Finding winners in Round 5 of the NRL season – betting guide
ROUND 4 of the NRL was a cracker with the action kicking off when the Eels defeated the previously-unbeaten South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Bulldogs and Cowboys both squeaked past their opposition by a point and Knights, Roosters and Broncos all went about their winning ways.
This week we see juicy matches between Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs on Good Friday and the always exciting Storm vs. Warriors encounter, which takes place during an Easter Monday triple-header.
CupsBetting is in good Monday Night form after tipping the $26 fulltime draw in the Cowboys vs. Storm game in last week’s review.
Remember, when you’re betting on the NRL, or any sport for that matter, it’s always wise to have multiple accounts with different bookmakers.
Our newest bookmaker, CrownBet.com.au offers fantastic sign-up bonuses and competitive odds on all NRL matches.
Make sure that when you put your bet on, you’re getting the best odds every time.
Happy punting NRL fans!
Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs
Friday, April 3, 3:00pm, ANZ Stadium.
Bulldogs – $2.60 (+5.5)
Rabbitohs – $1.50 (-5.5)
Shock horror! The South Sydney Rabbitohs suffered an early season defeat at the hands of the Eels, a loss no-one saw coming.
Just as bookmakers offered an option in which you could bet on the Rabbitohs to make Round 16 without a loss, they go out and lose the very next game. The wounded Rabbits will be looking to rebound against a Bulldogs team that has looked good this season.
The ‘Dogs escaped with a one-point win against the Tigers and they should have improved with that outing. The day time conditions will also ensure this game features plenty of points in what should be an exciting contest between two of Sydney’s heavyweight teams.
Tip: Bulldogs +5.5 ($1.91)
Exotic: Brett Morris to score first ($13) at CrownBet.com.au
Titans vs. Broncos
Friday, April 3, 8:35pm, CBus Super Stadium.
Titans – $2.50 (+4.5)
Broncos – $1.53 (-4.5)
Both teams are coming off impressive win in round 4 with the Titans coming back late against the Sharks and the Broncos holding off the New Zealand Warriors.
The Titans went into their clash against the Sharks as outsiders and when they were down by eight points that tag looked genuine, but a stout comeback was in order and the troubled team got the deserved win.
The Broncos traveled east to Auckland for the Warriors 20th anniversary of entering the NRL but the Broncos caused the upset with an eight-point victory. The Broncos led 16-0 but found themselves at 16-16 with only minutes left in the game after Shaun Johnson missed a relatively easy conversion.
That proved costly for the Warriors as the Broncos would earn themselves a penalty, coupled with a late try to seal the deal. That form from the Broncos looks strong, as did their win in round 3, therefore we’re expecting this local derby to be won by the form team.
Tip: Broncos to win ($1.53) at CrownBet.com.au
Exotic: Broncos HTFT at $2.35
Sea Eagles vs. Raiders
Saturday, April 4, 5:35pm, Lavington Sports Ground
Sea Eagles – $1.50 (-4.5)
Raiders – $2.50 (+4.5)
What more can you say about the Sea Eagles last week? The entire team looked to play with zero urgency and that includes star players Daly Cherry-Evans and Keiran Foran.
The loss to the Dragons could be enough to put them firmly in the doldrums this season as their off-field struggles continue. They do find reprieve in taking on the out-of-form Raiders side which could spark them to life but the odds are far too short for our liking.
The Raiders are coming off a thrashing at the hands of the Roosters but there have been positive signs for the Canberra side this year. They will take solace in the fact that the Sea Eagles are having their problems and this game should be a close contest.
Tip: Raiders (+5.5) at $1.90 with WilliamHill.com.au
Exotic: Raiders (-3.5) at $3.40
Knights vs. Dragons
Saturday, April 4, 7:35pm, Hunter Stadium.
Knights – $1.50 (-4.5)
Dragons – $2.60 (+4.5)
Many doubted, including us, the unbeaten form of the Knights but they stamped their authority by easily dispatching the Penrith Panthers last week.
The Knights team looks good on paper and they’re putting it all together on the field as well with tough forward play and a slick-running back line.
