The season seems to be flying past as we are already at round 8! This season continues to deliver, with more tight games and upsets than we have ever seen before. Expect more of the same in round 8, as we have been gifted with an awesome Anzac Round of footy. Stay tuned and continue reading if you want to find value in the market across all 8 NRL games this week!
NRL 2023 Round 8
Rabbitohs vs Panthers
What an absolute gift to kick off one of the best rounds of footy for the entire season! The Rabbitohs host the Panthers and will be looking for revenge for round 2 and the 2021 grand final. Both sides are looking borderline unbeatable, with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker finding form for the Rabbitohs while the Panthers are unbeaten in 3.
Historically this has been a tight affair that the Panthers have had the better of, winning 5 in a row, however 3 of these have been decided by 6 points or less. The Panthers are looking like a well-oiled machine, while the Bunnies have just lost Koloamatangi for an extended period. If there is any side able to shut down the inform Walker and Mitchell, it’s this Panthers side.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
 | Panthers -5.5 | $1.85 |
 | Panthers to win | $1.48 |
 | Either team by 1-12 | $1.75 |
Predicted Squads
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Michael Chee Kam12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matthew Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Linday Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon
Eels vs Broncos
The Eels host the Broncos in our sole Friday game this week. Both sides are shaping up to be premiership contenders and are both coming off big wins last week. This week starts off a difficult period for the Broncos as they face the Eels, Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Storm and Panthers in the next 5 games with only 1 being at home. On the flip side, Paramatta have just come through their difficult stretch of games and have some easier opponents after Brisbane.
While this should be an absolute cracker, there have been some rumblings that Adam Reynolds has failed to train this week and will be out. If this news is true, I think Paramatta are the play here, with a more experienced spine. I also do think the Eels are slightly underrated and the Broncos are slightly overrated due to the strength of schedule they’ve faced in the first 7 rounds.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Eels to win | $2.15 |
| Eels +3.5 | $1.87 |
| Eels +1.5 first half | $1.89 |
Predicted Squads
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 15. Brendan Hands 16. Wiremu Grieg 17. Matt Doorey
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jenses 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau
Bulldogs vs Sharks
We have a shortened Super Saturday once again due to Anzac Day Footy on Tuesday, but this game should not disappoint. The Bulldogs suffered severely last week, losing 30-4 to the Eels but more importantly losing several big names. The Bulldogs are now without both first choice wingers in Kiraz and Addo-Carr, as well as having a forward injury crisis on their hands. This side while expected to produce big results this year, will struggle to do so while this battered and bruised.
The Sharks on the other hand are raring to go, coming off a big win against the Roosters. Their attack is looking more elegant each week, primarily thanks to Nicho Hynes and Will Kennedy, while Blayke Brailey is really growing into his role as an experienced number 9. This Sharks side is better across the park than this Bulldogs side this week and should get past them quite comfortably.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Sharks 13+ | $2.15 |
| Sharks -13.5 | $1.87 |
| Sharks to win both halves | $1.85 |
Predicted Squads
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Declan Casey 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Wadell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Andrew Davey 17. Ryan Sutton
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron Mcinnes 14. Wade Graha, 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazleton
Cowboys vs Knights
Wrapping up Super Saturday we have the Cowboys hosting the Knights. The Cowboys are coming off one of the poorest attacking performances I have seen in recent memory, completing at an impressive 86% but completely unable to worry the Warriors in defense. Conversely, The Knights are coming off an incredibly gutsy performance, falling short in golden point to the Panthers while down on troops.
The Knights will be welcoming back Jacob Saifiti and potentially Ponga, while the Cowboys have lost star forward Taumalolo to a knee injury. The Cowboys have been far too lackluster this season, failing to replicate last season’s form while the Knights continue to impress on the back of their strong power game starting with their wingers. While the Cowboys are home and in desperate need of a win, I can’t go past the Knights here.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Knights +2.5 | $1.90 |
| Knights to win | $2.15 |
| Either team by 1-12 | $1.68 |
Predicted Squads
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan Mclean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Tom Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Mitchell Dunn
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Matt Croker 17. Jack Hetherington
Dolphins vs Titans
The Dolphins host the Titans in yet another highly anticipated Queensland derby. Last week both sides were unfortunately outclassed by superior opposition in the Rabbitohs and Broncos, and both will be looking to bounce back. Both sides have impressed so far with the Titans picking up 3 wins from 6 on the back of tries from young gun Khan-Pereira and an increased work rate from David Fifita, while the Dolphins have impressed all over the park, defying the odds and boasting a 4-3 record.
