NRL Best Bets, May 5
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Canberra Raiders
Head-To-Head
The Raiders have been on a tear over the past month, with three wins in a row against the Broncos, Dragons, and Dolphins.
Their most recent victory, a one-point thriller over the Dolphins, proved they could close out the close ones, with five tries to five separate players and a winning Jamal Fogarty field goal in the 83rd minute.
While the Bulldogs snapped a three-game losing streak with a two-point victory over the Dragons, the $1.60 on offer for the Raiders is too good to pass up.
Suggested Bet:
Canberra Raiders to win at $1.60
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Brisbane Broncos
Handicap
With the sheer quality of match-ups in Magic Round, it’s a challenge to find a handicap that instils much confidence, but we’re settling on the Suncorp Stadium residents and ladder leaders.
Despite their poor performance and a 26-point loss to the Rabbitohs on Friday night, the Broncos are expected to bounce back as they welcome the return of Dally M leader Payne Haas and Ezra Mam from their respective suspensions.
Anthony Seibold will make more changes than usual with Jake Trbojevic (calf) out, but their 16-point loss at home to the Titans doesn’t give us much faith.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane Broncos (-10.5) at $1.89
Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra
Totals
Neither side has set the NRL world on fire throughout the season, as they occupy two of the bottom three spots on the ladder.
With the Tigers averaging just 14.75ppg and the Dragons 21.25, we’re confident that both defenses can stand up and make this a slog-fest between two teams in desperate need of a win.
Despite their slow starts to the season, five teams have allowed more points against in the first nine rounds.
Suggested Bet:
Under (-42.5) at $1.90
Campbell Graham
Anytime Scorer
How is this guy anywhere near his current price?
The league’s leading scorer has been untouchable with nine tries from his past five games, including hat-tricks against the Broncos and Bulldogs.
More importantly, he was one of only two scorers in the Bunnies’ Round Five loss to the Storm, making his $2.55 the juiciest of prices.
Suggested Bet:
C. Graham anytime try scorer at $2.55
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland
Same Game Multi
Are the Roosters back in form?
We’re not entirely sold, but a 0-14 away win against the Warriors gives us some confidence they’re finding their feet as they prepare for their Magic Round clash with North Queensland.
No Jeremiah Nanai for a Cowboys team that sits in 16th with just three wins for the season.
It’s set up to be a one-sided affair, but only if the real Roosters turn up, that is.
- Leg 1: Roosters to win
- Leg 2: Over 43.5 points
- Leg 3: Roosters first to 10 points
- Leg 4: J. Paulo 2+ try scorer
- Total: $7
