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NRL tips for this weekend: Betting preview, predictions and odds for Round 20

The Sporting News

NRL tips for this weekend: Betting preview, predictions and odds for Round 20 image

We're entering the business end of the NRL season.

Just six points cover the teams from 7th to 16th, so it's still all to play for.

The Sporting News delivers its predictions and best bets for select Round 20 matches in the NRL — all odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.

MORENRL injury list | NRL draw, fixtures | NRL ladder, standings

Dolphins vs. Cowboys prediction, tip, best bet

This is shaping up to be a bit of a try-fest.

The Dolphins have scored the second-most points of any team in the league, while the Cowboys have conceded the most.

While this bodes well for the home side, they will be without Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Mark Nicholls and Sean O'Sullivan for the clash.

Sure, they aren't "stars", but their combined absence will almost certainly be felt.

Keep an eye on Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden, who should still be riding a high off Origin.

North Queensland – who need a win to stay in touch with the top eight – are strong underdog candidates here.

Prediction: Cowboys by 6

Best bet: 

Panthers vs. Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet

The Panthers are on a roll.

Ivan Cleary's side will be aiming for a sixth straight win on Friday when they take on the struggling Rabbitohs.

It's probably best not to overthink this one – Penrith are in form, South Sydney are out of form.

At home, it's hard to see how the Panthers lose this one.

Prediction: Panthers by 12

Best bet: 

Storm vs. Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet

Melbourne will be chasing their 11th consecutive win at AAMI Park on Saturday night when they take on Manly.

The Sea Eagles are 2-5 away from home this season, which makes them very hard to tip.

Manly have also scored just 25 points in their last three visits to Victoria.

As they welcome back Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates, the Storm should have more than enough quality to get the job done.

Prediction: Storm by 16

Best bet: 

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