NRL Best Bets, August 10
Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders
Head-To-Head
There’s not a lot of value in the head-to-head markets this round, with the longest-priced favourite currently the Sydney Roosters at $1.33 in their match-up with the Dolphins.
As such, we’ve done our best to hunt down some value, with the Raiders’ $3.60 appearing over the odds, given their recent history against the Storm.
While the Vics enter the match as deserved favourites, it wouldn’t surprise to see Ricky Stuart’s men claim an upset after winning their previous five games at Aami Park.
Something about the bright lights and hostile environment of Melbourne has inspired the Green Machine over recent years, having gone undefeated at the venue since 2018.
With a top-four spot up for grabs and an affinity for the Storm’s home deck, don’t sleep on the Raiders at that price.
Suggested Bet:
Canberra Raiders at $3.60
Newcastle Knights vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Handicap
Kalyn Ponga and Aiden O’Brien have turned Newcastle’s season around over the past month and a half, with five consecutive wins placing the Knights seventh on the ladder.
Last week’s two-point victory over the Dolphins proved they can grind out tough wins when required, and there’s no doubt they’ll be licking their lips over a home clash against a side they defeated 66-0 just six weeks ago.
With Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew and Tyson Frizell leading the charge, expect the Knights to make it five wins from six matches against the Bulldogs.
Suggested Bet:
Broncos (-10.5) at $1.89
Ezra Mam (Broncos)
Anytime Scorer
The top two scoring sides of 2023 are going head-to-head at The Gabba on Friday night and punters can expect a genuine shootout.
The red-hot Broncos are tipped to make it six wins on the trot and a second against the Eels this season, but it’s the star five-eighth who we’ll be watching with a close eye.
Mam was one of five try scorers for the Broncos last week, making it 12 tries from 20 appearances this season.
If it’s the scoring bonanza we predict, Mam should be on the end of one or two throughout the night.
Suggested Bet:
E. Mam anytime try scorer at $2.70
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Penrith Panthers
Same Game Multi
A second consecutive minor premiership is on the cards for the back-to-back reigning champions, and it all starts this week at 4 Pines Park.
The Panthers, who last lost to Manly in 2018, were far too strong for the Sea Eagles and ran out 44-12 winners earlier in the season. They’ve only improved since with a 12-3 record, including a current six-game winning streak.
They’re far and away the best defence in the competition (242 points against) and boast the top two players for metres gained – Dyland Edwards and Brian To’o.
Having gone undefeated at 4 Pines since 2017, the Panthers should continue to purr en route to finals.
- Leg 1: Panthers to win
- Leg 2: Over 42.5 points
- Leg 3: D. Edwards scores anytime
- Leg 4: J. Saab scores anytime
- Total: $11
