NRL Tips and Previews, March 11-12
Sydney Roosters vs. NZ Warriors
March 11th
Despite being crunched into $6 second favourites to win the NRL premiership, the Sydney Roosters started their 2023 campaign in the worst possible fashion, going down to the Dolphins 28-18 in one of the great League upsets.
With scores level 12-12 at half-time, the Roosters had no answers for the NRL’s newest club and watched on as the Dolphins added three tries to one in the second half. While they had no excuses for their poor performance, the Roosters will welcome the return of Joey Manu at centre this week.
The Warriors are coming off an impressive first-up win against the Knights, where they ran out eight-point winners in Wellington. They shared the load with four separate try-scorers but will undoubtedly find the going far more difficult against the 0-1 Roosters.
Suggested Bet:
J. Suaalii anytime try scorer at $1.93
Dolphins vs Canberra Raiders
March 11th
Well, well, well, the fins are well and truly up at Redcliffe. Has there ever been a great start to a sporting franchise’s career than the Dolphins’ upset win over the Roosters?
The rank outsiders entered the half-time break at level pegging before taking control of the match with two tries to Jamayne Isaako and one to Connelly Lemuelu in the opening 16 minutes of the second half.
On the other hand, the Raiders gave up 18 points to six in the first half before fighting back and going down to the Cowboys 19-18 at the final whistle.
Canberra certainly struggled in the Pre-Season Challenge, but the market believes it might have all been smoke and mirrors as they enter this clash as deserved $1.60 favourites after pushing the Cowboys all the way.
Suggested Bet:
Canberra Raiders to win at $1.60
Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
March 11th
They might have been tipped to decline before the season’s commencement, but the Melbourne Storm showed they are still well and truly a force with a four-point win over the Parramatta Eels.
Craig Bellamy’s incredible Round One record lives on after Harry Grant scored a stunning match-winning try in the 83rd minute. Unfortunately, there were casualties for the Storm, with Cameron Munster missing due to a finger injury.
The Bulldogs were less impressive in their season opener, going down to the Sea Eagles 31-6 and falling into last spot on the ladder. Trailing by six points at half-time, the Bulldogs had no answers as Daly Cherry-Evans recorded a hat-trick in the final 40 minutes.
Early form suggests it could be a long season for the Bulldogs, with the Storm in the box seat to secure a 2-0 start to the year.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne Storm (-7.5) at $1.89
Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights
March 12th
Who is going to enter the winners’ stall first; the Tigers or the Knights?
The Tigers had every chance to kick-start their season on a winning note with a home game against the Titans, but they gave up the first three tries and couldn’t claw their way back into the match. Adam Doueihi and Daine Laurie both scored for the Tigers, but Tim Sheens has already earmarked one change, with Api Koroisau named to start.
Like the Tigers, the Knights struggled to get their game going against the Warriors and eventually went down by eight points. Jayden Brailey made 49 tackles, and they scored through Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Hymel Hunt, but they will welcome back star centre Dane Gagai for this one.
The Tigers looked like they significantly improved during the Pre-Season Challenge, so we’re backing them to find their way into that winners’ stall this week.
Suggested Bet:
Wests Tigers to win at $1.72
St George Illawarra vs. Gold Coast Titans
March 12th
The Dragons watched on during their Round One bye as the Titans made light work of the Tigers with a 10-22 victory at Leichhardt Oval.
Phillip Sami produced two tries in the opening half before Sam McIntyre, and Alexander Brimson cemented their first win of the season. This comes after an impressive Pre-Season challenge for the Titans, where they finished in fourth spot.
The Dragons didn’t instil a whole heap of confidence in the Pre-Season Challenge with two losses and a point differential of -30, so we’re looking to take the $1.91 on offer for the away team.
