Dragons v Warriors NRL betting tips & top odds – June 23, 2023

Dragons v Warriors best bets & multi picks

Dragons v Warriors NRL R17 match preview

Round 17 of the NRL Premiership kicks off in Wollongong with the floundering Dragons hosting the New Zealand Warriors at WIN Stadium this Friday night.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are spiralling out of control with club captain Ben Hunt requesting a release from the club. While he has been named to start at halfback against the Warriors, there is a decent chance Hunt won’t back up from Wednesday’s State of Origin clash in Brisbane.

If the skipper doesn’t play, Moses Mbye will likely step up from the reserves to slot into the halves. Meanwhile, Jack Bird returns in the second row and Jack de Belin is named to start at lock, with Josh Kerr dropping out of the squad.

The NZ Warriors have named Rocco Berry in the centres for his return from injury, with Dylan Walker also returning on the interchange bench. Ali Leiataua, Mitchell Barnett and Taine Tuaupiki all drop out of the side.

Dragons v Warriors betting strategy

The odds are stacked heavily in favour of the Warriors despite losing 10 of 11 games at WIN Stadium. However, they are going well this season and come into this clash sitting sixth on the NRL ladder. With the Dragons wallowing in 15th place, the visitors at the 13+ margin could be the play at $3.15 with the top NRL bookmakers.

Should Hunt fail to take the field for the Dragons this weekend, it’s unclear who will play the halfback role. However, whether it is Jayden Sullivan or Moses Mbye, neither will have the speed or footwork in defence to keep up with the illusive Luke Metcalf. Be it a set play or in support, the Warriors five-eighth is a brilliant value bet to score a try at any time during the match ($3.90).

Dry, clear weather is predicted for Wollongong on Friday, which should produce excellent point-scoring conditions. The Warriors have shown they can pile the points on lower-ranked sides, while the Dragons have the X-factor to score against the grain in a losing match. All signs point to the match total going over 43.5 ($1.90).

Key matchup: De Belin v Harris

Jack de Belin vs Tohu Harris

Should Ben Hunt miss this game, Jack de Belin would likely be called upon to captain the Dragons and play a more prominent role in moving the football laterally to connect his halves pairing. If he struggles, it will be clear for all to see in comparison to the role Tohu Harris plays for the New Zealand Warriors.

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