NRL Best Bets, August 31
Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm
Head-To-Head
This 1st vs. 4th Round 27 blockbuster is anything but as both sides rest a bevy of stars and prepare to face each other again in Week 1 of finals.
While Reece Walsh, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas will all miss for the Broncos, the Storm have made bulk changes with Nick Meaney, Marion Seve, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica, Tom Eisenhuth, Trent Loiero, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes (knee) sitting this one out.
The third spot on the ladder is as far as the Storm could go, while the Broncos are still playing for their first minor premiership in 23 years. Far more to play for. Even if they must snap a 13-game losing streak to Melbourne to achieve it.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane Broncos at $1.68
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Wests Tigers
Handicap
The Sea Eagles returned to form in a big way last weekend with a dominant 18-point win over the Bulldogs in Sydney, 24-42. Jason Saab top-scored with two tries, and Tolutau Koula ran for an incredible 312m.
While this season has not gone to plan for either side, Manly will have the added motivation of Jake Trbojevic’s 200th NRL game.
Daly Cherry-Evans, who is coming off a 16-point performance against Canterbury, loves nothing more than beating down on the Tigers over his career, having punched home a career-best 14 tries from 19 games.
The Sea Eagles have won six of their past seven against the Tigers and should have very few issues improving upon that record this weekend.
Suggested Bet:
Sea Eagles (-12.5) at $1.89
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
Anytime Scorer
Can the Dolphins finish year one with a bang? We’re banking on it.
There’s no doubt they’ve struggled in the second half of the season, but they will get no better chance to return to the winner’s stall in the final game than against the undermanned Warriors.
Either way, we expect a high-scoring affair and are more than happy to take the $1.85 offer for Tabuai-Fidow.
Hammer has been one of Wayne Bennett’s shining lights in his 19 games this season, with his 15 tries placing him equal 15th in the competition.
While he hasn’t scored since Round 20, expect the high-flying fullback to find the line in the season finale.
Suggested Bet:
H. Tabuai-Fidow anytime try scorer at $1.87
Penrith Panthers vs. North Queensland
Same Game Multi
The worst possible scenario occurred for the Cowboys last weekend – Penrith lost.
There is nothing scarier than a scorned Panther this season, and after going down to the Eels by 14 points at home, Ivan Cleary will be hellbent on leading his side back into form ahead of finals and a tilt at three straight premierships.
Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen all return after being rested, giving the Panthers their best chance of avoiding two consecutive losses and ending the Cowboys’ finals hopes.
- Leg 1: Panthers to win
- Leg 2: Over 41.5 points
- Leg 3: B. To’o score anytime
- Leg 4: M Taulagi score anytime
- Total: $7.00
