Tag: Cronulla Sharks

Can the Sharks Weather the Storm in 2016 NRL Grand Final?

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Sunday may well be a day of rest for many, but certainly not in Sydney this Sunday October 2nd. All of Australia will be tuning in to watch the NRL Grand Final, and thousands of fans will pack the impressive ANZ Stadium in Sydney to witness the clash between Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks unfold.

So what chances have each team got in this NRL Grand Final match? Where should your money go? Where will the decisive battles be fought? These are the vital questions that need to be answered before you wager your hard earned money on the result.

Previous Meetings

So what can we make of the two previous encounters between these two teams this season? Well actually we can base very little on them, except for the fact that each team utilised home advantage very well. The Sharks came out ahead in round 4 at their Southern Cross home 14-6. However the Storm reversed that in impressive style in round 26 when they cruised to a 26-6 victory.

All of the major betting firms have Melbourne Storm as the clear favourite to win this match. In part that is based on their long winning streak of 15 matches on the spin during the 2016 season. On top of this we can add the following impressive stats, and we all love stats when we are about to wager our valuable money, don’t we?

A Team for the Big Occasion

The Sharks are playing in their first Grand Final since 1997 while Melbourne Storm are appearing in their sixth in the past ten years. So it is clear which team is the most consistent. William Hill have Melbourne Storm at 8/11 favourites, with the Sharks at 6/5.

If those odds don’t get your juices flowing, then how about a bet on the first try scorer? First though, let’s examine where the key battles will be fought. The Storm may have the big game finals experience and history but is that enough? Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk will be using their vast experience to dictate the game for the Storm. They are both incredibly adept at getting into key positions for field goals and that could prove decisive.

First Try Scorer Odds

This game looks set to be a tight affair. That’s why the higher odds of first try scorer may appeal more. So what value can be found in these markets? Well William Hill have Suliasi Vunivalu as the clear favourite at 7/1. If you want bigger odds and a better payoff then how about the Sharks taking the lead, and Valentine Holmes touching down first? That pays 9/1, and if you fancy the Sharks to prevail anyway then this bet makes a lot of sense.

Winning Margin Odds

As we have already stated, this game looks set to be tight. There is too much at stake for a huge winning margin to be expected, and the 26-6 victory by Melbourne Storm in round 26 looks unlikely to be repeated. However, if you fancy Melbourne to overrun the Sharks by the same margin, then check these odds out!

William Hill go 11/1 on a winning margin of 16-20 points for the Storm. If you’re leaning towards Melbourne for the win, but with less than a 10pt margin, then why not place two bets? You can get 9/2 on a 5pt margin or less for Melbourne. Couple that with odds of 5/1 for the Storm to win by 6-10pts and you have the makings of a tasty bet.

The fact remains though that whoever starts out stronger in this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final will hold a key advantage. It seems to favour Melbourne simply based on the fact that they have been there before and bought the t-shirt so to speak.

 

 

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Eight Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Eight Preview:

Round 7 our picks went out the window, calling 2 of 7. Round 8 is ANZAC round which means uniforms that pay tribute to the troops and mouth watering fixtures.

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v Wests Tigers 

Bulldogs – $1.65

Tigers – $2.15

Round eight opens at ANZ stadium hosting the Bulldogs and Tigers. The Bulldogs come off a win after finally getting on top of Manly late in the game and the Tigers come off an embarrasing loss after going 22-0 up then leaking 30 unanswered points to the Raiders. For the Dogs Josh Morris, Kasiano and Tim Browne return and for the Tigers big red Keith Galloway couldn’t recover from his shoulder injury. The Tigers look the more dangerous out of the two sides especially with the likes of Tedesco and Brooks running hot but the Bulldogs bring a more ruggered approach to the game and will play for close to 80 minutes with more depth on the bench. Expect a high scoring game but the Doggies will walk away with the spoils, Bulldogs 13+

 

Bulldogs

1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman (c) 9 Michael Lichaa                   10 Tim Browne 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Sam Kasiano 15 Lloyd Perrett 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Moses Mbye 19 Danny Fualalo 20 Antonio Kaufusi 22 Herman Ese’ese

 

