NRL Best Bets, August 3
Sydney Roosters vs. Manly Sea Eagles
Head-To-Head
With six of the eight games one-sided affairs in the market, we’ve crunched the numbers and agreed that the Roosters ‘should’ get the job done against the Sea Eagles at the SCG on Thursday night.
While Trent Robinson’s men have been largely disappointing this season – they’re sitting 14th on the ladder – the fact remains they must win this match to stay in the finals hunt. Let’s not forget about their 18-point demolition of the Titans just two weeks ago.
The SCG has been a happy hunting ground for the Roosters, with three wins from their past four games at the venue. Star winger, Daniel Tupou, doesn’t mind the iconic stadium either, with five tries in his past three outings.
The home side has defeated the Sea Eagles in six of their past nine games and will be hungry to atone for their 18-16 loss at 4 Pines Park just one month ago.
Suggested Bet:
Sydney Roosters to win at $1.62
North Queensland vs. Brisbane Broncos
Handicap
No Valentine Holmes, no Cowboys? That’s what we’ll be relying on in this one after the Cowboys’ star was unsuccessful at the judiciary and copped a four-game suspension.
It comes at an inopportune time for the Cowboys following their surprise nine-point loss to the Titans, sending them into eighth on the ladder and just one point above the Knights and Sea Eagles.
As for the Broncos, their first minor premiership since 2000 is well and truly in their sights as they look to record an eighth win from nine games this weekend.
Kevin Walters has the Brisbane boys operating at an elite level week in, week out, and they’ll only improve with the return of winger Jesse Arthars and back-rower Brendan Piakura.
The Broncos have scored 144 points in their past four games and can be expected to repeat the dose in this mouthwatering clash on Cowboys soil.
Suggested Bet:
Broncos (-3.5) at $1.81
Tyrell Sloan (Dragons)
Anytime Scorer
While the Dragons aren’t predicted to beat the Eels on Sunday, they’re certainly expected to make Parramatta earn its first win in three games when the two sides clash at CommBank Stadium.
The Dragons’ fullback, who is ranked third for support plays this season, has been on a tear of late, with tries in each of his last four outings.
Despite the Dragons’ low ranking of 16th and five wins for the season, Sloan has been a shining light, and we’re more than happy to take the $2.88 on offer for one of the form fullbacks in the competition.
Suggested Bet:
T. Sloan anytime try scorer at $2.88
South Sydney vs. Cronulla Sharks
Same Game Multi
One team is at full strength; the other is on its knees to the injury gods.
One team returned to form with a strong showing against the Tigers, and the other went scoreless against the Panthers and lost their third on the trot.
One team has moved into sixth on the ladder, and the other has conceded 102 points in three weeks and slid from 3rd to 7th.
With five wins from their past seven against the Sharks, we’re taking the Souths at Optus Stadium.
- Leg 1: Souths to win
- Leg 2: Over 48.5 points
- Leg 3: A. Johnston scores anytime
- Leg 4: R. Mulitalo scores anytime
- Total: $6.25
