Tag: Rugby League

Rugby League: NRL Round 9 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After a week off for all but representative players the NRL returns with a series of intriguing matchups.

Injuries and suspension have wrecked havoc on a number of teams, but there are still clear favourites in all games.  We’re picking a number of upsets in our NRL Round 9 Preview.

Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers

Broncos – $1.40

Panthers – $3.00

The 4-4 Panthers team could welcome back several important faces when they take on the Broncos at Suncorp in Friday nights Round 9 opener.  Despite a horrible record at Suncorp and being without an away win in 2015, Jamie Soward, Dean Whare, James Segeyaro and Elijah Taylor are all racing the clock to be fit in time to turn that around this weekend (although none of the above have been named in the 17).

Alex Glenn and Jordan Kahu return for the well settled Broncos outfit.  Glenn’s return in particular offsets the week off through suspension earned by Sam Thaiday during test duties.

Broncos by 1-12.

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers

Roosters – $1.38

Tigers – $3.10

Origin backrower Aidan Guerra returns to boost hist struggling Roosters team.  The Sydneysiders were pre-completion favourites and have only managed three wins in 2015 and none in Guerra’s absence.  Guar’s return pushes Dylan Napa to the bench, while Smith Aubusson’s inclusion also adds utility value.  The impressive Sio Siua Taukeiaho heads to the bench in a swap with Issac Liu.

Jason Taylor’s Tigers team have surprised many this season, but they’re still lacking that top 6 consistency. Keith Galloway will help with that.  The big man returns from his shoulder injury in place of centre Tim Simona.  His inclusion however is unlikely to help the Tigers get up over a side they traditionally play awfully poor against.  We’ll go Roosters, unless Marty Taupau can frighten the Roosters with some more throat slitting gestures.

Roosters 1-12.

Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans

Raiders – $1.66

Titans – $2.25

Two teams with identical 2015 records look set to play out an exciting contest at GIO Stadium on Saturday.  Both sides favour expansive attacking footy and both are surprising in this years competition.

The Titans have won three in a row, including an impressive win at the always tricky Mt Smart Stadium in NZ.  They also get the bonus of Dave Taylor and Daniel Mortimer to help offset the huge 8 week ban ban handed out to serial offender Greg Bird.

After beating South Sydney before rep round, the Raiders will be full of confidence and will gain look to young five eighth Blake Austin to steer them around.  The origin outsider scored a hat-trick for City last week to push his case, and will be hoping to replicate that form again this weekend.  We would pick him for NSW instead of Maloney / Hopkinson despite his showing in this one.

Raiders 1-12.

Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors

Sharks – $1.71

Warriors – $2.15

The Warriors are desperate for a win after a patchy start to the season.  Languishing in 13th on an admittedly convoluted ladder, the Warriors will be hoping to gain inspiration from Sunday’s Kiwi’s win over the Kangaroos.  Manu Vatuvei, Shaun Johnson and Ben Matulino all played key roles for the Kiwis and will need to transfer that form to their club if the Warriors can sneak an away win over the similarly placed Sharks.

Ben Barba gets a go at fullback for the Sharks pushing Valentine Holmes to the wing.  Andrew Fifita also appears back to his best after an awesome effort for City against Country during rep weekend.

I like the money on the Warriors.  Warriors 1-12.

North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bulldogs

Cowboys – $1.39

Bulldogs – $3.00

Ordinarily I would be eyeing up this one as an upset.  The Bulldogs very rarely concede a raft of points.  However on this occasion and considering their poor performance against the Tigers in Round 8, and the five-in-a-row form of their opponents, we’ll back the Cowboys.

The Bulldogs, who are still without captain James Graham, will rely heavily on Trent Hodkinson to prove his origin worth and turn in a position clinching performance.  He’ll be assisted by the return of Josh Morris and David Klemmer, but his halves partner Josh Reynolds is again suspended.

The Cowboys have lost ToLo for a sizeable chunk of time, but shouldn’t feel the impact too severely with Matt Scott and James Tamou around.  Scott especially probably has some critics to crush after a weak effort in the Kangaroos jumper.  The Cowboys need wins before Thurston leaves for origin duty so we expect them to get it done.

Cowboys 1-12.

Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights

Sea Eagles – $1.67

Knights – $2.20

Two struggling sides could play out a dud at Brookvale to kick off Sunday’s footy action.  The two sides have just one win between them in the past month – an unlikely win to Manly over Melbourne last week.

Geoff Toovey continues to lose players quicker than a Cameroon football team at the Olympics.  Jamie Buhrer is the latest loss – he’s gone for the season, while Kieran Foran is out for a few more weeks even after playing in the rep round.

Rick Stone has been reluctant to punish his players and has largely stuck to the side that has lost four in a row.  Beau Scott returns and Chris Houston drops to the bench in the only change from Round 8.

Knights 1-12.

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm

Eels – $2.15

Storm – $1.70

The most inconsistent side in the competition – the Eels – face a Mothers Day showdown against the ever consistent Melbourne Storm side who welcome back Billy Salter.  The Eels have Semi Radradra back at their disposal to nullify Slater’s threat, but the best fullback in the game should deliver a win for his team who need all the points they can get before Origin.

Ryan Morgan and Isaac De Gois also come into the Eels 17, preferred ahead of Pauli Pauli and John Folau.

For the Storm, they have Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Dayne Weston back in the mix.

Storm by 13+.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George-Illawarra Dragons

Rabbitohs – $1.58

Dragons – $2.40

After being written off after two weeks the Dragons have miraculously won six in a row and will seek a seventh straight against the Rabbitohs on Monday night.  In contrasting fortune the Rabbits have lost three in a row – an unthinkable situation after their early season form.

Josh Dugan is out after injuring his knee playing on the wing for the Kangaroos.  While his test form was mediocre, his club form was excellent and he’s a big loss.  However Tyson Frizell returns from suspension to make a case for origin selection.  Incredibly, Benji Marshall is the co-leader of the Dally M Medal race.

The Bunnies have made a raft of changes after losing Glenn Stewart for three months.  Tom Burgess and Chris Grevsmuhl move around but the retuning John Sutton is the key addition.

Dragons 1-12.

This Weeks Multi

Head to Head pays $73.21

Margin pays $4334.77

Odds taken from Tom Waterhouse.

