NRL Tips and Previews, March 30-31
Sydney Roosters vs. Parramatta Eels
March 30th
The big games are coming left, right and centre, with the Sydney Roosters kicking off the weekend as $1.53 favourites against the Parramatta Eels.
The Roosters, who sat out Round Four with the bye, are coming off an impressive 20-18 victory over the Rabbitohs two weeks ago. Trailing by two at the half, Jaxson Paulo scored a double in the final 40 minutes, leading them to their third win. Joey Manu is serving a one-game ban for his high shot against the Rabbitohs, and Drew Hutchison will move into the centres.
A massive sigh of relief went around Parramatta last Thursday night after they secured their first win of the year in a one-point thriller against the Panthers in the grand final re-match. Mitchell Moses was the hero, with an 81st-minute field goal sealing the game. Prop Junior Paulo will miss two games via suspension, with Wiremu Greig moving into the starting side.
A refreshed Roosters at $1.53 looks like the safe play in this one.
Suggested Bet:
Roosters to win at $1.53
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers
March 31st
Who’s going to point it out? We’re at Round Five, and Penrith is sitting in seventh spot with just one win for the season.
It certainly hasn’t been the start the reigning premiers were after, with their second loss coming against the Eels in the grand final re-match. It was the second time the Panthers have lost by one point after going down to the Broncos by the barest of margins in their season opener. The Panthers will consider this their ‘easiest’ match-up so far after coming up against the Broncos, Rabbitohs and Eels over the first month.
The Raiders will need to improve on their 24-14 loss to the Knights if they are to stand any chance of causing an upset in this one. It was a hot start for the Raiders, with two tries and a six-point half-time lead, before the Knights caught fire with 16 consecutive points in the space of nine minutes in the second half. Thankfully, Jordan Rapana and Jamal Fogarty will both make their return to the line-up.
It’s not an overstatement to say the Panthers need this one and need to do it emphatically.
Suggested Bet:
S. Crichton anytime try scorer at $2.22
South Sydney vs. Melbourne Storm
March 31st
If your Friday night couldn’t get any better, it will be capped off with the blockbuster clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm.
The Rabbitohs re-entered the winner’s stall for the first time since Round One as they overcame the previously undefeated Sea Eagles by one point. Cody Walker scored both tries for the Bunnies before Lachlan Ilias nailed a field goal in the 81st minute. Most tellingly, the Rabbitoh’s defense kept the Sea Eagles scoreless in the second half.
Last weekend was also a return to form for the Storm after they defeated Wests Tigers 24-12 at Aami Park. The damage was done in the first half as the Storm piled on four tries and created an unassailable 22-6 lead. Cameron Munster capped off his return from injury by hitting the scoreboard, but we’re not sure his inclusion will be enough for the Storm this week.
