Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks

Thursday April 28 | Suncorp Stadium | 7.50pm AEST

Despite this being a Broncos home game, it’s tough to imagine them upsetting the high-flying Sharks. Brisbane has won just one of its past five and Cronulla has lost only once from its last six. Last week the Broncos avoided losing five straight by finishing hard to beat the depleted Bulldogs. As for the Sharks they stormed out of the blocks to put a winning margin on the Sea Eagles before pulling up late to win 34-22. Dale Finucane is back for the Sharks and while these encounters are historically relatively tight, the Sharks can cover the line here against a pretty average Broncos outfit.

Suggested bet: 2u Sharks -10.5 at $1.90

Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers

Friday April 29 | Cbus Super Stadium | 6.00pm AEST

Two contrasting sides and while this is another clash where the outsiders are hosts, the Titans are struggling (two wins from seven games) while the unbeaten Panthers are airborne. The Titans are coming off big defeats, while Penrith’s winning streak to open the season including five straight by 13+ margins. The Panthers have won seven of the last eight of these encounters and clearly have the wood over the Titans. There’s nothing in the personnel changes to suggest the Titans can trouble the high-flying defending premiers.

Suggested bet: 1u Panthers -18.5 at $1.90

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles

Friday April 29 | Central Coast Stadium | 7.55pm AEST

The Rabbitohs are still trying to hit their straps in season 2022 and their lacklustre start continued when upset by a resurgent Tigers side last week. The Sea Eagles are in a similar predicament and looked hopeless in the first half against the Sharks, leaking early points without a whimper, before getting back in the contest in the second half. The Rabbitohs have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning the last five games between the teams, with the last three coming by big margins. Manly has been forced to make some changes but they have m some quality replacements. They should be stinging after last week’s horrible first-half effort and the plus looks enticing.

Suggested bet: 1u Manly +4.5 at $1.90

New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Saturday April 30 | Moreton Daily Stadium | 3.00pm AEST

How will the Warriors respond to the embarrassment of being dismantled 70-10 by Melbourne on Anzac Day? They face a Raiders side coming off a similar smashing, losing by 30 to Penrith. The Raiders should take some confidence into this though after winning three of its last four matches against the Warriors. However, it’s the Warriors with a strong record at this venue, winning three of their last four, but that’s somewhat offset by some injury concerns. Conversely, the Raiders have a stronger line-up than last week with some key inclusions.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Raiders -1.5 at $1.90

Canterbury Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

Saturday April 30 | Accor Stadium | 5.30pm AEST

Interesting clash. The spotlight has been on the Bulldogs this week with Gus Gould brought in to try and spur on the side after six straight losses. It’s difficult to predict what, if any, impact it will have on the Bulldogs, but I’m sure the Roosters will hit back after dropping last week’s clash with the Dragons. Before that, the Roosters had won three on the trot, but even they were hardly convincing against mostly mediocre sides. It doesn’t get much easier than a date with the Bulldogs, and it’s time the Roosters stood up if they want to be considered serious contenders in 2022. They should make it nine straight wins against the Dogs, and win well.

Suggested bet: 1u -12.5 Roosters at $1.90

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys

Saturday April 30 | TIO Stadium | 7.05pm AEST

This shapes as a high quality clash as the inconsistent Eels take on the Cowboys who have been the surprise packet of the competition. The Eels bounced back strongly from their loss to the Tigers with a dominant win over the Knights last week, while the Cowboys are looking to really cement their spot as serious finals contenders. The Eels have won the last two meetings by 13+ margins and gave a good record at this Darwin venue, winning six of their last seven. Interestingly, it is the Cowboys who have been the only side to beat the Eels here. It’s a hard stat to go past and the Cowboys should be competitive with their strong defence.

Suggested bet: 1u Cowboys +11.5 at $1.90

Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm

Sunday May 1 | McDonald Jones Stadium | 2.00pm AEST

There’s huge pressure on the Knights, losing their past five after showing glimpses of good form in the opening rounds. Now they face the high-flying Storm who decimated the Warriors last week. The Storm have also won the past 11 clashes between these sides, so it’s no surprise they handicapped at -19.5 against a side which was smacked 39-2 last week by the Eels. The Knights’ loss of Dane Gagai is an interesting one here for mine as I’m not convinced how the team has gelled with him in the centres.

No suggested bet

St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers

Sunday May 1 | WIN Stadium | 4.05pm AEST

A few weeks ago it looked like a match to bypass from an entertainment viewpoint, but both sides have won their past two and done it against quality sides. Interestingly, the Tigers have won the past four editions of this fixture. It’s difficult to assess these two sides in 2022 and I think it could either way. I’m happy to tip the Tigers at the price given their record against the Dragons.

Suggested bet: 1u Tigers win at $2.50