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Ava Seumanufagai 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Matthew Lodge 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue 18 Delouise Hoeter

 

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans

Warriors – $1.33

Titans – $3.10

Mt Smart plays host to the Warriors and Titans. Both teams sitting just outside the top 8, equal on competition points but their for / against record lets them down. For the Warriors Konrad Hurrell is dropped, David Fusitu’a replaces him whilst Sam Rapira returns along with debutant Raymond Faitala-Mariner. The Titans lose Dave Taylor to suspension, Agnatius Paasi and Ryan Simpkins to injury but gain Nate Myles. The Warriors were guilty last round of poor ruck defense and were made to pay. They also made too many errors which the Cowboys were able to capitalise on, tidying these areas up is essential. The Titans, slow starters but put the Panthers away well. The Warriors at home are tough to beat and will be notice so expect the Warriors to come out  firing, they need to look after Falloon or we’ll see the Titans replicate the Cowboys display. It’ll be a good battle, expect the Warriors to get an early lead and hold on, Warriors 1-12.

 

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 David Fusitu’a 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16 Sam Lisone 17 Sam Rapira 18 Dominique Peyroux

 

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman  5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Beau Falloon 10 Nate Myles
11 Ryan James 12 Lachlan Burr 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Matt White 15 Edward Pettybourne 16 Matt Robinson 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Mark Ioane

 

Newcastle Knights v Queensland Cowboys

Knights – $2.30

Cowboys – $1.57

Hunter stadium plays host to a mouth watering fixture between the Knights and Cowboys. The Knights have already but the Cowboys to the sword in round 2, both teams unchanged from last round. Expect to see some fire works here the Cowboys will certainly be out for revenge for the loss earlier in the season. The Knights will need to do a better job around the ruck than the Warriors if they want to keep Granville quiet who will be confident around some big men. Both packs boast size and the Cowboys pack is seen as the form pack right now so expect to see the likes the Snowden, Jeremy Smith, Tariq and Korbin Sims going hammer and tonge to try and upset the Cowboys pack. The Knights will get up, Knights 1-12.

 

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims  11 Chris Houston 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 David Fa’alogo 16 Joseph Tapine 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c)
9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange
14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 19 Ray Thompson

 

Sydney City Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

Roosters – $1.45

Dragons – $2.60

The Roosters host the Dragons at Allianz. The Roosters are in trouble, 3 losses in a row and potentially a 4th against a Dragons side who is on a run of 5 wins. For the Roosters Waerea-Hargreave’s is out and Sam Moa replaces him, the Dragons are unchanged. The Dragons defense has been the difference in their run on wins, big hits around the ground and grinding goal line heroics. The halves match up between Mitchell Pearce and Benji Marshall should provide some spark in the game with both playing good footy. The Roosters will throw everything they have at Dragons and the Dragons will hold, expect some big hits and a expansive game from both. Dragons defense will win the day, Dragons by 1-12.

 

Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)
8 Dylan Napa 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Interchange
14 Willie Manu 15 Isaac Liu 16 Kane Evans 17 Lagi Setu 19 Matt McIlwrick

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Peter Mata’utia 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper
11 Will Matthews 12 Joel Thompson 13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 Ben Creagh (c) 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange 18 George Rose 19 Drew Hutchinson 20 Kiti Glymin

 

Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles

Storm – $1.25

Sea Eagles – $3.70

AAMI hosts the Storm and Sea Eagles. The Storm sit pretty on top of the table as a proud Manly outfit continue to camp at the very bottom. It doens’t get any better for Manly, losing Jamie Lyon once again to injury however Keiran Foran is back. The Storm running hot are unchanged. There isn’t much to say about this game other than Manly are in for a drubbing, expect to see the regulars like Cronk and Smith running the ship behind the big boys. Storm 13+

 

Storm

1 Cameron Munster 2 Mahe Fonua 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi 18 Ben Hampton 19 Kenneath Bromwich 21 Hymel Hunt 22 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

 

Sea Eagles

1 Peta Hiku 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Brayden Wiliame 4 Steve Matai 5 David Williams 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Jake Trbojevic 9 Matt Ballin (c)
10 Willie Mason 11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Justin Horo 13 Tom Symonds

