NRL Tips and Previews, April 8-10
Penrith vs. Manly
April 8th
Can the Sea Eagles bounce back into form after two down weeks? Or are they just dreaming against a rampaging Panthers unit?
It’s safe to say the Panthers are back in form after securing their second win of the season with a 41-point demolition of the Raiders. Having already lost two games, the Panthers flexed their premiership muscle with seven players scoring nine tries.
Alternatively, the hot early-season form shown by the Sea Eagles has temporarily halted after following up their loss to the Rabbitohs with a 32-32 draw against the Knights. In positive news, Jason Saab will play his first game of the season, having recovered from a knee injury.
Suggested Bet:
Penrith to win at $1.33
Brisbane vs. Canberra
April 8th
This is another David and Goliath-type match-up, with the undefeated ladder leaders hosting a Raiders outfit reeling from a Penrith mauling.
As such, the Broncos are $1.19 in the head-to-head market, with their 34-point victory over the Wests proving they’re not taking it easy on the stragglers.
The Raiders, who are second-last on the ladder above only the Tigers, will need to find something special to stick with the Broncos, and the inclusion of club great Jarrod Croker for his first game since Round Nine last year is undoubtedly a positive.
Suggested Bet:
J. Arthars anytime try scorer at $1.81
Gold Coast vs. St. George
April 9th
This bodes as a game that could go either way, with the refreshed Titans hosting the Dragons after watching on during their bye round.
What the Titans would have seen is a Dragons team who failed to take a backward step, defeating the Dolphins 38-12 on the back of five tries in the second half.
Jayden Campbell will start at fullback for the Titans following AJ Brimson’s hamstring injury, while Anthony Griffin has the luxury of naming the same squad for the Dragons.
A battle of 9th vs 10th, we’re leaning towards the Titans as they try to replicate the Roosters with a strong post-bye performance.
Suggested Bet:
Gold Coast to win at $1.76
Newcastle vs. New Zealand
April 9th
Speaking of games that could go either way, the Knights and Warriors will go head-to-head after both registered strong wins last week.
The Knights tied the Sea Eagles against the odds, while the Warriors claimed their fourth win of the year with a two-point victory over the Sharks.
The busy schedule is taking its toll on the second-placed Warriors, with 12 players rested from Wednesday’s training to freshen up for this week’s game. Te Maire Martin and Tohu Harris will both return for the Warriors.
Suggested Bet:
New Zealand to win at $1.79
Wests vs. Parramatta
April 10th
With just one win between them, the market couldn’t be further apart for the Wests and the Eels, with last year’s grand finalists quoted at $1.25 as they look to get their season back on track.
Trailing 16-2 at half-time against the Roosters, the Eels fought back bravely and scored 18 points to 12 in the final 40. Shaun Lane returns from injury, and Haze Dunster comes in on the wing for Bailey Simonsson.
The run of losses is likely to continue for the Wests, who currently sit in 17th spot with a 0-5 record to start the year. They’re mixing things up with Adam Doueihi going back to five-eighth and Charlie Staines to fullback.
