Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders
Thursday 8/7/21
The Sea Eagles are without Origin players Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans, but I doubt it’ll be enough to curtail one of the competition’s hottest teams. With only two losses from their past 11 fixtures, the Sea Eagles aren’t a team NRL rivals are looking forwarding to coming up against. In contrast, the Raiders are one of the coldest teams in the competition, getting smashed by the Titans last week to make it nine losses from their past 11. Manly has also won seven of its past eight against the Raiders at this venue. You have to go way back to 2016 for the Raiders last win here. It should be another tough outing for the Raiders as the Sea Eagles look to have sufficient depth to cover the absence of their two marquee players Trbojevic and Cherry-Evans. Manly has also won its past three against the Raiders.
Suggested bet – 1.5u Manly -14.5 at $1.85
South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys
Friday 9/7/21
Since losing in round one, the Rabbitohs have lost just twice – and it’s been at the hands of NRL powerhouses Penrith and Melbourne. This should prove an easy contest for the Rabbitohs, who retain Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds from Origin, but lose stars Latrell Mitchell and Dane Gagai. However, when you also add in the loss of Cameron Murray, Damien Cook and Jai Arrow to Origin duties, it’s undeniable there’s a big void to fill for the Rabbitohs. The Origin period is yet to have a real impact on the scoreboard for the Rabbitohs, and with the Cowboys on a three-game losing streak, they should be able tog et away with the points. But a key positive here for the Cowboys is this game being transferred to Newcastle as they have won seven of their past nine here at Stadium Australia. They also get Kyle Feldt back after missing out for Origin III. I think the Rabbitohs will win, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cowboys very competitive against an under-strength Rabbitohs
Suggested bet – 1u Cowboy +16.5 at $1.90
Canterbury Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters
Saturday 10/7/21
These two sides were absolutely wiped off the park last weekend, with the Bulldogs destroyed by Manly 66-0 and the Roosters also scoreless against the Storm (46-0). It was the Roosters’ second straight loss – and while they’ve both come against genuine premiership contenders – it’s perhaps a sign their significant injury list is finally starting to takes its toll. Having said that, the lowly Bulldogs aren’t likely to pose the Roosters too many problems, especially with Victor Radley returning to the side. They’ve also won their last seven against the Bulldogs. The Roosters should enjoy this big drop in grade against the Bullsogs.
Suggested bet – 1.5u Roosters -22.5 at $1.90
Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors
Sunday 11/7/21
The Sharks will be hungry after dropping an important clash last week against the Broncos and come up against a Warriors side which fell to the Dragons after being in a seemingly unassailable position. The Warriors continue to be a huge source of frustration for us this year, losing many clashes from comfortable winning positions, and now face a Sharks side they have lost to seven of their past eight matches. While the Warriors just keep finding ways to lose, it’s these types of clashes (as outsiders) they are likely to win. The Sharks get Matt Moylan and Will Chambers back, while the Warriors are missing Tohu Harris and Chad Townsend. Reece Walsh, Kodi Nikorima and Matt Lodge are likely to return for the Warriors. Nikorima is key to creating scoring opportunities and they’re a much better side with him at five-eighth. Call me crazy, but the Warriors get one more chance here.
Suggested bet – 1u Warriors at $2.35