Interchange
14 James Hasson 15 Luke Burgess 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Ligi Sao 20 Jayden Hodges

 

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

Broncos – $1.33

Eels – $3.10

The Broncos host the Eels at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos licking their wounds after a physical loss to the Dragons last round seeing Hodges out with injury again, Alex Glenn has not recovered from his facial injuries which puts Thaiday back into the 2nd row and Adam Blair starting at prop. For the Eels who are still blowing hot and cold this season but managed to put away the Knight last round make a few changes with Reece Robinson to fullback, Hopoate to centre and Folau to the wing. On top of good defense the Broncos were their own worst enemy against the Dragons and will be looking to make amends, expect to see Hunt, Milford and Marantra make a lot of metres and breaks behind the big runs from the pack. The Eels will be up for a scrap but their form is too inconsistent and if they want to stand a chance it they better be blowing hot. The Broncos will play the 80 minutes and win easy, Broncos by 13+

 

Broncos

1 Lachlan Maranta 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 3 Dale Copley 5 Daniel Vidot 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough
10 Adam Blair  11 Matt Gillett 12 Sam Thaiday  13 Corey Parker

Interchange
14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Francis Molo 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima

 

Eels

1 Reece Robinson 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Will Hopoate  4 Brad Takairangi  5 John Folau 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick  9 Nathan Peats
10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 David Gower 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Peni Terepo 18 Richie Fa’aoso

 

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks

Panthers – $2.15

Sharks – $1.65

The Panthers play host to the Sharks at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers were on the end of a 30 point drubbing round 7 courtesy of the Titans and the Sharks bullied the Rabbitohs to take a hard grind win. For the Panthers injuries have struck with Josh Mansour and Brent Kit out, repacing them is George Jennings and Sam Anderson. The Sharks get back Gallen. The Sharks really stepped up last weekend round against the Rabbitohs and will look to continue that form, the Panthers will provide the Sharks with a good battle but there isn’t much to seperate the teams man for man. Going off form the Sharks will win this arm wrestle by 1-12.

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 George Jennings 3 Dean Whare  4 Waqa Blake  5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Apisai Koroisau 7 Isaac John 8 Sam McKendry  9 James Segeyaro (c)
10 Jeremy Latimore  11 Sika Manu 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Nigel Plum

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Sam Anderson 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Bryce Cartwright 18 Tupou Sopoaga 19 Will Smith 22 Robert Jennings

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird 7 Jeff Robson 8 Matt Prior 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington
11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen

Interchange
14 Jayson Bukuya 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Ben Barba 17 Tinirau Arona 21 Sam Tagataese

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

Rabbitohs – $1.27

Raiders – $3.50

The Rabbitohs and Raiders close the ANZAC round clashes at Barlow park. The Rabbitohs will be keen to get their season back on track after losing 2 game on the trot and the Raiders will look to continue their attacking form after putting 30 unanswered points on the Tigers but leaking 22 early. The Rabbitohs are unchanged but the Raiders say goodbye to Dane Tilse who has signed on with Hull KR in the UK. Paul Vaughan shifts to the front row and Fensom is back at lock. The Raiders will hold their own up front but can’t afford to leak points early against a desperate Rabbitohs side. The Rabbitohs are vulnerable in the halves with Reynolds and Sutton still missing so expect to see the Raiders put pressure on the youngsters McInnes and Keary. Its a tough game for the Rabbitohs to get back on track but we think this will be the game they return. Rabbitohs to take it at the death, 1-12.

 

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Dylan Walker 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Cameron McInnes 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke
10 Dave Tyrrell 11 Glenn Stewart 12 Chris McQueen 13 Jason Clark

Interchange
14 Chris Grevsmuhl 15 Nathan Brown 16 Tim Grant 17 Thomas Burgess

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Sisa Waqa 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Paul Vaughan 9 Josh Hodgson
10 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 11 Josh Papalii 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Jarrad Kennedy 16 Mark Nicholls 17 Shannon Boyd 18 Kyle O’Donnell 19 Jeremy Hawkins

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven Preview:

Round 6 we picked 7 of the 8 winners opting for the Raiders to sneak past the Storm which they unfortunately did not do. This round has some exciting fixtures Friday to Monday, we also see Thurston celebrate his 250th NRL game, as if the Cowboys needed more incentive. Jamie Lyon returns from injury to the Sea Eagles, can he help get their season back on track? Check out the odds, predictions, and teamlists for NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven.