Rugby League: ANZAC Test Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

International Rugby League – ANZAC Test Preview

Who

Australian Kangaroos v New Zealand Kiwis

Where

Suncorp Stadium

When

Friday, 7.45pm (Australian Eastern Time)

Odds

Australia – $1.44

New Zealand – $2.87

Form

Most recently, the Kiwis enjoyed narrow wins over Australia in their past two meetings during last years Four Nations.  The wins came against severely weakened opponents so we’re taking the recent form with an almighty grain of salt.

Despite turning Suncorp in to an overseas fortress, winning four of their past five there (including one against England), New Zealand have won just one-from-15 Anzac Tests since the annual clash’s inception.

Teams

Australia: 1 Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 2 Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) 3 Michael Jennings (Roosters) 4 Will Chambers (Storm) 5 Josh Dugan (Dragons) 6 Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys) 7 Cooper Cronk (Storm) 8 Matthew Scott (Cowboys) 9 Cameron Smith (Storm) 10 Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers) 11 Greg Bird (Titans) 12 Sam Thaiday (Broncos) 13 Corey Parker (Broncos).

Interchange: 14 Luke Lewis (Sharks) 15 Trent Merrin (Dragons) 16 Nate Myles (Titans) 17 James Tamou (Cowboys) 18th man: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) 19th man: Josh Papalii (Raiders).

New Zealand: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Jason Nightingale, 3 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4 Peta Hiku, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Kieran Foren, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Tohu Harris, 12 Kevin Proctor, 13 Simon Mannering (c).

Interchange: 14 Thomas Leuluai, 15 Martin Taupau, 16 Sam Moa, 17 Greg Eastwood, 18 Lewis Brown.

Preview

History is New Zealand’s enemy tonight.

The Kiwis, who have a tendency to score first before badly running out of steam, are looking to overcome 13 straight ANZAC test match defeats, and will need to call upon every inch of NRL form that exists within their squad.

The New Zealand underdogs have belief after last years Four Nations, but injuries to key personnel including Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, and Jason Nightingale may have curtailed any momentum garnered from last seasons tournament win.  Instead they will rely on form front rower Jesse Bromwich and the electric footed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to inspire an upset that would leave a lot of punters upset.

Tim Sheen’s Australian squad are bolstered by several names who missed last years Four Nations finale, in addition to bright prospects Alex Johnston and Will Chambers.  Greg Inglis gets a chance to play his preferred fullback position after Billy Slater was ruled out through injury, and that in itself is a reason to tune in tonight.

Other mouth watering prospects include Cronk v Johnson, Scott and Woods v Matulino and Bromwich, Luke v Smith.

Prediction

Australia’s stranglehold over the annual fixture looks set to continue in tonight’s 2015 edition (also the 100th anniversary of the first major contribution of ANZAC troops in the First World War).  Despite the Kiwi’s Four Nations win (including the back to back wins) the Australians have too much quality on paper and are traditionally to fit for their trans-Tasman rivals in the early season figure.  We’re predicting the Kangaroos to pull away in the final quarter to win by 14. 

Sportsbet Betting Special

Representative Round Special – Place a Win / Try Combo bet on any Representative (Fiji v PNG, Samoa v Tonga) match this weekend and if your player scores a try but the team loses, you’ll get your cash back.

NRL Telstra Premiership Round 4 Results

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round 4 Results. Who could finally get on track with a win, the Sharks or Titans? Exciting match ups with close games going down to the wire and won on the final whistle. Monday night footy in Townsville putting on an golden point thriller.

 

Eels (29) v (16) Rabbitohs

Round 3 started off in style with the Eels hosting the Premiers at Pirtek. The matched opened with the Rabbitohs scoring through Joel Reddy (8th) on the receiving end of slick passing through the line. The Eels replied 6 minutes later courtesy of John Folau who took a short pass 10 out to step and crash through defenders (14th).  Reynolds was done for decent towards the pocket referee and Sandow converted the penalty however he redeemed himself shortly after putting up a difficult bomb which was blundered by the Eels and Grensmuhl pounced for his first (34th). On the stroke of half time a barn storming run 10 out from John Folau carrying 3 Rabbitohs with him over the line saw him pick up his second try of the night (39th). The Eels were at it again early in the second half with some slick hands passing through the line giving Reece Robinson the advantage over his inside defense and he kicked into 2nd gear to get around a diving Inglis for the try (42nd). The Premiers under the pump in the second half, taking nearly 20 minutes to get substantial possession and a try scoring opportunity. A numbers game out wide saw the Rabbitohs strike back with a try to Alex Johnston (60th). It didn’t take long for the Eels to reply with Reece Robinson again getting the better of the defense, getting around his opposite on the outside (67th). Sandow extended the lead by 7 with a drop goal (76th) and on the stroke of full time Sandow grubber was spilled back into his path and easy pick up and dive gave Sandow the last laugh (79th).

Eels
Tries – J. Folau 2, R. Robinson 2, C. Sandow
Pen – C. Sandow
Con –  C. Sandow 3

F/Goal – C. Sandow

Rabbitohs
Tries – J. Reddy, C. Grevsmuhl, A. Johnston
Con – A. Reynolds 2

 

Wests Tigers (24) v (25) Canterbury Bulldogs

ANZ Stadium hosted the Tigers and Bulldogs, a match full of expectation. The Tigers first out of the blocks with a try inside 4 minutes when Kyle Lovett slipped through a yawning Bulldogs defensive line. The Doggies hit back after some well constructed plays through the middle to have Frank Prichard bulldoze close to the line and make an offload millimeters from the ground to put Curtis Rona over (15th).  Both team squandering chances for the remainder of the half. The Tigers charged into the second 40 much like the first scoring early with Luke Brooks blocking a poor grubber into the Tigers half, he scooped up the deflection running 50 metres to dot down (45th). 3 minutes later some slick running from dummy half put the Tigers ahead of the advantage line and a tactical grubber into space bounced favorably into Tedescos’ hands only having to run over the line to dot down (48th). Brooks was at it again from dummy half putting through a pin point grubber for Tedesco to run onto making it his second for the night (55th). With the gap widening the Doggies managed to apply some pressure to the Tigers with their big men running hard, Lichaa found himself over the try line after beating some tired tackles close to the line (58th). Curtis Rona added to his tally 8 minutes later after some excellent dummy pass skills courtesy of Kasiano to feed an open Rona (66th). The Doggies evened up the game with 5 to go through a Josh Morris run away. Golden point commenced and an 83rd minute droppy from Moses Mbye sealed victory for the Bulldogs.

