NRL Round 20, July 19th
Newcastle Knights vs. Brisbane Broncos
July 20th
A spot in the top eight is potentially up for grabs for the Newcastle Knights as they prepare to host the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
While the market is currently siding with the 2023 grand finalists at $1.71, the Knights have everything to play for after being decimated by the Sea Eagles 44-6 last week. Fortunately, they will likely welcome back Origin stars, Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai, as well as Tyson Gamble. Best starred with a match-winning try for the Blues after scoring four tries in his past five games at Newcastle.
The Broncos, who sit in 13th spot and are currently on a six-game losing streak, will fancy their chances of a winning return against the Knights. They’ve got a grand affinity for McDonald Jones Stadium, having won seven of their past nine away games at the venue. Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Selwyn Cobbo will all return from Origin duties alongside skipper Adam Reynolds.
History says the Broncos should salute in this one, but their recent form and the $2.15 about the Knights make them a very juicy prospect.
Suggested Bet:
Knights to win at $2.15
Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters
July 20th
Saturday night blockbusters don’t get much better than a Melbourne/Sydney Derby, and they boast added interest when the visitors come down as favourites.
Despite sitting two games clear at the top of the table, the Storm will enter this week’s match against the Roosters at Aami Park as $2.15 underdogs. They’ve won five on the trot, they’ve lost just one at home all season and Craig Bellamy is set to welcome both Harry Grant (Origin) and Nick Meaney (calf) back into the side. Storm fans should be licking their lips at the price on offer.
As for the Roosters, they’ve certainly hit their groove over the last month with four consecutive wins and an average of 34 points per game over that time. Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson and Angus Crichton have all been named to back-up from Origin III, while Joseph Sua’ali’I (suspension) and Victor Radley (concussion) are back on deck.
Undoubtedly the match of the round, but we simply can’t go past the Storm’s price after winning nine of their previous 10 against the Roosters.
Suggested Bet:
Storm to win at $2.15
Penrith Panthers vs. Dolphins
July 21st
Look out NRL fans, Nathan Cleary is back.
The premiership star will return to the Panther’s line-up for the first time since Round 10, having recovered from a hamstring tear in the lead-up to finals. It’s not all positive news for the three-time champs, however, with Dyland Edwards and Isaah Yeo being rested and Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Liam Martin listed among the reserves.
With four wins from their past six away games, the Dolphins will fancy their chances against a potentially undermanned Panthers outfit. Origin representatives Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi have been named to back-up from Wednesday night’s clash as the Dolphins look to play finals for the first time in club history.
The Panthers are far too short in the head-to-head markets, but should still mark the return of King Cleary with a close win.
