NRL Best Bets, July 20
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sydney Roosters
Head-To-Head
Yes, they’re out of form. Yes, they’ve disappointed from the outset of the season. Yes, they’re battling even to make the top eight. But the Roosters have won their past nine matches against the Titans, and we simply can’t go past that record.
Trent Robinson’s men, who sit in 14th spot on the ladder after starting the year as one of the premiership favourites, will be looking to use this week’s match-up as the catalyst for an unlikely finals run.
The Roosters welcome back James Tedesco to fullback, freeing up Joey Manu (centres) and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (wing) to play in their more favoured positions. With Brandon Smith coming off the bench for the second week in a row, the Roosters are well-placed to make it 10 straight against the Titans.
Suggested Bet:
Sydney Roosters to win at $1.68
Cronulla Sharks vs. Manly Sea Eagles
Handicap
After giving up 44 points to the Warriors in one of their poorest defensive displays of the season, Cronulla will be hellbent on bouncing back in front of the home fans and keeping their top-four chances alive.
Sitting in sixth spot on the ladder, Craig Fitzgibbon’s men are just two points behind the Storm (3rd) and Raiders (4th). Ranking second for points scored, expect the likes of William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, and Ronaldo Mulitalo to run riot after the team delivered just two tries in NZ.
The Sea Eagles were well-beaten by the Cowboys in Manly, giving us little confidence in their ability to hold off the Sharks at home.
Suggested Bet:
Cronulla (-8.5) at $1.91
Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)
Anytime Scorer
The Cowboys star has been on fire recently at both club and Origin level.
With his representative commitments now over for the season, Holmes can continue to dominate for his beloved Cowboys as they try to clinch a finals berth.
Having scored a double against the Rabbitohs and the Tigers in his past three games, as well as converting at an incredible strike rate, Holmes is always a strong bet at even money or better.
Suggested Bet:
V. Holmes anytime try scorer at $2.00
Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm
Same Game Multi
With both sides coming off decisive wins in Round 20, Melbourne Storm has the chance to solidify their position in the top four with a win at Newcastle.
Xavier Coates was a man on a mission with a treble against the Roosters last week after notching a double two games prior against Manly.
With a 5-3 away record so far this season, expect Craig Bellamy to have his chargers primed for a tilt at the top two in a ding-dong, high-scoring affair.
- Leg 1: Melbourne to win 1-12
- Leg 2: Over 45.5 points
- Leg 3: X. Coates 2+ tries
- Leg 4: D. Young score anytime
- Total: $13