Tigers
Tries – K. Lovett, L. Brooks, J. Tedesco 2
Con – M. Moses 4

Bulldogs
Tries – C. Rona 2, M. Lichaa, J. Morris
Con – T. Hodkinson 4

F/Goal – M. Mbye

 

Newcastle Knights (26) v (14) Penrith Panthers

 The unbeaten Knights hosted a Penrith Panthers outfit missing Soward and Segearo at Hunter Stadium. The hosts were strongest early on with a try to Chris Houston (7th) after receiving a short ball 5 out showing great balance and footwork for a big man to dot down. A dummy half run catching the Panthers defenders napping extended the score (14th) courtesy of Clydsdale.  Mounting pressure was taking its toll on the Panthers with well worked second man play seeing Gidley take the contact and bounce out of the tackle to crash over for the Knights 3rd (17th). After so much pressure the Panthers finally got a real attacking opportunity and cashed in through slick passing from the left hand attack feeding Mansour who gracefully stepped inside his opposite to dot down (23rd). Two missed opportunities from the Panthers saw them go into half 14 points down. Uate was the next man on the board with the Knights line drawing the defense to lead to an overlap, Uate dotting down (52nd). The Panthers hitting back, attacking the right hand defense and only to spin it back the other way and Moylan hitting a gap 20 out to dot down (65th). The Panthers getting back to back tries with Dean Whare pushing the advantage line to bust through some fragile Knights defense (71st). Newcastle withstood the onslaught keeping the Panthers scoreless in the final 5, Tyrone Roberts slotting a penalty on the final whistle.

Knights
Tries – C. Houston, A. Clydsdale, K. Gidley, A. Uate
Pen – T. Roberts
Con – T. Roberts 4

Panthers
Tries – J. Mansour, M. Moylan, D. Whare
Con – M. Moylan

 

Cronulla Sharks (22) v (24) Gold Coast Titans

 Both teams winless coming into the round, the Sharks hosted the Titans at Remondis. Michael Gordon putting the Sharks on the board early with a penalty (2nd) after a high shot. The opening 20 was dull as both sides were guilty of poor execution. Dave Taylor eventually crashing over after some ugly play 10 out from both sides losing possession, Taylor catching out defenders not playing the whistle (20th). The Sharks were quick to reply, Valentine Holmes getting the luck of the bounce with a dodgy grubber falling into his hands and he had little work to do beating his opposite on the outside (26th). Another Sharks try was on the board after the Sharks dissected the Titans up through the middle with Ennis running support to dot down under the posts (32nd). James Roberts claimed a try just inside of halftime with the Sharks defense ball watching a grubber hoping it would go out (41st). A pinpoint kick 20 out from Robson into the in-goal area was casually claimed by Holmes getting his second (47th). Nate Myles turned playmaker with a short burst 10 out and a beautiful short ball to Sezer on his shoulder seeing Sezer crash over (59th). Michael Gordon extended the Sharks lead with two penalties (65th & 72nd) after the Titans ill discipline in the tackle cost them. The four point lead evaporated with a soft pass on attack being intercepted by James Roberts who dotted down to even it up, Sezer converting to give the Titans the win.

Sharks
Tries – V. Holmes 2, M. Ennis
Pen – M. Gordon 4
Con – M. Gordon

Titans
Tries – D. Taylor, J. Roberts 2, A. Paasi
Con – A. Sezer 4

 

St George-Illawarra Dragons (12) v (4) Manly Sea Eagles

The Dragons on fire after a spirited come from behind win against the Raiders last round. The Dragons were on the board first with an early converted penalty to Widdop. The Dragons dominating possession inside the opening 10 with with Nightingale dotting in the corner after a slick offload from Duggan in contact (9th). Ill discipline from the Sea Eagles at ruck time cost them 3 points, pushing over the ball player, Widdop converting (24th). Duggan falling short on the stroke of halftime to extend the lead. Hiku nearly opening the Sea Eagles account early into the half with a heroic dive for the corner only to plant the ball out of play but with more possession midway into the second the Eagles finally dotting down through a Keiran Foran grubber cleaned up by Brayden Willame (58th). Off the ball infringement from Luke Burgess 30 out cost the Sea Eagles another 2 points with Widdop slotting the conversion (69th). The Sea Eagles had appeared to score through Willame but the officials deemed the Foran pass to go forward in the previous play. Dragons hold on.

Dragons
Tries – J. Nightingale
Pen – G. Widdop 3
Con – G. Widdop

Sea Eagles
Tries – B. Wiliame

 

New Zealand Warriors (16) v (24) Brisbane Broncos

The Warriors celebrating their 20th year hosting the Broncos at Mt Smart. The Broncos absorbing early pressure from the hosts and replying with a try through a experience cut out pass courtesy of Justin Hodges, Corey Oates dotting down in the corner (11th). The Broncos continued their crisp passing game catching the Warriors defense on the back foot, Lachlan Maranta diving over in the opposite corner (16th). The Warriors breaking the Broncos line but failing to convert points, Broncos dotting down again with Jarrod Wallace crashing over by the sticks (38th). Early into the second half the Warriors claimed their own bomb with a tap back to Allwood who found Townsend inside him, Townsend sprinting 10 to dive to over for the Warriors first (45th). Retaining possession was paying off for the Warriors and Shaun Johnson ran a great angle, with a behind the back offload opening a huge gap for Allgood to gallop through from 20 out, Allgood dotting down (64th) Another massive bomb from Johnson was tapped back by Vatuvei and Solomone Kata claiming the spoils to even it up (69th). Ill discipline at ruck time from the Warriors cost them two points and a short restart was fumbled by the Warriors back over the in-goal line with Andrew McCullough dotting down to seal the victory (79th).