This week will be contingent on injury news, with Aj Brimson potentially retuning from a hamstring injury this week, while the Dolphins have Felise Kaufusi returning as well as potentially welcoming back Jarrod Wallace and Tesi Niu. If Brimson does not return here, I think the Dolphins at home should be too good for the Titans. This one is likely to be a high scoring shootout, with both sides preferring attack over defense, being involed in a combined 119 points last week.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Dolphins 1-12 | $3.10 |
| Dolphins -2.5 | $1.87 |
| Over 45.5 | $1.91 |
Predicted Squads
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marhsall-King 10. Herma Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghue
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiano Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Eric Clark 17. Klese Haas
Tigers vs Sea Eagles
Closing out our Sunday Ticket, we have the Tigers hosting the Sea Eagles. The Tigers have had an awfully rough start to the year, picking up their first points through the bye last week, while the Sea Eagles have only lost 2 out of their 6 games, picking up an impressive win against the Storm last week. Manly have been dominant in recent meetings between these two sides, winning each of the last 4 encounters.
The Tigers’ season has gone from bad to worse, losing their playmaker and goal kicker Adam Doueihi while the Sea Eagles are welcoming back their goal kicker Reuben Garrick and potentially their playmaker Josh Schuster. Once this Manly side get going, shifting the ball early from the back, they are almost impossible to beat. Their confidence should be at an all-time high, facing a poor Tigers side after an impressive win of their own. I expect the Sea Eagles to be far too good for the Tigers, with Tom Trbojevic and co having an absolute field day.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime double – Manly/Manly | $1.72 |
| Manly -9.5 | $1.87 |
| Race to 30 - Manly | $2.50 |
Predicted Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Samuela Fainu 15. Sean Keppie 16. Aaron Woods 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Stained 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamano 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Daine Laurie 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Tommy Talau
Roosters vs Dragons
Anzac Day bring us 2 staples in the NRL calendar, first of which sees the Roosters hosting the Dragons in what is always a highly anticipated affair. This is a game where we can throw both sides form out the window, as both teams will be up for the contest come Anzac Day. While both sides have started off a little bit slow, the pedigree lies with the Roosters side.
The news this week is that Sam Walker has been dropped for the Rooster in favor of Joey Manu at 6. While this may seem like a loss for the Roosters, I think this makes them more dangerous. Having 2 killer ball runners at 1 and 6 in Tedesco and Manu is sure to cause problems for the Dragons, and on the back of it I can see the Roosters bouncing back and finding some form.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime double – Roosters/Roosters | $1.55 |
| Roosters -12.5 | $1.87 |
| Score First / Halftime / Fulltime - Roosters/Roosters/Roosters | $2.00 |
Predicted Squads
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joey Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Terrell May 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matt Lodge
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Michael Molo 17. Josh Kerr
Storm vs Warriors
What a fitting way to end off a special round in the NRL as the Storm host the Warriors in an Anzac Day classic. The Warriors will want to forget last year’s Anzac Day game as they lost 70-10 to the Storm, however, are looking like a far superior side this year. 7 weeks into the competition and the Warriors are still sitting at 3rd place, winning 5 of their 7 games. Melbourne are not too far off the pace, winning 4 of their 7.
Melbourne were poor last week but are welcoming back fullback Nick Meaney as well as star enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona. While the Warriors have been great to start the year, they cannot afford to play how they did last week, being let off by the Cowboys’ poor attack. Bellamy is the master of bouncing back after a loss, and I think this combined with the significance of Anzac Day should be enough for the Storm to rise to their usual standards, which should be too much for the Warriors to handle.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime double – Storm/Storm | $1.52 |
| Storm -11.5 | $1.87 |
| Storm -5.5 first half | $1.72 |
Predicted Squads
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Will Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Jazz Tevaga 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bailey Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale
