Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – GIO Stadium, Canberra
A tough game to call. I am nervous about taking unders bets this week considering the potential high tackle crackdown we likely see in the NRL this weekend, however the odds are juicy on most games (likely not a coincidence….) Sin bins lead to blow outs, however I do think this game will be a close one. The Raiders are rarely embarrassed, but I expect the Sharks to have a bit too much quality. Poor Kaeo Weekes has had a torrid time under the high ball of late and I expect Trindall to pepper him tonight which will lead to good quality ball on the Raiders line.
Suggested Bet: Sharks -4.5, Under 46.5 points & Hudson Young ATS @ $17
Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Nathan Cleary returns for the Penrith, which is welcome news for their poor fans who have had to endure a tough few weeks. Poor things…
I think Penrith win, however the NRL has been very tough to predict in the opening rounds so value is hard to come by when opting for the favourite. I have opted to go with the stats on this one and place a FTS bet. Penriths left winger has scored in each of their last 5 home games, lets hope he grabs the first one here.
Suggested Bet: Casey McLean FTS @ $8
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters – Accor Stadium, Sydney
The game of the round this week – should be a belter! Another tight one to call, so we will be backing either team to win by 10 or less. Daniel Tupou is in good tryscoring form and has a good matchup against Mikaele Ravalawa who can be prone to some poor defensive reads. Latrell Mitchell has scored a try (or more) in 5 of his last 6 appearances for the Bunnies.
Suggested Bet: Either Team by 10 or less, Daniel Tupou ATS, Latrell Mitchell ATS @ $8
Parramatta Eels vs St. George Illawarra Dragons – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
My beloved Eels take on the Dragons in what promises to be an uncomfortable 80 minutes for Parramatta fans. King Gutho will be up for this one and expect him to be heavily involved in everything the Dragons throw at the Eels. The odds are quite surprising to me, however as we have learned recently there is no such thing as a sure thing on the NRL. The Dragons are very left hand edge dominant so we are looking to players that feature heavily on that side of the field.
Suggested Bet: Dragons -12.5, Clint Gutherson ATS, Christian Tuipulotu ATS @ $8
Gold Coast Titans vs The Dolphins – Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans have looked good over the last two weeks, securing 2 wins. The Dolphins are really struggling and haven’t found a way to get Hamiso Tabui-Fidow enough ball. This is a fixture where I expect points, so happy to run the gauntlet on a few backs to get over the white stripe, with Beau Fermor for a bit of back row value up against a somewhat make shift Dolphins edge.
Suggested Bet: Herbie Farnworth ATS, Phillip Sami ATS, Beau Fermor ATS @ $20
Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Broncos are very short in a game that they are expected to win quite convincingly. Backing the in form man Shibasaki to get across the tryline again – what a turn around of form it has been for the former Newcastle Knight. Reynolds has had the ball on a string of late so I’m backing Piakura to get on the end of a short kick.
Suggested Bet: Gehamat Shibasaki ATS, Brendan Piakura ATS @ $7.50
Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm – 4 Pines Park, Sydney
The Battle of Brookie! Narrowly pipped for game of the round by the Souths vs Roosters game, this one is sure to be a great watch for the neutral. I would expect a cagey affair with both sides not wanting to give much away in the early stages. This game is likely won through the middle, so this is where our money goes this week.
Suggested Bet: Under 48.5 points, Harry Grant ATS, Haumole Olakau’atu ATS @ $24
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights – Accor Stadium, Sydney
The in form team of the competition, the Bulldogs, take on the Knights at Accor Stadium. They keep exceeding expectations even with some experienced cattle on the sideline in the form of Kikau & Burton. Their defence will be too strong for the Knights and I am backing them to get the job done.
Suggested Bet: Under 45.5 points, Bradman Best ATS, Bulldogs win @ $11
