NRL Round 14 tips: Betting preview, odds and predictions

It is set to be an interesting weekend of NRL action, with a number of key players named to back up after Origin Game 1.

The Tigers and Raiders will open proceedings on Friday night before the Sharks and Broncos face off in arguably the clash of the round on Saturday.

The Storm will then hope to regain ascendency over the Cowboys on Sunday when they visit Townsville.

Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 14.

Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet

The Raiders bounced back last week with an impressive win over the Rabbitohs but now face a potentially tricky match-up against the Tigers on Friday night.

Hudson Young has been named to back up for Canberra following Origin, but with one day of rest, his effectiveness could be limited.

The visiting side will also be without Jarrod Croker, who is being rested ahead of his 300th game milestone at home next week.

As for the Tigers, after a woeful start to the season, they have begun to string together some positive performances, with their most recent success a 66-18 thrashing of the Cowboys.

Apisai Koroisau is expected to slot back in at hooker after Origin, whilst Stefano Utoikamanu will likely be fresh as an unused reserve for the Blues.

In front of their home fans, we're backing the Tigers to get the job done in a tight clash.

BEST BET: Wests Tigers to win ($2.15 with BlueBet)

Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet

After being dropped in Round 12, Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira will return to the first team this weekend against the Rabbitohs.

His axing was a surprising decision, with the 21-year-old having scored 12 tries already this season. 

He will likely want to prove a point on Saturday, so we are predicting that he will find the line again.

Although Gold Coast come into the match as underdogs, they have gone on random point-scoring flurries during the season, with Khan-Pereira often at the heart of them.

BEST BET: Alofiana Khan-Pereira to score a try (odds TBC)

Cronulla Sharks vs. Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet

The Broncos will be hoping to snatch back second spot on the ladder from the Sharks on Saturday night.

In a surprise move, Brisbane have named all five of their Origin stars on the team sheet, but there is naturally skepticism around fitness levels.

Cronulla will be boosted by the return of barnstorming centre Siosifa Talakai, who is yet to reach the same level he showcased in early 2022. 

Assuming Nicho Hynes does not play big minutes in the Origin series opener, he will be crucial to continuing Cronulla's strong form. 

In front of a packed-out Shark Park, the home team should have the energy and personnel required to record a strong win.

BEST BET: Cronulla Sharks -4.5 ($1.95 with BlueBet)

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet

There is no doubting that the Storm are a better side than the Cowboys on paper.

However, this match poses as a potential slip-up for Craig Bellamy's team. 

Melbourne have won a remarkable nine of the past 10 games between the two sides, but their most recent head-to-head clash, a 36-6 defeat in Townsville, proved they aren't invincible.

North Queensland's Origin stars have been named in the reserves for now, with the potential they back up after a few days of rest, which would be a major boost.

It has been a challenging season for the Cowboys thus far, but their performance against the Eels showcased their toughness, even if the second half ran away from them.

This is a game that the Storm should win, but North Queensland Stadium is never an easy place to visit. We're tipping the Cowboys to go close in this one.

BEST BET: North Queensland Cowboys +6.5 ($1.90 with BlueBet)