Warriors
Tries – C. Townsend, M. Allwood, S. Kata
Con – S. Johnson

Broncos
Tries – C. Oates, L. Maranta, J. Wallace, A. McCullough
Pen – C. Parker
Con – C. Parker 3

 

Sydney Roosters (34) v (6) Canberra Raiders

 The Roosters hosting the Canberra Raiders at ALLIANZ Stadium. The hosts hot favorites going into the match, they did not disappoint the home crowd. Shaun Kenny-Dowall opened the scoring for the hosts after the Rooster line fed a series of passes gaining the advantage line and Pearce throwing a superb cut out pass to Kenny-Dowall who dotted down in the corner (4th). Tuivasa-Sheck extended the lead after he found a gaping hole in the defense, easing past the last man to score (10th). The Roosters continuing to make metres and gain ascendency found them over again after Blake Ferguson ran a great angle from 10 out, dummying, and the defence falling off gifted Ferguson an easy try (27th). Minutes out from half time an well constructed Raiders attack was finished off with a soft grubber which bounced favorably for Croker who beat the man and dotted down to open the Raiders account. That was all she wrote for the Raiders with the Roosters scoring 3 minutes into the second half, the Raiders defense flat footed and falling for the support runners allowing Jennings to walse over (43rd). Daniel Tupou was next on the board through air supremecy, easily defusing a bomb and crashing over the line (48th). Some smooth footwork from Jennings put him outside of his opposite and he fed Tupou who galloped up the line, feeding Maloney on his inside who ran away to close the game out (69th)

Roosters
Tries – S. Kenny-Dowall, R. Tuivasa-Sheck, B. Ferguson, M. Jennings, D. Tupou, J. Maloney
Con – J. Maloney 5

Raiders
Tries – J. Croker
Con – J. Croker

 

North Queensland Cowboys (18) v (17) Melbourne Storm

 Townsville hosted the final game of the round with the Cowboys facing the Melbourne Storm. The Storm were first to strike with a well constructed move out left seeing Kurt Mann take the overlap and crash through the last man (6th). The Cowboys were hot on a reply with hard yards up the middle and Thurston throwing a ranging cut out pass to Winterstein with the overlap, easily stepping inside to dive over (12th). Koroibete difussed a high bomb will ease and caught the attacking Cowboys off guard as he charged through napping defenders to race 90 meters and score (27th). The Storm hot on attack were over the line again as Kafusi was on the end a well timed shortball 10 out to ease through the defense (34th). Midway through the second half some slick cut out passing and dynamic running from the Cowboys left side attack opened the Storm defence up, Winterstein on the end of it all picking up his second (60th). With 10 to go Cooper Cronk slotted a field goal to put the Storm 7 points ahead (70th). The Cowboys endured and attacked the Storm line searching for a try, catching an overlap out right with Matthew Wright dotting down and Thurston converting to put the Cowboys a point behind (77th). With no pressure 40 out Thurston hit a field goal to put the game into extra time (79th). Sustain pressure into extra time and Thurston was at it again, hitting a similar field goal to give the Cowboys and extra time win (84th).

Cowboys
Tries – A. Winterstein 2, M. Wright
Con – J. Thurston

F/Goal – J. Thurston 2

Storm
Tries – K. Mann, M. Koroibete, F. Kaufusi
Con – C. Smith

F/Goal – C. Cronk

Rugby League: NRL Round 4 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After a promising round of predictions last week, we bring you our NRL Round 4 Preview hoping for a perfect 8.  Check out the rounds matches and teams below:

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Eels – $3.25

Rabbitohs – $1.36

The Eels need all the help they can get in the Round’s opener at Pirtek Stadium.  Home ground advantage will give them a small boost against the Rabbitohs, but’s its unlikely to get them over the line against the best side in the competition.

The Rabbitohs look increasingly like defending champions already after winning their three openers, two of which were against other top 4 contenders.  They’ve lost Dylan Walker for a month through a hand injury but are otherwise at full strength.  They are fortunate to have the best player in the NRL leading their side from fullback, and one of the toughest in Isaac Luke at hooker.

The Rabbits x-factor will be too much for an Eels line-up still missing ‘Semi-trialer’ and a number of other key personnel.  Rabbitohs to win this one by 13+.

Eels: 1. Will Hopoate 2. John Folau 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 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. Issac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower.

Rabbitohs: 1. Greg Inglis (c) 2. Alex Johnston 3. Daryl Millard 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Tim Grant

Interchange: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Ben Lowe 19. Nathan Brown

West Tigers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Tigers – $3.05

Bulldogs – $1.40

The all Sydney second encounter should be settled in favour of the Superior Bulldogs side.  They have made a good fist of the 2015 season and have plenty of go-forward from their in-form pack, particularly props Tolman and Graham.  The Tigers look a better side in 2015, but still ely too heavily on Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods.  While Tedesco, Moses and Brooks are fine young players and will are all future superstars, they’re all too defensively vulnerable and too easily targeted by opposition teams.

Pat Richards is serving a suspension and won’t play for the Tigers; he’s been replaced by Delouise Hoeter.  Aaron Woods is also a doubtful starter despite being named.

The Bulldogs are unchanged.  We think they’ll win this one, but only by 1-12.  They’re not really big scorers no matter how dominant.

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Delouise Hoeter 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Sauaso Sue 13. Martin Taupau.

Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Brenden Santi 18. Kyle Lovett

Bulldogs: 1 Brett Morris 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Tim Lafai 5 Sam Perrett 6 Moses Mbye 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood.

Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 David Klemmer 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Tim Browne.

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers

Knights – $2.00

Panthers – $1.85

Second on the NRL ladder plays third in what shapes as an entertaining Saturday afternoon encounter between the Knights and the Panthers.  The Knights are the surprise packages of 2015, winning all three games (one of only two teams to do so).  They are playing an attractive brand of football entering around enterprising centre Dan Gagai.  Gagai is about to be the most sought after property in the player market and Wayne Bennett has already made a play to bring him to the Broncos.

They got a little lucky last week, but will compete strongly again against the Panthers.  The Panthers, like the Knights, had a TMO controversy last week, but this one went against them when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was denied a freakish try.

Both teams have well-settled squads so this is tricky to pick.  We’ll have Panthers 1-12.

Knights: 1 Kurt Gidley 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 David Fa’alogo 11 Beau Scott 12 Robbie Rochow 13 Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell 15 Chris Houston 16 Paterika Vaivai 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia.

Panthers: 1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3.Dean Whare 4. Jamal Idris 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Isaac John 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam Mckendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Brent Kite 11. Sika Manu 12. Lewis Brown 13. Elijah Taylor.

Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17. Bryce Cartwright

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Sharks – $1.52

Titans – $2.60

Cronulla have lost Ben Barba to suspension, but it may be a blessing in disguise for a team who are struggling for points.  Wade Graham will play five-eighth instead, and will be hoping to use the for again Luke Lewis in a similar ball playing role to make it easier. Youngster Jack Bird is on the interchange bench if needed.

