NRL Tips Round 21: Betting preview, odds and predictions

State of Origin is in the rearview mirror, so we have a complete eight-game slate of NRL matches to look forward to this round. 

Both the Dragons and Tigers will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon when they face off on Thursday night.

We have a blockbuster affair lined up on Friday, with the Rabbitohs and Broncos set to battle it out.

Saturday will be headlined by a Cowboys vs. Eels clash as both sides push for a top-eight spot.

The weekend will then wrap up with the Sharks hosting the Sea Eagles in the Shire.

Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 21.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Wests Tigers prediction, tip, best bet

This is a very challenging match to predict the result of, so we're going the try-scorers route. 

The Dragons have scored a disproportionate 55 per cent of their tries on the right side this season (per Stats Insider), a stark contrast to the 25 per cent they score on the left.

Ryan Carr's side will look to take full advantage of this, with the Tigers conceding the majority of their tries - 44 per cent - on the left edge of their defence.

For this reason, Mikaele Ravalawa and Zac Lomax should be primed to find the line on Thursday night.

BEST BET: Mikaele Ravalawa ATS / Zac Lomax ATS ($1.72 / $2.50)

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet

Arguably the match of the round, the Rabbitohs and Broncos will go head-to-head in a clash between two finals contenders.

There are some huge ins for both teams, so we can expect a high-quality affair.

Souths' Origin stars will return, joined by the previously-injured quartet of Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow, Campbell Graham and Jacob Host.

The Broncos are welcoming back the suspended Reece Walsh along with Payne Haas - who has recovered from an ankle injury - and Maroons star Patrick Carrigan.

There really isn't much to split these sides, but the 'home ground' advantage could be enough to get Brisbane over the line.

Whilst the game is technically a Rabbitohs home fixture, Broncos fans will be out in numbers at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

BEST BET: Brisbane Broncos to win ($2.15)

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

There will be plenty on the line between the Cowboys and Eels, with both teams tied on 24 points and in a battle for the top eight.

Parramatta have a superior points differential so they sit in seventh, but North Queensland can jump above them and into the finals spots with a win this round.

Whilst the Eels are coming off a victory, it wasn't exactly a convincing one against the Titans.

Maika Sivo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard's suspensions also mean that Brad Arthur's side will be without some much-needed muscle on the wing and through the middle.

The Cowboys can be ruthless at home, and we expect them to get the job done convincingly on Saturday and extend their win streak to six matches.

BEST BET: North Queensland Cowboys -7.5 ($1.85)

Cronulla Sharks vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet

Whilst the Sharks have seriously struggled against top-eight sides this year, it has been quite the opposite when they face bottom-eight sides.

We're predicting this round will be no different, as they host the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Cronulla's bench in particular could be key, featuring Siosifa Talakai and the in-form Thomas Hazelton.

Manly's reinforcements, on the other hand, are relatively underwhelming, so the home side could blow them away as the match matures.

BEST BET: Cronulla Sharks -8.5 and over 42.5 points ($2.80)