Multi tips, bookie bonuses & best bets for NRL Finals Week 1

AFTER a long 26-weeks of regular season action the NRL finals are finally here.

Four sensational finals games kick off the NRL post-season, and while the Melbourne Storm are the $1.90 favourites at Crownbet.com.au to win this year’s premiership, the competition is a lot sterner than the bookies give it credit for.

The Roosters host the Broncos in a pivotal qualifying final match up, while the Cowboys and the Sharks clash in a game that could boost the confidence of two teams that have become perennial challengers.

This is the point where all eight remaining teams can dare to dream, but it is our job to pick who progresses and who suits up for Mad Monday come next week.

Let’s get into it.

Multi selections for the first week of the NRL finals:

Sydney Roosters to beat Brisbane ($1.60)
Melbourne to win against Parramatta ($1.20)
Manly to defeat Penrith ($1.60)
Cronulla to win against North Queensland ($1.35)

Combined multi value: $4.14 @ Sportsbet.com.au

Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane

Friday, September 8 from 7.50pm AEST at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The first match of our NRL multi sees the Tricolours hosting the Broncos in an interesting match up at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters bring in sensational form at the venue after winning eight-straight at Allianz, including a narrow two-point victory over Friday’s foes the Broncos back in round 13.

Despite seeing off the Cowboys well last week in Townsville, the Broncos have some injury troubles to overcome. Skipper Darius Boyd will not play after suffering a hamstring injury, which leaves a gapping hole in talent and experience.

The Roosters should continue their stellar form at the Sydney venue and kick us off to the perfect start.

Sydney Roosters to win – $1.60 at Sportsbet.com.au

Melbourne vs. Parramatta

Friday, September 9 from 4.10pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne

The short-priced premiership favourite Melbourne Storm host the Parramatta Eels in a match that seems clear cut on paper.

The Eels were the last time to knock over the Storm, but origin duties kept Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cam Munster out of the line up that night. All four will take to the field on Saturday which swings the pendulum right back in favour of the home side.

In an ironic twist it will actually be the Eels who are undermanned heading into Saturday. Speedster Bevan French will be unavailable heading into the qualifying final which makes it extremely tough to topple the league leaders.

The Storm should canter home in this one to earn themselves a week off and keep us rolling in the process.

Melbourne to win – $1.20 at Sportsbet.com.au

Manly vs. Penrith

Saturday, August 9 from 7.40pm AEST at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Sea Eagles and the Panthers clash in the third leg of our NRL finals multi and we are backing the Cherry-Evans’ led Manly to progress past Penrith.

Three weeks ago the Panthers would have been red-hot favourites for this game, but after back-to-back losses to end the season, as well as the news superstar Matt Moylan is unlikely to play any part in the 2017 finals series and you begin to see why they are the underdogs going into this match.

The Sea Eagles have found form at the right time of the year and will draw upon their brilliant attack, most notably their sensational spine which is ranked second only behind the Melbourne Storm for most try assists in 2017.

The feeling watching the two teams heading into Saturday is Manly is full of confidence while Penrith may feel lucky to be there. It bodes well for the Sea Eagles heading into the match.

We are backing Manly to justify the shorter odds and drive us into the final leg.

Manly to win – $1.60 at Sportsbet.com.au

Cronulla vs. North Queensland

Sunday, September 10 from 4.40pm AEST at Allianz Stadium

Last year’s premiers face the onerous task of defending their title the hard way as they face the Cowboys in Sydney to round out the NRL finals multi.

The Sharks have looked like they are waiting on the finals to roll around and now they are finally here the team looks set to hit top gear. Origin pair Jack Bird and Wade Graham return to the fold and will bring a wealth of experience into the team.

Much has been made of the Cowboy’s injury woes but only high-profile trio Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Justin O’Neill will be unavailable for Sunday’s match. It is the best possible squad North Queensland has available in well over a month.

We have to favour the team with the stronger overall team. Cronulla seem to have been setting themselves for September footy and Sunday presents the perfect opportunity to make a finals statement.

We are backing the reigning premiers to bring us home in style.

Cronulla to win – $1.35 at Sportsbet.com.au

Promotions for week one of the NRL Finals

There are plenty of great deals around in the opening week of finals action.

Sportsbet.com.au is offering a terrific NRL Same Game Multi insurance deal on the Storm vs. Eels match on Saturday afternoon that will see your stake returned up to $50 in bonuses if only one leg fails out of three or more.

Sportsbet’s early payout deal returns for the NRL finals, with head-to-head bets paid as wins once your team leads by 12 points or more.

Ladbrokes has footy specials running for every game of the weekend, so check the website daily for the latest info on bonuses and promotions.