.05 |
Official Squads
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 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. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Daejarn Asi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Andrew Davey 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Wiremu Grieg 17. Brendan Hands
Rabbitohs vs Dragons
Kicking off Super Saturday we have the Rabbitohs hosting the Dragons in Cairns. The Rabbitohs are coming off a very disappointing defeat to the Sharks, while the Dragons are coming off a 6-point loss to the Eels, despite leading for most of the match. While the Rabbitohs did not look good, I have no doubt that they will find form before finals footy, with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker refining their combinations after not playing together for so long. My main concern for the Rabbitohs is their lack of middle forwards, with Tatola, Burgess and Sele out this week, they are left extremely thin.
The Dragons are still without De Belin, Suli and Sua but have showed they can cover adequately. There is no doubt that the Rabbitohs are the better side here and have a lot more to play for. If they can win the battle through the middle, they should put on a big score, but with their forward injuries, I think this one will be a closer battle than many expect.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Under 50.5 | $1.90 |
| Dragons +17.5 | $1.87 |
| Dragons +18.5 | $1.75 |
Official Squads
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Shaquai Mitchell 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Tallis Duncan 15. Jed Cartwright 16. Siliva Havili 17. Davvy Moale
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mat Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Ben Murdoch-Masila 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Toby Chouchman 17. Zane Musgrove
Tigers vs Warriors
Our second game of Super Saturday sees the Tigers hosting the Warriors, however, this one is taking place in New Zealand. The Tigers lost a close game against the Raiders last week by 4-points, while the Warriors won by just 10-points, despite having an extra player on the field for the majority of the game. The Tigers season is over, and they have essentially clinched the wooden spoon, yet they have looked much better with Brooks and Koroisau back. The Warriors have been in tremendous form, winning their last 4 and 8 of their last 10. However, they lost their full back Charnze last week to a head knock and it really showed, lacking cohesion in attack and missing his powerful running game.
The Warriors are playing this one in New Zealand, but they really didn’t impress me last week. Charnze is such a crucial part of their team and I think without him they will struggle a bit. This one could be a low scoring, gritty battle.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Under 48.5 | $1.85 |
| Tigers +15.5 | $1.87 |
| Warriors 1-1 | $3.40 |
Official Squads
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Staford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’I 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Alex Twal 17. Shawn Blore
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran
Roosters vs Dolphins
Our final game of Super Saturday sees the Roosters hosting the Dolphins. The Roosters are coming off an impressive 10-point victory against Manly, while the Dolphins are coming off a gutting 2-point loss to the Knights. The Roosters win gave them a sliver of hope, likely needing to win all of their remaining 4 to make finals. The Dolphins on the other hand are out of contention. The Roosters lose Nathan Brown to suspension but will welcome back Egan Butcher from a head knock.
These Roosters boys are used to playing finals footy and with them knowing there is a chance they can make it; they should be playing as if their season depends on it. They have looked an improved side in recent weeks, and I expect this run of form to continue. James Tedesco has historically found tremendous form in the backend of the season and I think he is likely to lead this Roosters side close to the top 8.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Roosters/Roosters | $1.75 |
| Roosters -9.5 | $1.87 |
| Tribet - Roosters by 7 or more | $1.65 |
Official Squads
Roosters: 1. Jamed Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joey Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Jared Warea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Terrell May 17. Dylan Napa
Dolphins: 1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiyah Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Ray Stone 15. Josh Kerr 16. Anthony Milford17. Jarrod Wallace
Storm vs Raiders
For our first game on Sunday, we see the Storm hosting the Raiders. The Storm are coming off a 20-point loss to the Panthers while the Raiders are coming off a narrow 4-point victory against the Tigers. These sides sit level on 30 points each, in 4th and 5th spot, with a win placing either side in the top 4. This game is a crucial one and both sides will come out firing needing the win. The Raiders have won a lot of close games this year, with their biggest winning margin being 10 points. The Storm are welcoming back Hughes, Olam and Coates into the side, and I expect them to make a big difference.
This Melbourne side historically don’t lose 2 in a row too often. After a disappointing performance last week, I expect Bellamy to get his side back on track and put in a good performance.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Storm -5.5 First Half | $1.83 |
| Storm -11.5 | $1.80 |
| Tribet – Storm by 7 or more | $1.60 |
Official Squads
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Will Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Eliesa Katoa 16. Tepai Moeroa 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Ethan Strange 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Nick Cotric 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. Adrian Trevilayn 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Ata Mariota
Knights vs Bulldogs
Closing out the round we have the Knights hosting the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are coming off the bye, while the Knights are coming off a narrow 2-point win against the Dolphins. While the Knights weren’t overly impressive last week, their win extended their streak to 5 in a row and put them into 7th position. This game is a game that the Knights should win and absolutely must win if they want to make the top 8. The Bulldogs on the other hand are playing for pride and testing out new combinations, with Toby Sexton and Kikau being integrated into the squad.
While the Bulldogs still have pride to play for, this game means too much to the Knights. They recently won this same fixture 66-0, and if the Knights are serious about playing finals footy this year, which is looking more like a probability than a possibility, I expect them to win this one rather comfortably.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Knights/Knights | $1.58 |
| Knights -12.5 | $1.90 |
| Knights -5.5 First Half | $1.70 |
Official Squads
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliot 14. Kurt Mann 15. Brodie Jones 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mat Croker
Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flannagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai-Junior 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Ryan Sutton 14. Kyle Flannagan 15. Luke Thompson 16. Liam Knights 17. Corey Waddell
