Multi tips, NRL bookie bonuses and value odds for Round 18

THE third and final game of origin is just around the corner, which means we have slim pickings in terms of matches to choose from.

That has never stopped us before and we plan on fashioning the four-game fixture into a winning dividend, just like we did the last time there was only a quartet of matches to select from.

A number of teams taking to the field this week have been decimated by representative selection, but we think the more favoured teams at full strength still have enough depth to maintain their winning ways.

Let’s take a look at the match ups.

Selections for the Round 18 NRL multi of the week:

Sydney Roosters to beat the South Sydney Rabbitohs ($2.33)

Manly Sea Eagles to defeat the Penrith Panthers ($1.90)

Parramatta Eels to defeat the Melbourne Storm ($1.58)

Canterbury Bulldogs to win against the Newcastle Knights ($1.40)

Combined multi value: +879 @ Crownbet.com.au

Sydney Roosters vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs

Friday, July 7 from 7.50 pm AEST, Allianz Stadium, Brisbane

Two teams coming off very different round 17 results kick off this round of footy as the Roosters and the Rabbits renew hostilities on Friday night.

The Bunnies are coming off arguably their win of the year after shocking the Panthers. Finals are no longer a pipedream for Souths after the victory, but cannot afford to drop any games given they sit four points adrift of the eighth placed Eels.

Sportsbet.com.au has the South Sydney Rabbitohs as the $6 outsiders to finish inside the top eight this season.

The Roosters are coming off a hammering at the hands of the Sharks, and given they lose Mitch Pearce, prop Dylan Napa and winger Blake Ferguson to Origin duty, their woes could intensify this weekend.

We think the talk of the Roosters’ demise was premature however, given they had won five straight prior to last week’s defeat. Although they will be missing a number of key players, we think the Tricolours will be up for the fight to get us off to the perfect start.

Sydney Roosters to win – $2.33

Penrith Panthers vs. Manly Sea Eagles

Saturday, July 8 from 5.30 pm AEST, Pepper Stadium, Penrith

Saturday’s match up between the Panthers and the Sea Eagles is about one man only, Daly Cherry-Evans.

The superstar’s origin snub raised the eyebrows of many leading into Wednesday’s decider, but the Maroons’ loss is Manly’s gain, and we suspect the Australian representative will be playing with a chip firmly lodged on his shoulder.

This matchup is indicative of how volatile early season betting markets can be. The Panthers began the season as equal favourites for the flag, while Manly were not expected to even make the finals.

As of Thursday however, the Sea Eagles ($10) are the fourth favourites for the flag at Sportsbet.com.au, while the Panthers are afterthoughts in the market at the $26 quote.

We think these odds are pretty accurate as to where these two sit in the standings and we suspect the DCE-inspired Sea Eagles to maintain the rage against the Panthers.

Manly Sea Eagles to win – $1.90

Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels

Saturday, July 8 from 7.30 pm AEST, AAMI Park, Melbourne

A big-three-less Melbourne gets its chance to win its second game of the origin period without their superstar trio, while Parramatta is looking to continue its surge up the ladder.

The Storm will be without Cronk, Slater and Smith, but equally important trio Will Chambers, Tim Glasby and Queensland debutant Cameron Munster will all be missing for the home side.

Conversely the Eels keep their team list together. The dangerous combination of Bevan French and Semi Radradra continue to dominate and Mitchell Moses is finally starting to find his feet after shaky beginnings.

If the Eels cannot win this one they really do not deserve to make the finals, but thankfully for them we believe this should be a walk in the park for them.

Para should keep us rolling into the final leg.

Parramatta Eels to win – $1.40

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Newcastle Knights

Sunday, July 9 from 4 pm AEST, Belmore Sports Ground, Belmore

Two teams looking to bounce back after last round defeats finish off our NRL multi this week as the Bulldogs host the Knights at Belmore.

The Bulldogs lost in agonising fashion last week to the Eels in golden point extra time. The loss now leaves them six points adrift of finals contention and at the $7 quote via Sportsbet.com.au just to make the eight.

The Knights missed their chance to climb off the bottom of the ladder in suffering a 33-12 defeat to the Wests Tigers, which their coach Nathan Brown labelled their worst performance of the year.

That’s saying something.

This is simply a must-win match for the Bulldogs. The Knights will be without far and away their best player in Dane Gagai and they need to capitalise. We are backing Canterbury to bring us home in style on Sunday afternoon.

Canterbury Bulldogs to win – -153.85