NRL Best Bets, June 2
North Queensland vs. Melbourne Storm
Head-To-Head
I know what you’re saying, but isn’t Storm short enough? In the spirit of finding value in the market, the answer is no. No, they’re not.
Placing these two sides head-to-head over their past two games, the fourth-placed Storm should still be considered slightly overs at $1.44. Craig Bellamy has his men humming at 7-4, with impressive wins over the Dolphins and Broncos in their previous two outings – two sides currently residing in the top six.
In comparison, the Cowboys have slumped to 16th spot on the ladder following losses to the Eels and Tigers. They were particularly disappointing against Wests, allowing 66 points against and going down by 48.
With Cam Munster and Harry Grant both expected to play post-Origin, the Storm is in a good position ahead of their trip north.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne Storm to win at $1.44
NZ Warriors vs. Dolphins
Handicap
With both Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Gilbert resting following the State of Origin series opener, it will be a bit of a task for Wayne Bennett and his side, but certainly not insurmountable.
The Dolphin bounced back from an eight-point loss to the Storm with an impressive showing against the Dragons, running out 14-point winners on the back of a Jamayne Isaako double. There were no injuries to speak of post-game, meaning the sixth-placed Dolphins will enter with the same side. We love consistency.
As for the Warriors, they’re just 3-3 at home, and they’ve won one game from their past four. They will welcome back hooker Wayde Egan, Dylan Walker and Mitch Barnett, but will it be enough to beat the Dolphins by more than 6.5? We don’t think so.
Suggested Bet:
Dolphins (+6.5) at $1.90
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney
Totals
An important game for both sides, with the Titans currently outside the top eight and the Bunnies falling from first to fifth in just two weeks.
What we do know is that the Titans will be without key playmaker Kieran Foran (rested), while Latrell Mitchell (calf) has been sidelined for Souths.
Both sides have two players representing their state in the Origin opener, and all will be monitored following Wednesday’s clash.
It will be a tough battle out there, but there’s simply too much going on in both squads to have any confidence in a high-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet:
Under (-47.5) at $1.90
Junior Tupou (Wests)
Anytime Scorer
The trajectory of the 2023 season has certainly changed recently for both teams.
The Raiders have worked their way into seventh spot on the ladder, while Wests have won three of their past four and lifted themselves off the bottom of the table.
We’re expecting a high-scoring Friday night blockbuster at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, and after driving home a double a fortnight ago in their win over the Cowboys, we’re backing Junior Tupou to hit the scoreboard for the Tigers in this one.
Suggested Bet:
J. Tupou anytime try scorer at $2.15
Cronulla Sharks vs. Brisbane Broncos
Same Game Multi
The match of the round will take place on Saturday night, with the Sharks and Broncos jostling for positions in the top four.
The Sharks will enter this one refreshed following their bye round, while the Broncos were made to work hard for their four-point victory over the Warriors.
Both sides have been affected by Origin, but none more so than the Broncos, who are unlikely to get all five of their representatives back this weekend.
- Leg 1: Cronulla to win
- Leg 2: J. Arthars anytime try scorer
- Leg 3: W. Kennedy anytime try scorer
- Leg 4: Cronulla over 4.5 team tries
- Total: $10
