The judiciary has been hard at work this week rubbing blokes out, there will be plenty of key players peeling oranges instead of bagging meat pies. Ladbrokes are offering $2 lines for Thursday and Friday’s games, a winner or two early in the round would be ideal.
Thursday
Penrith Panthers ($1.15) VS Newcastle Knights ($5.40) – BlueBet Stadium
Penrith survived a scare from the Brisbane Broncos last week with a 43m field goal in the 74th minute and a try from Nathan Cleary getting them home. The Knights will need to go to a level they haven’t reached in a while to be competitive.
Suggested Bet – Penrith Panthers -17.5 @ $2
Friday
Gold Coast Titans ($2.70) VS South Sydney Rabbitohs ($1.46) – Cbus Super Stadium
Both teams will be without attacking weapons in Tino (Titans) and Latrell (Bunnies). The Titans were embarrassed last week by Manly and Souths somehow won a thriller against the Tigers. The Bunnies will miss Latrell but the Titans will miss Tino more.
Suggested Bet – South Sydney Rabbitohs -6.5 @ $2
Parramatta Eels ($1.18) VS Brisbane Broncos ($4.60) – TIO Stadium, Darwin
This will be a much better game than people expect, should be a tough physical game that will be won in the middle third. Some concerns whether Brisbane can replicate last week’s performance but I am backing they can, a Broncos win here would not surprise.
Suggested Bet – Brisbane Broncos +14 @ $2
Saturday
Cronulla Sharks ($1.17) VS Canterbury Bulldogs ($5) – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The Dogs have often struggled in attack but are suited against a Sharks team that leak plenty of points. Likely to a game full of errors and possession swings, which often leads to points. Plenty of attack and not much defence.
Suggested Bet – Total Match Points over 42.5 @ $1.90
North Queensland Cowboys ($3.70) VS Canberra Raiders ($1.28) – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The Raiders have been a big disappointment thus far and with a number of players either out of form or injured, the Cows somehow have an opportunity to put 3 wins together.
Suggested Bet – North Queensland Cowboys +9.5 @ $1.90
Sunday
Wests Tigers ($2.65) VS Manly Sea Eagles ($1.48) – Bankwest Stadium
Should be a pretty entertaining game of footy with both teams looking to get their seasons back on track. ‘Turbo’ was back to his best last week and if he refrains from ‘Corso sprints’ leading into this game, he looks the deciding factor.
Suggested bet – Manly Sea Eagles -5.5 @ $1.90
Sydney Roosters ($1.50) VS St George Illawarra Dragons ($2.55) – SCG
Both teams are missing their star playmaker. The Roosters will appreciate a drop back in class from Melbourne last week to the Dragons. Love the matchup for the Roosters with their right edge attack against Dragons Left edge defence.
Suggested bet – Sydney Roosters -6 @ $1.90
Melbourne Storm ($1.41) VS New Zealand Warriors ($6.40) – AAMI Park
‘Pap’ is a big loss for the Storm and whilst Hynes is a suitable replacement, he is nowhere near the class of Pap. The Warriors might not have the troops to win but expect them to dig their heels in and keep this one close for long enough.
Suggested bet – New Zealand Warriors +16.5 @ $1.90