NRL Best Bets, August 24
Newcastle Knights vs. Cronulla Sharks
Head-To-Head
Clearly, the match of the round, these two sides will thrash it out for the mental edge heading into the NRL finals series.
The Knights represent great value at $1.66 as they enter the match on a seven-game winning streak following their 19-point demolition of the Rabbitohs, 29-10.
Kalyn Ponga is arguably the best player in the competition right now, Greg Marzhew and Dom Young are scoring for fun, and Jackson Hastings is set to return after missing with an ankle injury. In fact, Marzhew has scored in all but one game during their current hot streak.
The Sharks have certainly found the mojo over the past three weeks with wins against the Cowboys, Titans and Rabbitohs. However, with just one win from their past four trips to McDonald James Stadium, the home side seemingly has everything going in its favour.
Suggested Bet:
Newcastle Knights at $1.66
Penrith Panthers vs. Parramatta Eels
Handicap
Penrith couldn’t be better placed for a tilt at their third consecutive NRL premiership.
Sitting at the top of the table with games against the Eels and Cowboys to come, Ivan Cleary’s team is poised to record a 19-win season and their third minor premiership in four years.
After destroying the Titans by 26 points (14-40) on the Gold Coast last week, the Panthers are set to bolster their line-up with the return of Brian To’o.
With 33 wins from their past 36 games at home, the inclusion of To’o is made even more valuable because he’s punched home 14 tries from his past 10 games at the venue.
The Eels’ season is over after last week’s shock loss to the Roosters, so only one team has anything to play for.
Suggested Bet:
Panthers (-19.5) at $1.89
Will Warbrick (Storm)
Anytime Scorer
While it may seem as though we’re jumping on the bandwagon after Warbrick’s three-try performance last week, why wouldn’t we?
After missing the Storm’s previous victory over the Raiders, Warbrick made his presence known in Wollongong with his team’s first three tries of the match.
The star winger made a game-high three-line break and ran for (also a game-high) 205 metres in a dominant individual display.
We’re expecting a scoring bonanza from Melbourne in front of the Aami Park crowd, so the $1.53 on offer for Warbrick presents value we’re not willing to look past.
Suggested Bet:
W. Warbrick anytime try scorer at $1.53
Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos
Same Game Multi
An exciting top-eight clash between two sides that are finals-bound.
While the Raiders recaptured some form with a 12-point win over Canterbury on Sunday, it’ll be a different kettle of fish against a Broncos machine coming off a bye.
With the minor premiership still in sight, Kevin Walters’ team enters the match on a six-game winning streak, with Corey Oates coming into the side for his 200th game.
While the Raiders have won four of their past five against the Broncos, these are two sides at very different ends of the form scale.
- Leg 1: Broncos to win
- Leg 2: Over 44.5 points
- Leg 3: S. Cobbo 2+ tries
- Leg 4: N. Cotric score anytime
- Total: $15.00