The Titans were okay last week.  The TMO cost them dearly, as they didn’t struggle at all with the addition of the drug baron trio.  The Sharks are favourites but the Titans could easily surprise.  If you fancy adding some grunt to your multi this week, seriously consider the Titans.  However, we’ll play it safe and tip the Sharks 1-12.

Sharks: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 Wade Graham 7 Jeff Robson 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington 11 Jayson Bukuya 12 Anthony Tupou 13 Paul Gallen.

Interchange: 14 Luke Lewis 15 Matt Prior 16 Jack Bird 17 David Fifita 18 Tinirau Arona.

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 Fallooon 10 Nate Myles 11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird.

Interchange: 14 Eddy Pettybourne 15 Matt White 16 Ryan Simpkins 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Agnatius Paasi.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles

Dragons – $2.30

Sea Eagles – $1.65

The worst team of the first two weeks (the Dragons) surprised all last week by sneaking some points against the Raiders in a fast finish.  They need to thank youngster Euan Aitken and experienced frontman Trent Merrin for doing so after the pair put in huge efforts in the second half.  Aitken was a revelation at centre, and he keeps his place after running for more than 200m on debut. Want-away Merrin was also huge and finally gets a start this week with Jack de Belin absent.

They’ll need a similar effort against the always professional Manly side who welcome back Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran.  Those two will add a huge amount of experience and nous to the side.  The additions should be enough to get them home, by 13+ in our view.

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Eto 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 Rory O’Brien 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange 20 George Rose.

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Jamie Lyon 4 Steve Matai 5 Peta Hiku 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Luke Burgess 9 Matt Ballin 10 Willie Mason 11 Feleti Mateo 12 Jamie Buhrer 13 Dunamis Lui.

Interchange: 14 Jesse Sene-Lefao 15 Jake Trbojevic 16 Tom Symonds 17 Ligi Sao 18 Justin Horo.

New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

Warriors – $1.67

Broncos – $2.25

The Warriors are slight favourites to pip the Broncos at home in one of the closest games of the round.  Both sides enjoyed relatively comfortable wins last week, with the Broncos in particular looking strong as Ben Hunt finally took a game by the scruff of the neck.

The Warriors youngsters of Kata, Lolohea, Vete and Lisone continue to impress.  But Tomkins is a huge loss at the back of the field.  We feel as though that’s determinative in this one, and that Hunt will take control of the game better than Shaun Johnson will.  Broncos to cause an upset and win by 1-12.

Warriors: 1 Tuimoala Lolohea, 2 Jonathan Wright, 3 Matt Allwood, 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.

Interchange: 14 Nathan Friend, 15 Ben Henry, 16 Sam Lisone, 17 Albert Vete, 18 Dominique Peyroux.

Broncos: 1 Jordan Kahu, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Jack Reed, 4 Justin Hodges, 5 Lachlan Maranta, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Ben Hunt, 8 Josh McGuire, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Adam Blair, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Matt Gillett 13, Corey Parker,

Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Sam Thaiday 17 Kodi Nikorima 18 Todd Lowrie

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

Rossters – $1.16

Raiders – $5.50

The Roosters will be buoyed by Blake Ferguson’s return to form.  He scored two tries last week against the Panthers and looked impressive eon defence and attack.  His form completes the puzzle for the Roosters who look well on their way to a top 4 finish this year.  The interchange strength of the Roosters continues to wow – Kane Evans and Sio Siua Taukeiaho some of the biggest and most exciting forwards in our game.

The Raiders, despite being much improved from last year, can’t quite finish off games.  The win adjacent the Sharks could have been followed up with Warriors and Dragons scalps if their execution had of been better.  they have Jack Wighton back, along with Fensom and Buttriss.

They don’t have a chance though.  Roosters by 13+.

Roosters: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared WaereaHargreaves 9 Matt McIlwrick 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Mitchell Aubusson 15 Dylan Napa 16 Kane Evans 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18 Willie Manu 19 Lagi Setu

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Jarrod Croker © 4. Edrick Lee 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Mitch Cornish 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. Shannon Boyd

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm

Cowboys – $1.80

Storm – $2.05

A Cowboys side getting no effort from a tired looking forward-pack are desperate to get some competition points before their 2015 chances fade away.  They host the Storm on Monday, and will be hoping LoLo and Thurston can bring their international experience to a squad lacking in direction.  We’d have them use Jake Granville in the starting hooker spot to spark something different than Kostjasyn, but instead they have dropped O’Neil and Feldt for Wright and Winterstein.

No changes to the Storm.  They played nice against the Sharks last week and will prevail the Cowboys too.  Picking an upset here, Storm 1-12.

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Matthew Wright 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston 8 Matthew Scott 9 Rory Kostjasyn 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: 14 Jake Granville 15 Kelepi Tanginoa 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 John Asiata.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. William 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. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 19. Hymel Hunt

Odds available at Sportsbet.

Rugby League: NRL Round 3 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We enjoyed our strongest week of tipping last week, correctly picking the winning team in 7 of the 8 games, and the winning team and margin in 6 0f the 8 games.  It counts for nothing in a multi bet without boxing it though and we were left to rue the Dragons late win against the Raiders.  A team that had scored 8 points in 160 minutes of Rugby League in the first two weeks somehow found a way to score 8 points in the last 11 minutes of their Round 3 match.  The surge providing one of the few surprises of the weekend.

Here’s how the rest of the games finished up:

Manly Sea Eagles (12) v Canterbury Bulldogs (16)

The Bulldogs got the better of an intense froward battle at Brookvale, edging the contest by two points despite a contentious refereeing decision going against them.  That decision was the bizarre overturning of a Matt Ceccin no-try call by the TMO when he blindly guessed Steve Matai had scored a four pointer amongst several strewn bodies.  That said, the Bulldogs survived the strange call and a late try Pita Hiku to chalk up their second win of the season.  They got plenty of metres out of Aidan Tolman and James Graham, while Sam Perrett and Tim Lafai were dangerous in the outside backs.  Manly’s effort was full of enthusiasm and energy, unfortunately their execution was again missing.  Barring Daly Cheery-Evans, who was one again at the heart of everything his side did in both attack and defence, there were no Manly standouts.