They face the Dragons which caused an upset win over Manly and they also looked ultra impressive in their win. The Dragons never let up against Manly and their defensive was outstanding – only letting in one try.
Josh Dugan is having his injury troubles but he is expected to play and he’s needed for them to be successful.
This game looks tough to pick but the Knights have looked too good so far.
Tip: Knights ($1.50) at Sportsbet.com.au
Exotic: Knights 1-12 ($3.10)
Roosters vs. Sharks
Sunday, April 5, 4:00pm, Allianz Stadium.
Roosters – $1.18 (-13.5)
Sharks – $4.85 (+13.5)
The Sydney City Roosters put on a clinic against the Raiders last week and a similar effort beckons here as they return home to Allianz Stadium.
The Roosters only loss came to the Rabbitohs and their form in 2015 has been excellence despite that loss. With the big win coming against a similar team last week, the Roosters will be looking to improve their for-and-against points tally with another big win against the Sharks,
The Sharks are swimming for their lives at the bottom of the table after losing all four games this season. They haven’t exactly played tough opposition in every game either, so taking on the Roosters here poses their biggest challenge.
There is nothing wrong with their team on paper, but somethings not right in Cronulla so it might pay to stay clear of them for the meantime.
Tip: Roosters 13+ ($1.82) at CrownBet.com.au
Exotic: Kenny-Dowall to score ($2)
Eels vs. Tigers
Monday, April 6, 3:00pm, ANZ Stadium.
Eels – $1.78 (-1.5)
Tigers – $2.04 (+1.5)
The Eels caused an upset win over the previously unbeaten South Sydney Rabbitohs and they are deserved favourites against the Tigers.
Not many punters gave the Eels a chance last weekend but they dug deep and scored a 29-16 victory over the Rabbitohs – knocking many multiples players out of contention with their 13+ win.
The Tigers have shown glimpses of form all season and they lost no admirers when going down to the Bulldogs last weekend. They had their chance to win but ultimately succumbed by a mere point in what was a heart breaking loss for the Sydney-based team.
This game should be decided in the dying minutes but we can see the Tigers getting up in a close one.
Tip: Tigers to win ($2.04) at Sportsbet.com.au
Exotic: Tiger HTFT ($2.80)
Storm vs. Warriors
Monday, April 6, 5:00pm, AAMI Park.
Storm – $1.40 (-5.5)
Warriors – $2.95 (+5.5)
The Storm got edged last Monday night to give the North Queensland Cowboys their first win and coach Bellamy will not have been happy to give away a decent-sized lead in the second half.
The bookmakers are tipping a bounce back performance against the Warriors which lost poorly against the visiting Broncos last Sunday at Mt. Smart.
The Warriors haven’t quite kicked off their season in great form, with a win against the Eels two weeks back being their best performances, and the locals are getting restless.
The thing going for the Warriors is that they love playing the Melbourne Storm, on any occasion, and this game should be yet another classic between these two teams.
It’s not easy to tip a Warriors win at this stage of the season, but if any team can produce an upset, it’s them. The $2.95 is too good to pass up.
Tip: Warriors to win ($2.95) at WilliamHill.com.au
Exotic: Manu Vatuvei to score ($2.50)
Panthers vs. Cowboys
Monday, April 6, 7:00pm, Pepper Stadium.
Panthers – $1.50 (-4.5)
Cowboys – $2.60 (+4.5)
The honeymoon of the Cowboys getting their first season might come to a screeching halt as they face the Penrith Panthers in the third Monday night clash.
The Cowboys needed an overtime drop goal to defeat the Storm and it gave them their first two points of the season, whereas the Panthers went down to the unbeaten Knights but will be looking to rebound.
The Panthers have a strong chance of welcoming back Jamie Soward but his status is still unknown. The bookmakers price of $1.50 might be a good indication however as that indicates the star play maker will be in the lineup.
This game is a great way to end the Easter triple-header and we’re predicting another tight finish.
Tip: Cowboys (+4.5) – $1.90
Exotic: HTFT Draw ($9) at Sportsbet.com.au