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles

Bulldogs – $1.75

Sea Eagles – $2.00

The Bulldogs coming off a drubbing courtesy of the Dragons in round 6 host bottom of the table Sea Eagles who are in all sorts of strife on and off the field. For the Doggies, Josh Reynolds and Tim Browne are starting which pushes Moses Mbye and Antonio Kaufusi to the bench. Jamie Lyon returns for Manly, this pushes Brayden Wiliame out to the wing. The battle between the halves has an exciting prospect about it; both halve pairs have faced disruptions during the season, Cherry-Evans and Foran more so but have kept a workmanlike approach making it count when the opportunities arise. Reynolds and Hodkinson are a great combination when their pack is dominant but struggle more so than their counterparts when things aren’t going their way.  Both teams suffering from injuries and suspensions so expect a tight battle with some big collisions, Sea Eagles by 1-12.

 

Bulldogs

1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman (c) 9 Michael Lichaa                       10 Tim Browne 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Lloyd Perrett 15 Antonio Kaufusi 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Moses Mbye 19 Danny Fualalo 22 Herman Ese’ese

 

Sea Eagles

1 Peta Hiku 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Jamie Lyon (c) 4 Steve Matai 5 Brayden Wiliame 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Jake Trbojevic 9 Matt Ballin (c)                         10 Willie Mason 11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Tom Symonds 13 Dunamis Lui

Interchange

14 James Hasson 15 Luke Burgess 16 Justin Horo 17 Ligi Sao

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos

Dragons – $2.15

Broncos – $1.65

Certainly a mouth watering fixture, Dragons sitting in 3rd and the Broncos top, both teams showing good form. The Dragons make one change with Will Matthews replacing suspended  Tyson Frizzell. The Broncos see Captain Justin Hodges return from injury which shifts Daley Copley out to the wing and Corey Oates to the bench. Both teams boast good defense so far which means the game is going to tight, points are going to be taken when on offer so it’s vital that both sides keep their discipline in check. It’ll be very tight and confrontational but the Broncos have the goods across the park, Broncos by 1-12.

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Peter Mata’utia 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Ben Creagh (c) 11 Will Matthews 12 Joel Thompson 13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 George Rose 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange

 

Broncos

1 Lachlan Maranta 2 Dale Copley 3 Jack Reed 4 Justin Hodges 5 Daniel Vidot 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Sam Thaiday  11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c)

Interchange
14 Corey Oates 15 Mitch Garbutt 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima

 

Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers

Titans – $1.90

Panthers – $1.85

The Titans host the Panthers at CBUS stadium, both teams coming off good round six wins. For the hosts Beau Falloon returns from suspension replacing Pettybourne who is suspended. Kierran Moseley drops to the bench. The Panthers debut Roberts Jennings at centre, coming in for Jamal Idris who is out for the season. It’s hard to say which team has the advantage in this fixture, the Titans certainly have the more ready 13 but the Panthers have more depth on the bench with experience and impact players. It’ll be a banger but the Panthers are going to walk away with it, Panthers by 1-12

 

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman 5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Beau Falloon 10 Nate Myles (c) 11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Matt White 15 Lachlan Burr 16 Ryan Simpkins 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Agnatius Paasi

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Robert Jennings 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Apisai Koroisau 7 Isaac John 8 Jeremy Latimore 9 James Segeyaro       10 Brent Kite 11 Sika Manu 12 Elijah Taylor 13 Nigel Plum

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Sam McKendry 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Isaah Yeo

 

North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors

Cowboys – $1.37

Warriors – $2.90

The Cowboys host the Warriors at 1300 Smiles Stadium. The Cowboys celebrating Thurstons 250th NRL game. Both sides are unchanged for this game rewarding both line ups after round 6 wins, both are guilty of taking too long to get going but at the same time when they’re in gear they’re very hard to stop. The Cowboys pack has been rampant and Thurston has been feeding off it, currently sitting second in the league for line and try and line-break assists. For the Warriors, Johnson and Townsend have the knack of doing the unexpected and if their pack is struggling they’ll need to look to their backs to make some meters. For me, the Cowboys are looking awesome and will be way to good at home. Cowboys 13+