Brisbane Broncos (44) v North Queensland Cowboys (22)

North Queensland’s abysmal start to the season got worse with a heavy defeat to the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp in Friday night’s second game.  An entertaining affair early on with the Broncos opening their account twice inside 12 minutes courtesy of Ben Hunt and Josh MacGuire only to have a the Cowboys break the Broncos defense a few minutes later with Michael Morgan dotting down after a well constructed Cowboys play. Broncos dominated the late stages of the half with a 10 minute master class of finesse and power resulting in 3 tries to Corey Parker, Lachlan Maranta, and McCullough, 32-6 into half time. Winger Kyle Feldt crossed the line 2 minutes into the half to get the Cowboys revival going only to have the Broncos captain Justin Hodges snap up a loose pass moments later and dot down to extend his teams lead. Winger Kyle Feldt picked up a second try with a runaway try in the final minutes to soften the blow for the Cowboys, still a very dominant performance from the Broncos.

New Zealand Warriors (29) v Parramatta Eels (16)

Saturday started off with the Warriors hosting the Eels at Mt Smart. The host’s dominant early on with their new signing Ryan Hoffman crashing over the white wash courtesy of lazy marking, and five minutes later a pin point grubber was snapped up by Solomone Kata. 80 meters out Thomas Leuluai took advantage of lazy marking once again racing away and drawing the last man perfectly with Tuimoala Lolohea dotting down to have the hosts 16-0 up. Manu Vatuvei was on the end of more lazy marking as Chad Townsend cut up the Eels to send the Beast over. The Warriors dominant into the half time break 22-0 up. Early into the second half another pin point kick from Townsend was diffused by Solomone Kata as he rose high to claim the spoils for his second.  Moments later the Eels were back in the game with Takairangi racing down the line to dot down Parramatta’s first of the game. What looked like a strip from Watmough saw the Eels break a Warriors attacking set early, the Eels pouncing on the mistake to dot down in quick successions courtesy of David Gower.

The Eels were in a purple patch and were looking the better of the two claiming another try mid way through the second half with Reece Robinson staying in field to roll over the try line for his second. Shaun Johnson showed his maturity with a drop goal on the 75th minute to put the game out of reach.

Canberra Raiders (20) v St George Illawarra Dragons (22)

Next up was the Raiders hosting the Dragons at GIO stadium. The visitors were the quickest out of the blocks nearly touching down out wide only to be wrestled into touch millimeters away from the goal line. In return the hosts dominated possession with new signing Josh Hodgson crashing over from 10 out to put the Raiders ahead. Some slick footwork from the Raiders halves and creative passing put Sia Soliola into space and the big man took the advantage close to the line to bust through and open his account. The hosts struck again 5 minutes later after a unforced error from the Dragons gifted the Raiders a scrum 30 out with Blake Austin running at the defense dummying multiple times only to race through the defensive line un touched for a try of his own.

The Dragons denied themselves another try scoring opportunity with a fumble then Blake Austin was denied a second deemed to have made a double movement as he touched down. Dragons captain Nightingale then stripped Crocker and the Dragons were on the attack to once again lose possession but resilient defense saw the Dragons keep the Raiders in their half, 2 out from half time Merrin rumbled over for a well deserved try. On the stroke of half time an early charge by the Raiders saw the Dragons gifted another 2 points for the penalty. Halftime, 18-8 Raiders.

The second half opened with a Dragons attack as Nightingale scored out wide through some quick hands. Moments later the Dragons were penalized for holding a player off the ball resulting in a converted penalty by Crocker to extend the lead 20-12. Josh Dugan was sent to the bin moments later for interfering with the Raiders dead ball restart, deemed a professional foul.  Mitch Rein cut through the guts of the Raiders exposing lazy marking and poor tackling 10 minutes from time to ignite a Dragons comeback. Ex Raider Joel Thompson muscled his way over after quick hands through the line gave him the advantage at contact locking the game up 20-20 kick to come which was slotted beautifully 22-20 fulltime, spoils to the Dragons in an excellent come back.

Melbourne Storm (36) v Cronulla Sharks (18)

The Melbourne Storm hosted the Sharks at AAMI Park with the visitor’s winless coming into the game. Melbourne absorbed an early attack from the Sharks only to return the favor which the Sharks could not the brute strength of Tohu Harris crashing over to open the Storms account. Cooper Cronk was next on the board after putting up a bomb which was fumbled by the Sharks defense and fed back Cronk’s way he darted over to put the Storm up 8-0 inside 20. The Storm continued with pressure through the centre of the pitch and finding the Sharks right hand defense weak with Tohu Harris crashing over again from 10 meters out. A wealth of possession 5 minutes from half time saw the Sharks get one back through sustain pressure, Jeff Robson dotting down, halftime 18-6.

Like the first the Storm were back on the scoreboard early, Marika Koroibete claiming the spoils out wide after the Sharks defense swarmed Tohu Harris. More pressure from the Storm was rewarded through Cameron Smith dotting down after a failed strip by the Sharks and messy defense the Captain guided through. Will Chambers crashing over 5 minutes out this time exposing the left hand defense. What looked to be a big defeat for the Sharks was reduced when the Sharks decided to open up more on attack and wild pass from Barba saw Valentine Holmes dot down out wide. With 10 to go a short ball close to the line saw Andrew Fifita crash over to close in on the deficit, for the Sharks too little too late.

South Sydney Rabbitohs (20) v Wests Tigers (6)

ANZ hosted the Rabbitohs and Tigers. The first 30 minutes saw multiple chances from both sides declined through offside and forward pass plays, the Tiger’s intentions were to be the more physical side with some early big hits and runs. Farah darted through the ruck close to the line to open the Tigers account, only to have the Rabbitohs replied minutes later through quick hands out wide with Inglis feeding Alex Johnston. Rabbitohs continued to dominate the remainder of the half scoring again with a Tigers handling knock on in their own half saw the Rabbitohs pounce at the mistake and Reynolds grubber through for Dylan Walker to race through and dot down on the stroke of half time. 10-6 Rabbitohs. 6 minutes into the half Rabbitohs captain Inglis claimed his own 4 pointer with a powerful run 10 out, crashing over his opposite. The remainder of the half continued the physical battle and tempers flared on multiple occasions with Galloway and Grant squaring up after Galloway received some unwanted attention in a tackle.

The reigning premiers closing out the game in the final 5 minutes with Dylan Walker gliding through for his second.

