Free betting tips for Eels vs. Cowboys in NRL Finals Week 2

THE Parramatta Eels were on track for a massive upset when they entered the main break 10-4 up on the Melbourne Storm last week.

It was not to be, however, as the NRL Premiership favourites took full advantage of some good fortune in the second half to snatch the result.

That leaves Parra wondering what could have been as they prepare for the second phase of finals.

With Bevan French out injured for another week at least, the Eels squad is unchanged ahead of Saturday’s clash with North Queensland.

The courageous Cowboys pulled off yet another miracle when they ended Cronulla’s title defence in the opening round of finals fixtures.

They are still missing some of their biggest names, including co-captain Matthew Scott (ACL) and the inimitable Johnathan Thurston (shoulder).

John Asiata and Te Maire Martin are also slogging through injury concerns, but Justin O’Neill was a big inclusion on the lower lines of Tuesday’s team sheet.

The four-time Queensland representative could step into the 17 if his sore elbow holds up in training this week.

“He’s been improving, it was originally sort of a four-to-six-week injury so this is week five so we’ll see how it goes,” said Cowboys coach Paul Green.

“Any of those experienced guys that have played in big games, having them back into the team would give everyone a boost I think.”

Semi Radradra betting specials

• Anytime tryscorer/Eels win – $1.90 at Ladbrokes
• Two or more tries – $3.40 at Sportsbet
• First tryscorer – $6.50 with Ladbrokes Odds Boost
• Three or more tries – $10 at Sportsbet
• First two tries exacta – $31 at Ladbrokes

Semi Radradra is off to France as soon as Parra’s campaign is over, but he still has some work to do in the meantime.

Having finished the regular season with seven tries in two games, the big Fijian added another last weekend as the Eels fell two points short in Melbourne.

When he is on, there is no stopping him.

It is no surprise to see Semi listed as the short-priced favourite in the straight tryscorer markets, so you might have to branch into the doubles and specialty options to find the real value.

Eels vs. Cowboys multi tips

• Semi Radradra anytime tryscorer – $1.45
• Parramatta over 3.5 tries – $1.77
• Parramatta to win by 1-12 points – $3

Multi pays $7.75 at Sportsbet.com.au

There once was a time when it was not possible to make a multi bet out of markets from the same game, but footy punters can now do exactly that.

Download the free Sportsbet mobile app for iPhone or Android, find the Eels vs. Cowboys markets and tap the ‘Same Game Multi’ tab to start building your ticket.

If you pick three legs or more and only one of those fails, the bookie will refund your stake up to $50 in bonus bets.

We have opted for a simple treble that points to a comfortable Eels win, but not quite a blowout.

More NRL Finals bet specials

• Back either side at CrownBet.com.au and get $1 in bonus cash for every point your team wins by
• Early wins at Sportsbet.com.au if your head-to-head pick leads by 12 or more points at any time
• Boosted odds and player specials at Ladbrokes.com.au for every game of the 2017 NRL Finals Series