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c)                       9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant

 

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Konrad Hurrell 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Dominique Peyroux 16 Sam Lisone 17 Albert Vete 18 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

 

Melbourne Storm v Sydney City Roosters

Storm – $1.97

Roosters – $1.77

The Storm sits nicely in 2nd place host the 6th placed Roosters who are on a possible 3 game losing streak. For the Storm they’ve made no changes. The Roosters bring Jake Friend in to make his first start pushing Matt McIlwrick to the bench. Sam Moa is suspended so Dylan Napa starts and Sio Siua Taukeiaho will start ahead of Isaac Liu so Lagi Setu warms the bench. The Roosters need to get their season back on track but it’ll be a tough ask at AAMI against a big, skilled, and mobile pack orchestrated by Cronk and Smith. The Roosters inclusion of Friend into the run on side is vital if they want to battle the experience Smith brings. The packs will battle all night and it’ll be crucial to take the points on offer. Both teams boast outside backs that are renowned for defusing bombs and having gas to burn so each player will need to ensure their pass is going to find the right man. It’ll be a very tight affair, full time it’ll be even, Storm to take it in golden point.

 

Storm

1 Cameron Munster 2 Mahe Fonua 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi 18 Ben Hampton 19 Kenneath Bromwich 21 Hymel Hunt 22 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

 

Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)                                           8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Interchange
14 Matt McIlwrick 15 Isaac Liu 16 Kane Evans 17 Lagi Setu 18 Willie Manu

 

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders

Tigers – $1.40

Raiders – $2.80

The Tigers return home to Leichhardt oval hosting the Canberra Raiders, both sides losing last week. For the Tigers they sit 8th and are unchanged. The Raiders are 2 points ahead of cellar dwellers Manly and have confirmed Fensom to start at lock even though he was an injury concern last round. On form both sides are relatively even, the Tigers pack should hold the advantage on experience and mobility. Tedesco and Brooks will be looking to cause trouble and on the back of a dominant pack these two are very creative and are not afraid to try things. Tigers 13+

 

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c) 10 Keith Galloway 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Ava Seumanufagai 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue 18 Joel Luani

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Sisa Waqa 5 Jeremy Hawkins 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dane Tilse           11 Jarrad Kennedy 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Glen Buttriss 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Mark Nicholls 18 Jordan Rapana

 

Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels

Knights – $1.42

Eels – $2.70

The Knights host the Eels at Hunter Stadium with both sides on the verge of 3 losses in a row. Both sides have big aggressive packs and dangerous running backs with ball in hand, both have opted to keep the same run on 13 as last round. It’s crucial that discipline is kept in check as both teams have quality kickers who can take the points or carve off meters with a touch finder. Expect to see some fireworks with the likes of Watmough, Jeremy Smith, Sandow, and the Sims brothers to name a few stirring the pot with any chance they get. Whilst the Knights are on a 2 game losing streak, they haven’t looked bad in their loses where the Eels have been blowing really hot or freezing. Knights to run away with it in the last 20, Knights 13+

 

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims 11 Chris Houston 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 David Fa’alogo  16 Joseph Tapine 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Eels

1 Will Hopoate 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Ryan Morgan 4 John Folau 5 Reece Robinson 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Nathan Peats 10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 David Gower 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Peni Terepo 18 Richie Fa’aoso

 

Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sharks – $2.15

Rabbitohs – $1.65

The Sharks with two wins on the trot host a Rabbitohs outfit blown away by the Cowboys last round at Remondis. The Sharks have certainly turned around their season with some good performances but have paid the price for some ill discipline and injuries ruling out the Fifita brothers. The Rabbitohs look a little lost without Reynolds and Sutton both out which means Glenn Stewart retains the five-eight role. It’ll be crucial for the Rabbitohs big men to put pressure on the Sharks halves, they’re young and inexperienced but with time these two aren’t afraid to take their chances and lead their big men around the park. It’ll be a very physical battle and Gallen has shown that he’ll take the points on offer so discipline in crucial for the Bunnies and Sharks likewise with Goodwin a decent boot. The Sharks at home, looking more creative and better for a grinding game will take this at the death, Sharks 1-12.