Gold Coast Titans (18) v Newcastle Knights (20)

The Gold Coast Titans hosting the Newcastle Knights with the Titans stars Bird, Taylor, and Fallon returning from their respective drug investigations. The Titans out wide opened the scoring through some slick hands, Anthony Don dotting down with Aiden Sezar slotting the kick from touch. A flat footed Newcastle defense was caught napping and Beau Scott strolled through a gaping hole to open his teams account. The Knights were denied another try after an amazing run from Gagai, a knock on earlier in the play taking away the brilliance of the would be try. The remainder of the half relatively uneventful with Tyrone Roberts slotting a late penalty to end the half 14-6, Knights. Aiden Sezar claimed a try 3 minutes in when two Knights hesitated under a highball. Midway through the second half Aiden Sezar was at it again running nicely off a tackled player to dot down and converted to take the Titans 4 up with 15 to go. The Knights claiming victory minutes out from full time as Jeremy Smith crashes through the line and Roberts converts.

Sydney Roosters (20) v Penrith Panthers (12)

The final game of the round had the Roosters and Panthers at Allianz Stadium. Both sides with similar form in the 2015 season. The Roosters opened the scoring early on through some hard yards up the middle only to have the ball swung out to Kenny-Dowall who dotted down out wide. Panthers denied shortly after catching the Roosters napping out wide man for man only for the diving effort to be deemed lost forward. A rake cost the Panthers another 2 points. Minutes out from half-time a big bomb was claimed by the Panthers and Mansour off loaded in the tackle to Idris who powered over close to the line. Halftime, 8-6 to the Roosters.

After being dominated by Idris, Blake Ferguson got the better of his opposite by easily stepping inside to open his season account 3 minutes into the half. Ferguson crossing 20 minutes later with the Roosters showing quick hands to get the outside men an overlap and Ferguson picking up his second. 15 minutes from time a rather complacent Roosters outfit were caught napping and Lewis Brown cut through the centre and a slick pass to beat the last man saw Segeyaro dot down. The Panthers guilty of the same play moments later was well received with Dylan Napa smashing Segeyaro and forcing a fumble to round out the match 20-12.

Rugby League: NRL Round 3 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The NRL season is now in full flight after a riveting first two rounds of Rugby League action.  Round 3 is set to continue the trend of upsets, crushers, and Brett Morris heroics.   Round 3 also features our worst article introduction.

Check out our NRL Round 3 Preview:

Manly Sea Eagles v Canterbury Bulldogs 

Sea Eagles – $2.05

Bulldogs – $1.80

The Bulldogs are slight favourites to get the better of Manly in the round’s opener at Brookvale.  The Bulldogs have played exactly as you would expect; ruthless, disciplined and favouring solid defence patterns over expansive attacking plays.  The approach has led them to one win and one loss thus far.  The loss coming in close fashion against the impressive Panthers.  The Bulldogs are also enjoying a settled line-up with just Josh Reynolds facing time off.

The Sea Eagles are also one and one.  A win last week against arch rivals the Storm atoning for a weak effort against the Eels in round one.  The win against the Storm was delivered by the experienced trio of Cheery-Evans, Matai and Lyon; all stepping up to help during a minor injury crisis.  The crisis does have a silver lining.  Feleti Mateo gets to show off his ball skills at five-eighth and the promising Jake Trbojevic gets to show off his ability.

We’ve gone Bulldogs 1-12.

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Jamie Lyon (c) 4 Steve Matai 5 Peta Hiku 6 Feleti Mateo 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 Blake Leary 16 Jake Trbojevic 17 Ligi Sao 18 Justin Horo.

Bulldogs: 1 Brett Morris 2 Curtis Rona, 3 Josh Morris 4 Tim Lafai 5 Sam Perrett 6 Moses Mbye 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham (c) 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 David Klemmer 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Tim Browne 18 Lloyd Perrett.

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys

Broncos – $1.94

Cowboys – $1.90

The Queensland derby is in danger of being a Broncos boiler.  Not for the form of the Broncos, but for the woeful start the nervy Cowboys have made with three time Dally M Medal winner and captain Johnathan Thurston uncharacteristically uncertain.  The Broncs have one win to their names, but have at least improved slightly from week to week as Hunt and Milford find out more about each other’s games.  Their also likely to get more out of origin stars Corey Parker and Matt Gillett as they build into the season and get accustomed to following Wayne Bennett’s new Brisbane vision.

We expect them to beat North Queensland by 13+.  Mainly due to the horrific form of the Cowboys outside backs and halves.  They’ve turned to Lachlan Coote at fullback and asked Michael Morgan to replace Robert Lui at five-eighth.  It won’t have an impact in our view.  They’ll slump to 0-3 and in straight to panic mode.

Broncos: 1 Jordan Kahu 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 Justin Hodges (c) 5 Lachlan Maranta 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker

Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Jo Ofahengaue 16 Sam Thaiday 17 Kodi Nikorima

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Matthew Wright 4 Kane Linnett 5 Kyle Feldt 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c) 9 Rory Kostjasyn 10 Ben Hannant 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14 Jake Granville 15 Kelepi Tanginoa 16 Scott Bolton 17 James Tamou 18 John Asiata

New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels

Warriors – $1.38

Eels – $3.05

Mt Smart gets its first look at the 2015 Warriors when New Zealand hosts the Ells on Saturday afternoon.  The locals will see a vastly different Warriors outfit with some unfamiliar names that are turning out to be real superstars.  Sam Lisone and Albert Vete are names for the future.  They have both made an immediate contribution to a squad that was short of a couple of their household names.  So much so, Sam Rapira has signed to play in the Super League, presumably understanding Lisone and Vete are the future.

The Warriors are favourites after picking up a win in Canberra last week.  However, the money on the Eels will no doubt prove attractive for some who witnessed the first round domination they inflicted on the Sea Eagles.  Sandow’s the key.  He plays well against the Warriors and should have some decent memory bank ammunition to kickstart his side into contention.

Last year, the teams thrashed each other at home.  That’s why we’ll give the Warriors the win on account of the home advantage.  Warriors 13+.

Warriors: 1. Sam Tomkins 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Tuimoala Lolohea 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. Ben Henry 16. Sam Lisone 17. Albert Vete 18. Matt Allwood (One to be omitted).

Eels: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Vai Toutai 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Reece Robinson 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough

Interchange: 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower

Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons

Raiders – $1.60

Dragons – $2.35

Two rounds into the competition these two sides have accumulated 38 points collectively at an average of just 9.5 points a game.  The Raiders contribute 30 of those and the Dragons just 8.  Thus, we wouldn’t expect this match to be a cracker.

The Dragons points problem are not their halves doing.  They have no go forward from their forward pack. They need more out of Frizell, Ah Mau and Merrin.  They need to give Widdop and Marshall more opportunity to control the game.

