NRL Round 19 Expert Tips

Photo: NRL

NRL action returns following State of Origin, with Round 19 featuring several crucial clashes that could have a major impact on the race for the finals. There are plenty of evenly matched contests, while a handful of premiership contenders have an opportunity to make a statement.

Here are my predictions for every game.

State of Origin III

Tip: Queensland 13+

The decider is set up perfectly, with everything on the line. Queensland have built a reputation for delivering in Origin deciders, particularly when written off, and I think they'll rise to the occasion once again. Their forward pack should lay the platform early, allowing the Maroons to control the game and pull away in the second half. Laurie Daley's selection's will let down another promising year for NSW, meaning QLD will have won 4/5 series.

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors

Tip: Warriors 13+

The Warriors continue to impress and have established themselves as one of the competition's most consistent teams. Their pack should dominate the middle, creating plenty of opportunities for their spine to capitalise. The Tigers have shown improvement this season, but this looks like a difficult assignment against one of the NRL's form sides, especially with some top players missing.

Dolphins vs Cronulla Sharks

Tip: Dolphins 1-12

This shapes as one of the games of the round. Both sides are genuine finals contenders and possess dangerous attacking weapons across the park. Home advantage gives the Dolphins the slight edge, but expect a tight contest that could be decided in the final 10 minutes. Origin guns are on the bench, so the lineups could be stronger come Saturday.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders

Tip: Bulldogs 1-12

The Bulldogs have built their season on defensive resilience and should be able to grind out another important victory. Canberra will compete as they always do, but Canterbury's ability to control possession and defend their line should be enough to secure the two competition points. The changing of key players positions looks like it should pay of again for Cameron Ciraldo.

Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels

Tip: Roosters 1-12

The Roosters have been building nicely over recent weeks and should have too much quality for Parramatta. The Eels remain capable of producing an upset on their day, but the Roosters' class across the park should see them prevail in another potentially close encounter, with the Eels defence much better against Manly.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights

Tip: Knights 13+

Newcastle are beginning to hit their stride at the right time of the season, and I expect them to continue that momentum here. Their attack has failed to score a heap of points in recent games, but should score well against Souths, while South Sydney have struggled to consistently match the competition's stronger sides, and have key players out for this game.

Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys

Tip: Cowboys 1-12

This could prove to be one of the toughest games to predict all weekend. Both teams remain firmly in the finals race, but North Queensland have quietly gone about their business and are looking for an end of season push. Expect a physical contest, with the Cowboys doing just enough to edge a close result, in a very tight game on paper.

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans

Tip: Storm 13+

Melbourne have an ideal opportunity to make a statement to boost their chances of finals footy. The Titans possess plenty of attacking talent but continue to struggle defensively, something the Storm are well equipped to exploit. Expect Craig Bellamy's side to control the contest from the outset and record a comfortable victory at home.

Round 19 Predictions

• State of Origin III: Queensland 13+
• Warriors 13+ vs Wests Tigers
• Dolphins 1-12 vs Sharks
• Bulldogs 1-12 vs Raiders
• Roosters 1-12 vs Eels
• Knights 13+ vs Rabbitohs
• Cowboys 1-12 vs Sea Eagles
• Storm 13+ vs Titans