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird 7 Jeff Robson 8 Sam Tagataese 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange
14 Ben Barba 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Matt Prior  17 Jayson Bukuya 18 Tinirau Arona

 

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Daryl Millard 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Glenn Stewart 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke 10 Dave Tyrrell           11 Chris Grevsmuhl 12 Chris McQueen 13 Jason Clark

Interchange
14 Ben Lowe  15 Nathan Brown 16 Tim Grant 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Cameron McInnes

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Six Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Six Preview. All round six matches previewed, check out the team lists and odds right here.

With half the round five matches predicted we take a more objective approach to the term “underdog” with our picks this week. Enjoy!

 

Brisbane Broncos v Sydney City Roosters

Broncos – $2.00

Roosters – $1.75

The Roosters lost tought last week and will be looking to get their season back on track but a tough assignment lay ahead of them with an inform Broncos side playing some exciting rugby league. Tuivasa-Sheck has announced he will be leaving the Roosters for the Warriors in 2016 for 3 years, this could be incentive to rally the troops or create dismay in the ranks. Broncos look too good, by 1-12.

 

Broncos

1 Lachlan Maranta 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 Dale Copley 5 Daniel Vidot 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Sam Thaiday  11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c)

Interchange
14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Mitch Garbutt 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima 18 Francis Molo
Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)                                           8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Matt McIlwrick 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange
14 Willie Manu  15 Dylan Napa 16 Kane Evans 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho
 

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights

Sharks – $1.80

Knights – $1.95

The Sharks return home this weekend to Remondis hoping to bring with them their form and flare in which they dominated the more fancied Roosters side. Barba returns to the bench as Jack Bird retains his spot. Tariq and Korbin start for the first time together at Newcastle as Beau Scott is out with an ankle injury bringing in Chris Housten. With so many big aggressive men it’s going to come down to who can control the emotion and winning the contact, it will be tight but Sharks by 1-12.

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird 7 Jeff Robson 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange
14 Ben Barba 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Matt Prior  17 David Fifita 18 Tinirau Arona 19 Jayson Bukuya

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims  11 Chris Houston 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 David Fa’alogo  16 Joseph Tapine 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans

Eels – $1.42

Titans – $2.70

Both teams losing last round, the Eels blowing hot and cold early into the season with the Titans sitting 2nd to last courtesy of the Sea Eagles having a shocker of a 2015 so far. Eels are moving Reece Robinson back to the wing and Dave Gower onto the bench but the Titans are starting big man Dave Taylor which puts Pettybourne on the bench. Depending on what Eels side turns up we could see a big win from the Eels or we’ll get a low scoring scrap what the Titans will take. Titans by 1-12.

 

Eels

1 Will Hopoate 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Ryan Morgan 4 John Folau 5 Reece Robinson 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Nathan Peats 10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Tepai Moeroa 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 Danny Wicks 17 David Gower 18 Peni Terepo

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman 5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Kierran Moseley
10 Nate Myles (c) 11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Eddy Pettybourne 15 Agnatius Paasi 16 Lachlan Burr 17 Ryan Simpkins 18 Matt White

 

New Zealand Warriors v Wests Tigers

Warriors – $1.42

Tigers $2.70

The Warriors return home after being beaten comprehensively by the Storm, and the Tigers on a roll after doing the same to the Eels last round. For the Warriors their only change is Albert Vete for Dom Peyroux, Hurrell retains his spot after a poor comeback from injury. Tigers are unchanged. The Warriors must remain focused around completing the tackle and marking up as the likes of Farah, Halatau and co will be looking to expose the Warriors big men to gain valuable meters. Warriors at home are tough, it’ll be tight, but Warriors by 1-12.

