Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm
Thursday 19/8/21
Best of luck to the Titans as they try to stop competition leaders Storm from winning a record 19th straight game. But with home ground advantage, and the prospect of playing finals football for the first time in five years, there’s a lot on the line for the Titans who pulled together three successive wins before being outclassed by the Rabbitohs last week. But let’s not kid ourselves, they face even tougher proposition here, but will be aided by getting AJ Brimson back. Amazingly, the Storm has won their last 29 games in Queensland, but many of their wins over the Titans in recent times have been close. I’m tipping the Titans can repeat that here and be somewhat competitive.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Titans +20.5 at $1.90
Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles
Friday 20/8/21
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named to return for the Raiders as they look to continue their unlikely surge to finals. They now face the Manly side which they sprung a big upset on only a few weeks ago back in round 17. Star Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic (cheekbone) has been named to play but a final call will be made on Thursday so it makes it tricky putting the tips out early. Even if he does play, I’m not sure he’ll be at his damaging best with a repeat facial injury in the back of his mind. For that reason, happy to back the Raiders to cover the line. Despite losing last week to the Storm, there was a lot to like about the way they played and it’s clear they a different side to earlier this year.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Canberra +15.5 at $1.90
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday 20/8/21
The match of the round as the Panthers and Rabbitohs face off. This is a big test for each of them as they look to emerge as serious title opposition to the Storm. With Nathan Cleary back the Panthers looked much better in last week’s win over the Dragons – and he’ll only be better for the run. This is set to be a clash of two contrasting styles – with the Rabbitohs scoring 30 points or more in eight of their last 10 wins. While the Panthers have the second-best defensive record (behind the Storm), conceding 252 points. The Rabbitohs are back in fifth spot in this department allowing 400 points to be scored against them. Penrith has also won its past four over the Rabbitohs and are rightly the favourites here. I think the market has this about right so happy to sit back and enjoy this one.
No suggested bet
Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks
Saturday 21/8/21
The Sharks have won their past six of seven against the Tigers and are deserved favourites. Both teams can keep their slim final eight hopes alive here, so there’s plenty on the line. The Tigers have won two in a row while the Sharks have lost their last three. Having said that, the Tigers have only beaten low opponents and the Sharks were gallant losing to the Knights last week. They should bounce back here.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Sharks -4 at $1.90
Canterbury Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights
Saturday 21/8/21
A couple of key outs here for the Knights as they take on the lowly Bulldogs, with Daniel Saifiti and Tyson Frizell on the outer. But the Knights have now strung three wins on the trot, while the Dogs are amidst an eight-game losing streak. Interestingly, the Dogs have a solid recent record against the Knights, despite losing the last encounter 32-16. I still think they are making too many mistakes to mix it with a Knights side on the brink of securing a finals berth.
Suggested bet: 1u Knights -16.5 at $1.95
Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday 21/8/21
There’s plenty of pressure on the Eels after last week’s shocking performance losing to Manly. It was the Eels fourth straight loss, but the Cowboys are also accustomed to losing amidst their own nine-game losing streak. If the Eels can’t come out and win well here then the line is absolutely through them as a side up to mixing it with the top echelon this year. A number of key Cowboys players are also in doubt.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Eels -10.5 at $1.90
St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters
Sunday 22/8/21
The Roosters can lock up their position in the top four when they take on a Dragons side trying to avoid six straight losses. The Roosters should extend their win streak over the Dragons to seven here – they still have too much firepower despite more personnel reshuffling. The Dragons have also made a number of changes and have also shifting the position of a number of players. I expect it will matter little – the Roosters should be too classy and expect them to win this comfortably.
Suggested bet: 1u Roosters -12 at $1.90
Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors
Sunday 22/8/21
Despite winning their past three, the Warriors have lost seven of their last nine day matches. They now face the Broncos on a Sunday afternoon at Suncorp, but it is a venue they’ve recorded success in recent times. The Broncos have been far more competitive in the past four weeks, and were unlucky not to get the points last week against the Roosters. We never know what we’ll get with the Warriors, but amazingly, they are still somehow in the finals race and have an attractive run home. I’ve sworn off backing the Warriors this year and always wary of them when installed as favourites.
No suggested bet