NRL Tips Round 13: Betting preview, odds and predictions for every game

With State of Origin around the corner, we have a shortened round of NRL coming up.

Five matches will be played, with numerous teams impacted by Origin selection.

Can the Dragons win their second match on the trot without captain Ben Hunt?

And can the Broncos bounce back from defeat despite missing a number of key stars?

Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 13.

Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons prediction, tip, best bet

Like many sides this round, both these teams are missing key personnel for this clash.

The Dolphins will be without their electric fullback Hamiso Tabuai Fidow and physical forward Tom Gilbert due to Origin, whilst Felise Kaufusi is suspended.

For the Dragons, their captain Ben Hunt is in the Maroons camp, with Blake Lawrie and Jaydn Su'a ruled out through injury.

The absences should make for a tight encounter, and we believe that the Red V have the ability to at least cover a +5.5 handicap off the back of their thrilling win over the Roosters.

If their young halves duo of Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan thrive, they may also pick up the win.

BEST BET: Dragons +5.5 ($2.00 with BlueBet) 

Parramatta Eels vs. North Queensland Cowboys prediction, tip, best bet

An undermanned Cowboys side will come up against a confident Eels team on Friday in what is likely to be a one-sided encounter.

North Queensland are without key players including Reuben Cotter and Valentine Holmes, with Origin taking a toll on their squad.

As for Parramatta, they are not overly impacted by Origin but are missing Ryan Matterson and Andrew Davey from last week's win.

We don't believe there is too much value in a hefty -14.5 handicap, so we're going a different route.

Matt Doorey has worked his way back into the team after a stint in the reserve grade, and we're expecting him to return with a bang.

He scored a double for their NSW Cup side a few weeks ago and could be an attacking threat against a weakened Cowboys team.

BEST BET: Matt Doorey anytime tryscorer ($4.00 with BlueBet) 

New Zealand Warriors vs. Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet

With five key players out, the Broncos come into this match as underdogs.

Kevin Walters' side has been known to pile on the points this season, but without the physical presence of Payne Haas and the agility of Reece Walsh, it's hard to see them run the scoreboard up on Saturday.

As for the Warriors, they have been solid defensively, whilst being relatively modest in attack, averaging 18.5 points per game.

We're predicting a close encounter between the two sides, with tries to come at a premium.

BEST BET: Under 7.5 tries ($2.03 with BlueBet) 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet

Both these teams are missing some experienced enforcers, therefore winning the physical battle early will be key.

They are also both entering this clash following significant losses last round, so it will be interesting to see who is able to bounce back.

Notably, the Rabbitohs have scored 43 per cent of their tries this season down the left-hand side, whilst the Raiders have conceded 47 per cent of tries on the same edge (per Stats Insider).

It's not a revolutionary tip, but based on the data, we think AJ is primed to score another try on Saturday night.

BEST BET: Alex Johnston anytime tryscorer ($1.61 with BlueBet) 

Newcastle Knights vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet

Despite their emphatic win last week, the Sea Eagles are certainly up against it this round.

They are missing Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic through Origin, whilst Jake Trbojevic is out with an injury.

The Knights, on the other hand, are only without Tyson Frizell and could benefit from Kalyn Ponga returning to fullback. 

In front of a pumped-up Newcastle crowd, we believe that Adam O'Brien's side will have a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

BEST BET: Knights -8.5 ($1.85 with BlueBet)