For the Raiders, who look to be the most improved team in the competition, they need to reduce their error count if they are to pick up two more completion points.  Without all the errors last week against the Warriors they might have had more of a chance of releasing Wighton and Soliola down the left hand side.  Unfortunately, Wighton is out with injury in a blow for the Raiders.  They should still win though.  Raiders 1-12.  Opt to read about this one rather than watch it live.

Raiders: 1 Jordan Rapana, 2 Sisa Waqa, 3 Jarrod Croker (c), 4 Jarrad Kennedy, 5 Edrick Lee, 6 Blake Austin, 7 Mitchell Cornish, 8 Shannon Boyd, 9 Josh Hodgson, 10 Dane Tilse, 11 Josh Papalii,12 Iosia Soliola, 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange: 14 Josh McCrone, 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala, 16 Paul Vaughan, 17 Luke Bateman

Dragons: 1 Peter Mata’utia, 2 Etonia Nabuli, 3 Dane Nielsen, 4 Dylan Farrell, 5 Jason Nightingale (c), 6 Gareth Widdop, 7 Benji Marshall, 8 Leeson Ah Mau, 9 Mitch Rein, 10 George Rose, 11 Tyson Frizell, 12 Joel Thompson, 13 Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14 Trent Merrin, 15 Heath L’Estrange, 16 Rory O’Brien, 17 Mike Cooper, 19 Jake Marketo

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

Storm – $1.28

Sharks – $3.65

Apparently the Sharks season ticket holders haven’t received their seat passes this years despite playing two games at home this season.  Fortunately, they needn’t worry this week as Melbourne hosts them at AAMI park where there is no chance of something similar happening to the Storm fans.  There’s also no chance of a Sharks win.

The match will be one of the most interesting forward battles of the whole season.  Gallen and Fifita against Procter and Bromwich, with Smith, Finucane, Graham and Ennis thrown in their too.  The bruising battle up front might take away from the action outside them, though will likely settle the match either way.

Huge pressure on Ben Barba to front this week.  His place looks like going to Jack Bird if he’s a passenger through another 80 minutes.  Storm 1-12 in a low scorer.

Melbourne: 1. Billy Slater 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Tim Glasby 16. Dayne Weston 18. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

Cronulla: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Ben Barba 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen

Intercharge: 14. Matt Prior 15. Chris Heighington 16. Anthony Tupou 17. David Fifita 18. Luke Lewis 19. Tinirau Arona

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers

Rabbitohs – $1.22

Tigers – $4.25

The NRL frontrunners are overwhelming favourites to make it three from three to start the season when they meet the West Tigers in the first of the Sunday action.  The all conquering Rabbitohs (NRL, Nines, World Club, Arizona Night Life) will look to inflict the first loss of the season on a young Tigers side that is building nicely under Jason Taylor with Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses at the helm.

No injury issues for either side, therefore, form will give the best indication of the winner.  Almost impossible to argue with the form of the Rabbits.  We can see them using George Burgess and the rest of the forward pack to run at Luke Brooks all day; inflicting serious pain.  Bunnies 13+.

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis 2 Alex Johnston 3 Dylan Walker 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Luke Keary 7 Adam Reynolds 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke 10 Dave Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12 John Sutton 13 Chris McQueen

Interchange: 14 Chris Grevsmuhl 15 Jason Clark 16 Ben Lowe 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Tim Grant 19 Cameron McInnes 20 Darryl Millard.

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 10 Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12 Sauaso Sue 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange: 14 Dene Halatau 15 Ava Seumanufagai 16 Matthew Lodge 17 Brendan Santi 18 Lamar Liolevave.

Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights

Titans -$2.15

Knights – $1.70

Another of the “avoid” games of the round gets slightly more interesting thanks to the return of drug barons Beau Falloon, Dave Taylor and Greg Bird.  The three previously suspended stars get their first chance of the season and will be looking to make an immediate impact for the winless Titans.

The Titans have been conceding points for fun in the two outings this season, and they won’t get any respite from surprise packages the Knights on Sunday.  In Gagai and Leilua the Knights have two of the form centres in the competition, both capable of destroying any opposition flank defence, especially one welcoming back three new faces into their setup.

Close game predicted, but we’ll go the Knights to get another 1-12 win.

Titans: 1 Josh Hoffman, 2 Anthony Don, 3 James Roberts, 4 William Zillman, 5 David Mead, 6 Aiden Sezer, 7 Daniel Mortimer, 8 Luke Douglas, 9 Beau Falloon, 10 Nate Myles, 11 Ryan James, 12 Dave Taylor, 13 Greg Bird.

Interchange: 14 Eddy Pettybourne, 15 Matt White, 16 Ryan Simpkins, 17 Kierran Moseley

Knights: 1 Kurt Gidley 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joey Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale 10 Korbin Sims 11 Beau Scott 12 Robbie Rochow 13 Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell 15 Chris Houston 16 David Fa’alogo 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia.

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers

Roosters – $1.42

Panthers – $2.85

The third round finale should be the game of the season.  It’s a shame it’s been scheduled for a Monday and the crowds might not give it the attention it warrants.  If any club can get numbers through a Monday gate though its Sydney.  Their membership is booming and they’re again looking like genuine title contenders.  So too are Penrith however; looking mightily handy in two unbeaten rounds.

Penrith’s strong squad gets a boost from the retuning man-beast Josh Mansour, coming on to the wing at the expense of youngster George Jennings, and offsetting the loss of Jamie Soward.  Penrith’s unity will allow Sowards’ replacement Isaac John to settle in seamlessly and assist Peter Wallace to steer the ship.

It will need to be manoeuvred well too; the Roosters are incredibly strong 1 through 17.  We’ll give it to the Roosters by 1-12.

Roosters: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Matt McIlwrick 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu.

Interchange : Mitchell Aubusson 15 Dylan Napa 16 Kane Evans 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18 Willie Manu 19 Martin Kennedy.

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Jamal Idris 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Isaac John 7 Peter Wallace 8 Sam McKendry 9 James Segeyaro 10 Brent Kite 11 Sika Manu 12 Lewis Brown 13 Elijah Taylor.

Interchange: 14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Jeremy Latimore 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Bryce Cartwright.

Round 3 Mutli

A $1 multi on the above predictions will return the following:

Head to Head = $28.68

Margin = $1209

Odds available at CrownBet (formerly BetEasy)