NRL Round 19 betting preview, free tips & predictions

With State of Origin finally in the rearview mirror, it’s time for NRL clubs to refocus on the charge toward September. Round 19 serves up a stack of crucial battles where struggling sides face top contenders, and there is a stack of value to be found over the weekend.

Here’s where the smart money lies this week, with the top NRL betting tips, form angles, and players to watch.

Cronulla Sharks vs Dolphins

Friday, July 11 – 8pm AEST – Sharks Stadium, Sydney

The Sharks limp out of the bye under real pressure after four losses in five games and repeated second-half collapses. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are riding a tidal wave of points, torching Souths 50-28 last start. Sean O’Sullivan steps in for Kodi Nikorima, but Kristian Woolf’s side looks full of confidence, and they’ve beaten the Sharks in both prior meetings.

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm

Saturday, July 12 – 3:00pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

The Storm are on a five-game heater and remain one of the best travelling sides in the NRL. Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return sharpens their attack further, and although the Newcastle Knights have shown spirit, their makeshift spine without Kalyn Ponga will struggle to hold out Melbourne’s rolling middle. Expect the Storm to pour it on late.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters

Saturday, July 12 – 5:30pm AEST – Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

The Roosters welcome back a stack of Origin talent and the brilliant Sam Walker at halfback. The Dragons have Valentine Holmes backing up from Origin but remain patchy and soft defensively. The Roosters have racked up 148 points in their last three games against the Dragons, and they look primed for another big one.

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North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Saturday, July 12 – 7:35pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

The Cowboys continue to leak points and have lost seven of their past nine. The Bulldogs, despite an epic fadeout against Brisbane last start, have enough strike to exploit the Cowboys’ porous defence. Canterbury second-rower Jacob Preston has been a shining light all season and looms as a big threat out wide.

New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers

Sunday, July 13 – 2pm AEST – Go Media Stadium, Auckland

It’s been a rough fortnight for the Warriors, who desperately need to stop the slide without Luke Metcalf. Meanwhile, the Tigers are buzzing after toppling the Roosters and regain Jarome Luai at five-eighth. History heavily favours the Warriors, but the Tigers could catch them cold here, especially if Luai sparks the attack.

Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers

Sunday, July 13 – 4:05pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney

The Eels remain scrappy but lack the polish without Mitch Moses, and the Panthers are slowly building a title defence despite juggling Origin fatigue. Penrith’s depth is excellent, but there’s a whiff of an upset brewing if the Eels can get Zac Lomax and Josh Addo-Carr enough quality ball. Take Parramatta to win with this one at great odds with the top online bookmakers.

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos

Sunday, July 13 – 6:15pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

The Broncos are chasing five straight wins and regain Ben Hunt at hooker, which sharpens their attack even further. The Titans welcome back David Fifita but remain the worst defensive team in the NRL. Expect Brisbane’s speed men like Josh Karapani to wreak havoc again.

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