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Konrad Hurrell 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Sebastine Ikahihifo 16 Sam Lisone 17 Albert Vete 18 Dominique Peyroux

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c) 10 Keith Galloway 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Ava Seumanufagai 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue
18 Asipeli Fine

 

Penrith Panters v Manly Sea Eagles

Panthers – $1.47

Sea Eagles – $2.55

Pepper Stadium hosts the Panthers and Sea Eagles. Manly sitting at the bottom of the competition, racked by injuries and player speculation which doesn’t help with losing again last round to the Raiders.. Penrith coming off a drubbing courtesy of the Cowboys have had mixed season so far. Dean Whare is out with injury which places Idris back at centre with Waqa Blake. Big man Sika Manu is starting in the second row. No changes for the Sea Eagles, Lyon and Matai still injured. Even though the Panthers looked average last weekend, Manly have some real issues at the moment, Panthers 13+.

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Jamal Idris 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Apisai Koroisau 7 Peter Wallace (c) 8 Sam McKendry
9 James Segeyaro 10 Jeremy Latimore 11 Sika Manu 12 Isaah Yeo
13 Elijah Taylor

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Nigel Plum 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Bryce Cartwright

Sea Eagles

1 Brett Stewart 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Brayden Wiliame 4 Peta Hiku 5 Tom Trbojevic 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Luke Burgess 9 Matt Ballin 10 Willie Mason 11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Tom Symonds 13 Dunamis Lui

Interchange
14 Jesse Sene-Lefao 15 Ligi Sao  16 Justin Horo 17 Jake Trbojevic

 

Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm

Raiders – $2.45

Storm – $1.50

Both sides coming off very good wins in round 5 meet at GIO stadium. For the Raiders Jordan Rapana is serving a suspension which brings in Jeremy Hawkins. The Storm only change is losing Billy Slater for four weeks after a scan revealed his injured shoulder was worse than first thought. Expect to see Kurt Mann move to fullback. The hosts will look to expose and put a lot of pressure on whoever fills Billy’s spot. Whilst this could be a weakness for the Storm the Raiders need to ensure Cronk, Harris, and Smith are looked after on attack if they want to stay in the game. Should be an exciting fixture, for me Billy is a crucial loss for the Storm, Raiders by 1-12.

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Sisa Waqa 5 Jeremy Hawkins 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson
10 Dane Tilse 11 Jarrad Kennedy 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Glen Buttriss 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Mark Nicholls

 

Storm

1 Billy Slater 2 Mahe Fonua 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs

Dragons – $1.87

Bulldogs – $1.87

The Dragons boasting 3 wins on the trot, hosting a rather hard done by Bulldogs outfit racked by suspension and injuries from their encounter with the Bunnies. The Dragons are unchanged whilst the Doggies have lost James Graham, Dave Klemmer, and Sam Kasiano to suspension. Brett Morris and Tim Lafai are out with injuries. The Dragons have not scored a lot of points so far this season but they have shown a lot of heart on defense. Whilst the Bulldogs do still have playmakers on the pitch the players absent will make it an uphill batter.  Dragons by 1-12.

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau
9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson
13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 George Rose 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange
20 Rory O’Brien

Bulldogs

1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Moses Mbye 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman (c)
9 Michael Lichaa 10 Tim Browne 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Lloyd Perrett 15 Antonio Kaufusi 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Chase Stanley
19 Danny Fualalo

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys

Rabbitohs – $1.70

Cowboys $2.05

After a tight win under controversial circumstances the Rabbitohs come into round six top of the table and the Cowboys lingering in the bottom half but looking to make it 3 wins in a row. The Rabbitohs lost Adam Reynolds last week which brings John Sutton into the halves and big George Burgess is cleared to play after successfully challenging his dangerous contact charge. Cowboys unchanged. Thurston is playing some good rugby league right now behind a charging pack, the Rabbitohs need to win the contact and keep Thurston quiet. We predict a bruising encounter which should provide a lot of entertainment, match of the round material. Cowboys big men to be the difference, Cowboys by 1-12.

 

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Daryl Millard 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 John Sutton 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke 10 Dave Tyrrell               11 Glenn Stewart 12 Chris McQueen 13 Jason Clark

Interchange
14 Ben Lowe  15 Chris Grevsmuhl 16 Tim Grant 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Cameron McInnes19 Nathan Brown

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Matthew Wright 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c) 9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe
13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange
14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 Glenn Hall