NRL Tips Round 18 2025 Expert Footy Predictions: Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler

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Andrew Johns is backing the Broncos to get the candies in a Friday evening blockbuster regardless of Michael Maguire’s crew being decimated.

Brisbane has misplaced Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Patrick Carrigan to State of Origin, whereas gun winger Jesse Arthars and prop Corey Jensen have additionally been dominated out.

Canterbury is lacking Stephen Crichton and Max King to Origin, whereas Jacob Kiraz has been named 18th man for the Blues and so will not be accessible for his membership.

It is a merciless twist for the Canines who additionally misplaced Matt Burton to 18th man duties in video games one and two of the Origin collection.

It evens out this time, although, as Brisbane loses star fullback Walsh as a consequence of him being Queensland’s 18th man.

Broncos players react after conceding a try against Manly in round 13. — Payne Haas is likely one of the Broncos gamers lacking. Getty

Nonetheless, Johns reckons the Broncos can upset Canterbury in Sydney.

“I’ll go the Broncos on the again of (halfback) Adam Reynolds,” Johns informed Large World of Sports activities.

“Moist climate footy, his kicking recreation is way superior, particularly his attacking kicks.

“Accor (Stadium) will get slippery, so it is going to be actually slippery. I would say they will not mow it due to Origin on Wednesday, so you have to get your tries from kicks.”

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Brad Fittler goes the opposite method, and is backing Bulldogs five-eighth Burton to be the distinction.

“I am going with Burton,” Fittler stated.

“They obtained beat by Penrith (so) they are going to be a bit hungrier… they are going to plough that left-hand facet.

“It will likely be an attention-grabbing recreation.”

The Bulldogs sit second on the NRL ladder with 11 wins from 14 video games, however with the assistance of three byes – for which they bizarrely get six competitors factors.

The Broncos sit fifth on eight wins, surprisingly the identical quantity as Cronulla who sit tenth as a consequence of solely having one bye to date.

Scroll under for the present leaderboard and Spherical 18 suggestions by all 9’s knowledgeable tipsters!