NRL Round 12 Tips & Preview - Best Bets for Round 12

Check out the best tip for each game of Round 12 below. Only five games take place due to State of Origin Game 1 taking place next Wednesday.

It's been a dream start to the season for the Bulldogs - they've put together a brilliant 9-1 record and lead the competition heading into Round 12, while the Dolphins lost some momentum with a tight loss at Suncorp last week to the Warriors. Canterbury have suffered from some slow starts over the last fortnight, coming back from big half-time deficits to beat the Raiders and Roosters, while Max King and Stephen Crichton join a growing 'out' list after being picked for Origin. Backing the Dogs in a low-scoring affair at Accor.

Both teams coming off confidence-boosting last-start victories, with the Eels easing past the embattled Knights and Manly registering an upset 13+ victory over the Cowboys in Townsville. Both sides are also missing key halves for this encounter, with Mitch Moses selected for NSW and Daly Cherry-Evans getting the call-up for Queensland. Even though they struggle considerably without Moses, Parra look decent value as $2.60 underdogs at CommBank against a Manly team without DCE.

Footy returns to the country town of Bathurst as the Panthers square off against the lowly Knights. Penrith have obviously been hit hard by Origin, while Kalyn Ponga is missing for Newcastle. The Knights have lost seven of their last eight matches and could only manage six points at home against the Eels last week. Newcastle have seen Under 44.5 points in nine of their 10 games this season, so another low-scoring contest looks likely here.

The Sharks will be hoping to keep the good times rolling when they meet the Roosters in Gosford on Saturday night. Cronulla have won five of their last six games, including an outstanding victory over the Storm last week. Importantly, the Sharks are unaffected by Origin, with none of their players earning selection, while the Roosters lose four players. The Chooks let slip of a 14-0 halftime lead against the Dogs last week, but showcased impressive intensity throughout. Unfortunately, a full-strength Sharks side will probably prove too strong.

It's an unlikely top four showdown as the Warriors and Raiders collide across the ditch. Both players have lost one forward each to Origin, with Mitch Barnett and Hudson Young featuring for NSW next week. The Warriors have won eight of their last nine games, but continue to ride their luck with another close win over the Dolphins last week, with their points differential just +5. For context, the third-placed Raiders have a differential of +65 after cruising past the Titans at home last week. Should be another close contest - either team by a 1-12 margin appeals.