With preparations for the State of Origin opener underway, several teams will be hit hard by the absence of star players.
Who will cope the best amid this tricky period?
The Sporting News delivers its predictions and best bets for all five Round 12 matches in the NRL— all odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.
MORE: NRL injury list | NRL draw, fixtures | NRL ladder, standings
Bulldogs vs. Dolphins prediction, tip, best bet
For the past few years, the Bulldogs haven't been hit too hard during Origin, but they've become a victim of their own success this season.
Kurt Mann, Max King and captain Stephen Crichton are all at their respective states' camps ahead of Game 1, while Jacob Kiraz is absent with an untimely injury.
Josh Curran is back on deck after a suspension, though.
For the Dolphins, they'll be without star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Origin) and captain Tom Gilbert (injury).
Notably, both teams' starting halves combos are intact, which should keep the overall quality of the match high.
We're expecting the Bulldogs' current form to prove too much for their opponents in a high-scoring battle.
Prediction: Bulldogs by 8
Best bet: Over 41.5 points ($1.82)
Eels vs. Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet
The Eels were a very lacklustre side to start the season without Mitchell Moses, so it will be interesting to see how they cope without their star halfback this week.
Zac Lomax is also a massive blow to their backline, but keep an eye on the rising Jordan Samrani in the centres.
Manly will also be without their main playmaker, with Daly Cherry-Evans called up again for Queensland.
This could be a clunky match, but the Sea Eagles appear to have the more trustworthy line-up on paper.
Prediction: Sea Eagles by 4
Best bet: Sea Eagles 1-12 / Under 46.5 points ($5.00)
Panthers vs. Knights prediction, tip, best bet
Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Nathan Cleary are all away on Origin duties this week for the Panthers.
This is far from ideal for a Penrith side who sit outside the top eight after recording just three wins.
Kalyn Ponga is the only Knights player selected for the Origin opener, and his attacking ability will be missed big time by a team already struggling to score points.
Despite all of the absences for the home side, it's hard to see how a Newcastle side – who have scored single-digits four times this season – have the firepower to trump their opponents.
Prediction: Panthers by 10
Best bet: Panthers to score first and win ($1.91)
Roosters vs. Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
Just as the Roosters have regained their confidence, a host of players are out of action this week due to Origin commitments.
Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Robert Toia and Spencer Leniu have been called up, leaving the Roosters a little thin.
The Sharks, meanwhile, will only be without the injured Samuel Stonestreet.
Off the back of their impressive win over the Storm, they should have the momentum required to grab the two competition points here.
Prediction: Sharks by 6
Best bet: Sharks 1-12 ($2.85)
Warriors vs. Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
These two sides are relatively unscathed Origin-wise, which should make this top-four battle an entertaining one.
Neither of these teams were projected to sit this high on the ladder, but both have proved to be genuine threats in 2025.
This is set up to be a close encounter, but with the Warriors yet to lose a game at home this season, they deserve to be favourites.
We also like a fired-up Corey Horsburgh – who was snubbed by Queensland for Game 1 – to crash over for the Raiders.
Prediction: Warriors by 4
Best bet: Corey Horsburgh to score a try ($10.00)