NRL Round 2, March 14
Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydney
March 14th
It could be a happy homecoming for the Brisbane Broncos as they look to bounce back from their Vegas sojourn and 10-point loss to the Roosters when they host the Rabbitohs on Thursday night.
The 2023 grand finalists had their first taste of life without Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler but showed signs of rustiness across the board with an uncharacteristic 15 errors during the 20-10 loss.
Corey Jensen has been elevated to the starting side, while Brendan Piakura will rejoin the back row after recovering from an HIA that ruled him out of Vegas.
The Rabbitohs were similarly disappointed in their first-up Vegas clash against the Sea Eagles and will be hoping for an improved defensive effort after going down 36-24. While they were able to score five times, Latrell Mitchell’s radar was off with just 2/5 conversions. Jai Arrow (shoulder) picked up an injury and will miss this week’s clash.
Kevin Walters’ men have recently had the Bunnies’ measure with three wins from their past four games, a record that should extend again this week.
Suggested Bet:
S. Cobbo anytime try scorer at $2.38
Penrith Panthers vs. Parramatta Eels
March 15th
Speaking of former grand finalists that suffered a Round 1 loss, the three-time premiers Penrith Panthers hit the Great Wall of Melbourne on Friday night and went down 8-0 at Aami Park.
In their first outing since clinching the historic three-peat on the final day of the 2023 season, the Panthers struggled to make any inroads against the Storm as they conceded nine penalties and 12 errors during the match. Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny will make their welcome return to the starting side as they try to avoid their first 0-2 start to a season since 2016.
Parramatta, on the other hand, will have their shoulders back and chests out after dismantling Canterbury 26-8 in their season opener. Bryce Cartwright starred for the Eels with a double in a dominant display from a team that had 59% of possession.
The Eels got the job done over the Panthers in Round 26 last season, but it’s hard to see them going down in front of the home crowd.
Suggested Bet:
Panthers first team to score at $1.53
Melbourne Storm vs. NZ Warriors
March 16th
22 and counting.
That’s the number of consecutive years the Storm have won their opening round match after shutting the Panthers down in their 8-0 battle royale last week.
Despite missing Cameron Munster and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (who will remain sidelined this week), Craig Bellamy’s men put on a defensive masterclass against the reigning premiers. They took their Aami Park winning streak to 10 straight games.
While the Storm were impressive, the Warriors were equally disappointing against the Sharks after they went down 12-16 at home. Things certainly don’t get any easier for Andrew Webster and his squad as they attempt to snap their own 14-game losing streak against the Storm.
There’s not too much to add here; the Storm should be celebrating #15 at the conclusion of this one.
Suggested Bet:
Storm to win at $1.35
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Sydney Roosters
March 17th
While the two Vegas losers prepare to kick off the round on Thursday night, those who rolled double sixes and came out of Sin City with the points will face off against each other on Sunday afternoon.
The Sea Eagles were arguably as impressive as any side in Round 1 as they piled on six tries and ran over the Rabbitohs 36-24 at Allegiant Stadium. Tom Trbojevic returned to the side in scintillating form, while Jason Saab ran for a game-high 248m. Unfortunately, Saab has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss the next month.
The Roosters, who were led by a dominant James Tedesco, opened their 2024 account in fine fashion as they outplayed the Broncos 20-10. Things are only looking up for Trent Robinson’s men as they prepare to welcome Dom Young into the fold for his first game since being acquired from the Knights. Spencer Leniu will miss eight games for contrary conduct, but Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns from suspension.
The Roosters have an excellent recent record at 4 Pines Park, with three of their past four resulting in wins, but there’s something building at Manly this season, and it could really gain legs with a win this weekend.
