Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders
Friday September 16 | CommBank Stadium | 7.50pm AEST
Whilst there were stages the Eels looked a sneaky chance of toppling the Panthers early on last week, most would have felt they never really looked like landing the killer blow. They went into half-time trailing by a solitary point, but when Mitch Moses was forced from the field, it all went downhill and they were overran 27-8. The Eels are one of the most potent – but unpredictable – sides in the competition. At their best, they can bully sides and look like world-beaters. A stat which outlines their topsy-turvy season is that they have won their past 11 matches after suffering a loss. There was concern Moses wouldn’t be available for this clash with the Raiders, but he appears ready to play. Without Moses they would be no hope and confirmation of his spot in the side will give them some confidence of victory. But the key issue is it’s unlikely Moses will be at 100 per cent. It’s a concern for the Eels as they take on a confident and clinical Raiders side, who continued their late run of momentum by upsetting the Storm down in Melbourne last week. The Eels have won four of the last five meetings between the pair, and four of the five have also have been decided by eight points or less. However, I believe the market should be much closer and the Raiders continue to be underestimated despite their brilliant recent run of winning form.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Raiders win at $2.60
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday September 17 | Allianz Stadium | 8.00pm AEST
An extremely interesting clash as the Sharks look to keep their season alive after finishing in second spot. The Sharks endured 93 minutes of finals-intensity footy after letting slip an eight point lead with 10 minutes to go against the Cowboys. This will be a big test for Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon to see if he can revive his troops after the heartbreaking loss. Whilst the Sharks went long into extra-time, it wasn’t the bruising encounter which the Rabbitohs went through in stunning the Roosters last week. The Rabbitohs will surely find it tough to back up from such a physical contest, and their power up front has taken a big hit with Thomas Burgess out through suspension. The Sharks have won the past two clashes between these two at PointsBet Stadium, including a 21-20 golden point victory earlier this reason. The Sharks are an improving side, and didn’t finish second on the ladder for no reason. They have the talent and leadership across the park, and I think it’s mainly up to Fitzgibbon instilling some belief in the Sharks as they look to overcome their finals hoodoo having lost their past four.
Suggested bet: 1.5u Sharks win at $1.95