NRL Round 25 odds and betting tips

Only 2 rounds left in the normal NRL season and it's down to the business end of the year.

Rabbitohs v Eels
Both teams need a miracle. And that miracle can only happen for the winners here, so this should be a cracker. The Eels have blown it completely in recent weeks but have looked, at times, a very dangerous team. The Rabbitohs will struggle to hold the Eels here. Back the Eels at $1.50 with Sportsbet.

Warriors v Broncos
Darren Lockyer misses out as the Broncos face a tough trip to Auckland in a must win game to hold off the likely charges of teams just sat below them. Brisbane were hammered by the Knights last week and need to get their focus back. That said, a Friday night in Auckland is not for the faint hearted. Lockyer will be missed, and the Broncos are starting to look fragile. Take the Warriors at $1.50 with Sportsbet.

Raiders v Cowboys
The Raiders are on the "bubble" in 9th place, behind Brisbane on points difference. A win here will probably take them into the top 8, the odds of $1.15 are just about right.

Knights v Dragons
The Knights need miracles to happen all over the league to reach the top 8. And the Dragons are not the team to assist in miracles. Take the away team to shut out the Knights defence in a tight game. Go to Sportsbet and back "under the points"

Sharks v Titans
The most one sided looking game of the week. The Titans look supreme, and are peaking at the business end of the season. The odds reflect this, but you cannot back against the Titans here. Take Gold Coast at $1.40 with Sportsbet and include them as the banker bet of the week.

Roosters v Sea Eagles
This is difficult to call. How much emphasis will these top 8 teams put on league position versus resting players in preparation for the knock out games. In such circumstances it often pays to back the outsider. The Sea Eagles price is too big at $2.38 with Sportsbet.

Tigers v Storm
Melbourne Storm, if they win their last 2 games, will have won more games than they did in 2009! The Tigers sit pretty in 3rd place on the ladder, but you simply cannot back against a Storm team looking to finish their season in style. At odds of $2.50 with Sportsbet, Storm are the value bet of the week.

Bulldogs v Panthers
The Bulldogs are poor. The Panthers are useful but inconsistent. And I am always wary of taking on teams in their final home game of the season. So no bet here.

All odds from Sportsbet, where new customers can get a free bet from $1, right up to $80. Sportsbet will match your first stake and give it back to you as a free bet!