NRL Round 22 Expert Tips

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With just a handful of rounds remaining in the regular season, every match in Round 22 carries significant weight. Finals hopefuls are battling for position, while teams outside the top eight are running out of chances to keep their seasons alive.

North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters
Tip: Cowboys 1-12

The Cowboys have been one of the competition's most unpredictable sides, but they have consistently lifted at home. The Roosters have shown glimpses of their best football throughout the year, yet their inconsistency away from home could prove costly.

Expect a physical battle through the middle, with both forward packs looking to dominate possession. North Queensland's home advantage should be enough to see them edge a close contest that could go either way.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Dolphins
Tip: Dolphins 13+

The Dolphins enter this clash with a strong side and should have far too much attacking firepower for the Dragons. Their speed around the ruck and ability to create second-phase opportunities has troubled opponents all season.

The Dragons will need to be near perfect defensively to stay in the contest, but the Dolphins should eventually pull away.

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs
Tip: Storm 1-12

Arguably the match of the round sees two top 8 contenders face off. The Bulldogs have found better form with their best players in their best positions, while Melbourne can always find ways to win even when not at their best.

Expect a finals-like atmosphere with very little separating the teams. The Storm's experience in big games gives them the slight edge in a must win game for both sides.

Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors
Tip: Warriors 1-12

The Warriors are difficult to beat, but the Titans have shown they can trouble quality opposition when their attack clicks, especially in recent weeks with the likes of Jayden Campbell and Oliver Pascoe proving difference makers.

Expect this Warriors side to control possession and field position for long periods, although the Titans should remain competitive throughout.

Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders
Tip: Panthers 1-12

This shapes as another heavyweight clash. Canberra continue to impress with their toughness and resilience, while Penrith are yet to rediscover the clinical football that has made them one of the competition's benchmark teams.

The Panthers rarely lose these high-pressure contests at home and should do enough to secure another important victory, but this game is a massive chance for the Raiders to continue their charge for finals footy.

Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights
Tip: Broncos 1-12

Brisbane are pretty much dusted in the finals race, but that could take away some pressure. Newcastle have been competitive in recent weeks but have struggled to consistently convert opportunities into points.

The Broncos should control territory and possession as they are at home and every game for them is must win. This game should have heaps of points and be an end to end game.

Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tip: Sharks 1-12

Cronulla's attack has looked dangerous all season, particularly when their spine is firing, and they are firing at their best right now. South Sydney continue to fight hard but have a tough evening in this one.

The Rabbitohs won't make it easy, but the Sharks should have enough quality to claim an important win for their premiership push.

Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels
Tip: Eels 1-12

The final game of the round is a belter, and always seems to be a close game with both teams scoring 20+. Parramatta have shown signs of improvement, while the Tigers have fallen off a cliff and been surrounded by off-field issues.

The Eels played really well after a robbery against the Panthers, but must convert field position into more points.