NRL Tips and Previews, April 1-2
Manly vs Newcastle
April 1st
The third-placed Sea Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season and will get every chance to do so as short-priced favourites against the Knights.
An 81st-minute field goal to the Rabbitohs spelled the end of the Sea Eagles’ run after leading by six points at half-time. Morgan Harper will play his first game of the season, and Lachlan Croker returns from a shoulder injury.
The Knights proved too strong for the Raiders int heir 24-14 victory, but they’ll be without Kurt Mann in this one due to HIA protocols.
Suggested Bet:
Sea Eagles to win 13+ @ $1.84
St George vs Redcliffe
April 1st
The first loss in the club’s history was always going to happen at some point for the Dolphins, and that moment was last weekend when they went down to the Broncos by six points. The wash-up wasn’t ideal for Wayne Bennett’s men, with Sean O’Sullivan and Tesi Niu suffering injuries, but they’ll welcome back Isaiya Katoa and Jeremy Marshall-King.
St George was far less convincing in their Round Four loss to the Sharks, giving up 28 points in the second half and eventually losing by 32. It’s hard to see them getting over the line, but the inclusion of former Origin back-rower Jack de Belin will help.
Suggested Bet:
Dolphins to win @ $2
Brisbane vs Wests
April 1st
A battle of the two bookends, the top-ranked Broncos will enter this clash as $1.15 favourites against the lowly Tigers.
Brisbane flexed their muscle in the Queensland Derby last weekend with a six-point victory over the previously undefeated Dolphins. Kotoni Staggs was the standout this round with 237m and a try.
It’s a difficult ask for the winless Wests, coming up against the Broncos on the back of four straight losses. However, Tim Sheens hasn’t changed the starting 13, with Adam Doueihi remaining at fullback.
Suggested Bet:
S. Cobbo 2+ tries @ $3.40
Cronulla vs New Zealand
April 2nd
Cronulla will be bouncing into this week’s fixture after demolishing the Dragons 8-40 and launching into sixth spot on the ladder. Jesse Ramien and Ronaldo Mulitalo both scored doubles, while the Sharks dominated with nine more line breaks and an extra 490m with ball in hand.
They’ll stick with the same 13, but Braydon Trindall will return from an ankle injury and start on the bench.
There’s no stopping the 3-1 Warriors at this point, with their two-point win over Canterbury solidifying fourth spot on the ladder before Round Five. Tohu Harris will play despite his knee complaint against the Bulldogs.
Suggested Bet:
Sharks to win 1-12 @ $3.25
Canterbury vs North Queensland
April 2nd
It’s a homecoming celebration for Canterbury this weekend, with favourite son Josh Reynolds named to play his first game for the club since 2017. And it comes at a reasonable time after they lost to the Warriors 16-14 last week.
The Cowboys certainly won’t be a walkover after finding form and defeating the Titans 24-12 on the back of another standout performance from Valentine Holmes. Both winger Murray Taulagi and centre Gehamat Shibasaki are out for the Cowboys, making us lean towards the home side.
