Dolphins v Roosters NRL betting tips & best odds – 5/3/2023

The Dolphins could not have drawn a much tougher team for their NRL debut when they host the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. Wayne Bennett will be desperate to kick off the season with a strong showing, while Trent Robinson and the Roosters will be keen on sending a warning to the competition early.

The Roosters will begin the season without Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Connor Watson as a result of various injuries. Coach Bennett has made the call to hand young-gun half Isaiya Katoa his NRL debut in place of Anthony Milford, a decision that has shocked many fans across the league.

The Dolphins have recruited a wealth of experience along with some elite emerging talent. The Roosters are without key players to begin the season, which will ease the job at hand for the Dolphins. They are by no means expected to win; however, they should put in a solid performance that will see them cover the 18-point line ($1.90).

While the Roosters are lacking a couple of attacking weapons in Manu and Crichton, the likes of Joseph Suaalii and Nat Butcher are big enough threats in their own respect. Suaalii will move to the left-centre position outside of Sam Walker, while Butcher should be running off the hip of Luke Keary. Be it through their own strength and power, or chasing a kick in-goal, both Suaalii ($2.15) and Butcher ($2.75) are huge threats to score at any stage during the match.

The Roosters will be expected to lead the match at both half-time and full-time ($1.26) off the back of a clinical performance across the board. The second half is also likely to be the half with the most tries scored ($2) as the visiting team wears down a Dolphins side that will struggle as fatigue sets in.

Key matchup: Wayne Bennett v Trent Robinson

It’s not often the biggest battle of the match comes down to the coaching staff, but Sunday’s match will be the exception. Bennett has been tasked with introducing the Dolphins to the NRL and making the side a success, just like he did with the Broncos. Robinson is part of the new, younger wave of coaches and is often spoken of in the same breath as Bennett in terms of success. The battle of the old and new schools will be evident on Sunday, but only one can be victorious.

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