NRL Best Bets, August 17
North Queensland vs. Cronulla Sharks
Head-To-Head
Despite winning just two of their past four games, the ninth-placed North Queensland Cowboys present great value at $1.55 in their must-win clash with the Sharks.
Todd Payten’s men, who lost their Round 23 home clash to the Broncos before last week’s bye, will be keen to make amends after losing just three of their 11 home games this season. In fact, it was the Cowboys’ first loss at QCB Stadium in seven games.
Star back-rower Jeremiah Nanai is set to return from a shoulder injury for the Cowboys, with Maroons Origin representative Murray Taualgi set to play in the centres.
They will need to be at their absolute best to take down a Sharks team that has recaptured their best form with two consecutive wins. A cracking contest awaits.
Suggested Bet:
North Queensland at $1.55
Newcastle Knights vs. South Sydney
Handicap
With a six-game winning streak, Bradman Best back from an adductor injury and news that Jackson Hastings’ syndesmosis injury isn’t as bad as first thought – things couldn’t be going any better for the Newcastle Knights.
So, they are entering their Round 25 clash with the Rabbitohs as underdogs, which is a substantial positive for punters and something we’re looking to take advantage of.
Led by a red-hot Kalyn Ponga, the Knights are the form side of the competition (OK, as well as the Panthers), averaging 37ppg over their winning run and charging into the seventh spot on the ladder.
Despite winning 12 of their past 14 against the Knights, the Rabbitohs have been wildly disappointing this season. They will need everything to click if they have any chance of adding to their imposing record against Newcastle.
Suggested Bet:
Knights (+2.5) at $1.83
Harry Grant (Storm)
Anytime Scorer
The Storm put on an absolute masterclass in their 48-2 demolition of the Raiders, and we’re expecting more of the same when they travel to Wollongong and face off with the Dragons on Saturday night.
Harry Grant was one of Melbourne’s nine players who crossed the line, making it nine tries from his 20 games this season and three from his past three.
Given his incredible run of form and the Storm’s likely win over the Dragons, we’re more than happy to take Grant at $2.60.
Suggested Bet:
H. Grant anytime try scorer at $2.60
NZ Warriors vs. Manly Sea Eagles
Same Game Multi
The third-placed Warriors can just about lock in a top-four spot with a win against the Sea Eagles this weekend.
Having won five games on the trot, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) will return to fullback as the home side shoots for its sixth straight win.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been a man possessed with 16 tries from his past 11 games, while Shaun Johnson has delivered a career-high 24 try assists.
With Brad Parker and Ben Trbojevic out due to concussion, it seems like a very steep mountain for the Sea Eagles to climb.
- Leg 1: Warriors to win
- Leg 2: Over 45.5 points
- Leg 3: D. Watene-Zelezniak scores anytime
- Leg 4: R. Garrick scores anytime
- Total: $9.00
