NRL Tips and Previews, March 23-24
Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers
March 23rd
Round Four kicks off with the blockbuster grand final re-match between the Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers.
The Panthers, who are 1-1 in their first two games, will enter this one the fresher of the two sides, having sat out last week with the bye. After losing their opening game to the Broncos, the Panthers returned to their winning ways with an impressive six-point win over the Rabbitohs.
As for the Eels, a win couldn’t come quick enough after losing their first three matches. They’ve certainly not been blown out of the water, as they’ve lost every game (Storm, Sharks and Sea Eagles) by just four points. They gave up the first 14 points of the game against Manly before hitting back with a Clinton Gutherson double and 30 points to 20 after the 27-minute mark.
The Panthers showed real class against the Bunnies after falling to the ladder-leading Broncos by one point in Round One, so we’re sticking with the reigning premiers in this one.
Suggested Bet:
Penrith Panthers (-8.5) at $1.96
Melbourne Storm vs. Wests Tigers
March 24th
Despite losing their last two games, the Melbourne Storm will return to AAMI Park as $1.39 favourites to take down the cellar-dwelling Tigers.
The Storm were unable to re-enter the winner’s stall against the Titans over the weekend, going down by four points in a high-scoring affair on the Gold Coast. They led by six points at the half-time break before watching on as Aaron Schoupp scored two of the Titans’ three second-half tries. They will welcome the return of star playmaker Cameron Munster, who has missed the past two games with a finger injury.
The Tigers were bold in their 26-22 loss to the Bulldogs but ultimately suffered their third-straight loss and sat in last place on the ladder. There will be a critical positional shift with Adam Doueihi going from five-eighth to fullback and Brandon Wakeham taking the No.6 jersey.
Back at home with Munster returning, there’s no looking past the Storm.
Suggested Bet:
C. Munster anytime try scorer at $2.50
Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos
March 24th
It’s the primetime Friday night slot, and we have a top-of-the-table clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins. Yes, you read that correctly.
The Dolphins have proved unstoppable to this point of the season, highlighted by a 20-36 victory over the Newcastle Knights on Friday. Leading by four points at half-time, the Dolphins rallied and scored the final four tries, including Tesi Niu’s third for the game. Felise Kaufusi was found guilty of dangerous contact and has been banned for four matches.
The Dolphins will now face the most significant task of their short history as they come up against the number one-ranked Broncos. They were clinical in their 40-18 win over the Dragons, as both Kotoni Staggs and Reece Walsh scored doubles.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Dolphins, the Broncos should have their measure.
