Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders
Thursday 12/7/21
The Raiders are on the brink of the top eight, but their late-season revival will be put to the test when they face the Storm. The upside for the Raiders is the Storm are on the quick five-day back-up after their tough battle with Manly. Is it enough to test the ladder-leading Storm? Probably not, but if they are to make a game of this, the Raiders must raise their attacking efforts. While the Raiders have previously enjoyed recent success over the Storm, more recently they have lost the past three of these encounters. The Storm should get the job done, but the line seems excessive for a Raiders outfit with renewed confidence.
Suggested bet: 1u Canberra +25.5 at $1.90
St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers
Friday 13/8/21
Star Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary looks to be in line for a return and it should prove the difference in this clash with the Dragons. Penrith has won its past five night matches at Suncorp, and they also get Stephen Crichton and new recruit Tevita Pangai Junior as added firepower. The Dragons’ players have now served their COVID breach bans and are near full strength despite the loss of suspended Tariq Sims. However, they’ve lost their past four and it’s hard to see Penrith not comfortably extending it to five here.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Penrith -19.5 at $1.90
Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters
Friday 13/8/21
The Broncos are showing signs of improvement and face the Roosters side which they inflicted a surprise loss earlier this season. The Roosters are now without Angus Crichton and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves following last week’s 14-20 loss to Penrith. That loss ended a four-game winning streak and they’ll be looking to grab the points here to remain in the race for a top four spot. The Broncos have won only two from 13 against top-eight opposition this season, but as mentioned above, one of those came against the Roosters. I doubt they repeat the dose here, but it would be no surprise to see them competitive again.
Suggested bet: 1u Brisbane +13.5 at $1.90
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 14/8/21
The red-hot Bunnies are chasing 10-straight wins when they face the Titans. While the Titans have grappled with inconsistency all year, they are now sitting seventh and should play finals if they can snare another win or two. However, this is the acid test for the Titans as they take on a Rabbitohs side averaging 41 points. The Titans have won four of their past five, but they’ve had a charmed run the past month. In this same fixture earlier in the year, the Titans gave up a 24-10 half-time lead to go down 40-30 in a high-scoring shootout. It showed they can mix it with the Rabbitohs, but have they learnt enough to sustain it? The Rabbitohs class should shine through here as they look to maintain momentum towards the finals.
Suggested bet: 1u Rabbitohs -16.5 at $1.90
North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Saturday 4/8/21
One of the more even contests of the round, with the Cowboys looking to snap an eight-game losing streak when they face the Tigers. With some key outs for the Cowboys, including Jason Taumalolo, the Tigers will be confident of keeping their slim finals hopes alive here. While their form has been patchy, it’s clear that the best of the Tigers should be good enough to record the win against the Cowboys.
Suggested bet: 2.5u West Tigers -3.5 at $1.85
Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels
Saturday 14/8/21
Manly come off a competitive performance when going down to the all-conquering Storm last weekend and should bounce back here against arch-rival Parramatta. The Eels have now lost three in a row – and conceding 40 points last weekend isn’t going to cut it defensively either this week against the potent Manly attack. While the Sea Eagles are rightful favourites, I am slightly bemused by the price for the Eels, but they will have to find a way to bounce back from a horror last three weeks. While the price for the Eels seems a bit excessive, there is concern how they respond to the spotlight being on skipper Clint Gutherson’s contract negotiations. Can they regroup and produce an improved performance? While this is a danger game for the favoured Manly side, I’m happy to stay out with the Eels’ unknowns.
No suggested bet
New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs
Sunday 15/8/21
Ever since I put a ban on backing the Warriors, it was no surprise to see them come out and win their next two matches. They really should make it three on the bounce here against the Bulldogs. While much has been said about the Bulldogs competitiveness, the reality is they’ve lost their past seven and now Jack Hetherington and Dylan Napa will be missing the next two games due to suspension. The Warriors have also won their past four against the Dogs. While the Warriors should win, nothing would surprise this year so I’ll stay out again and stick to my ban.
No suggested bet
Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights
Sunday 15/8/21
Interesting clash here with the Knights and Sharks as both look to remain in the battle for a finals spot. The Sharks have lost four of their past six, while the Knights have won four of their past six. Both sides have been plagued by inconsistency and their inability to beat bottom sides. For mine, the Sharks have been the better side all year, but the Knights are getting their top-liners back at the right part of the season. The Knights have won their past three games against the Sharks, who have also only won two from seven at Queensland venues this season. Plenty of stats point to the Knights being too good, but if the Sharks put their best foot forward they can be competitive here and must back them at the price.
Suggested bet: 1u Sharks win at $2.70 and 1.5u Sharks +7.5 at $2