NRL Sunday free tips & bet specials for Dragons vs. Bulldogs

THURSDAY night’s result in Townsville has made things a little easier for St George Illawarra.

A Penrith win over Manly on Saturday evening would also help, but the equation is straightforward no matter what happens elsewhere.

If the Dragons win in the last round of the regular season, they will play finals; if they lose, they will miss the eight.

While they are a game outside the eight at present, the Red V have a far superior points differential (89) to the Panthers (61), the Cowboys and the Sea Eagles (both 24).

North Queensland’s defeat to Brisbane means if St George get up on Sunday, they are guaranteed to finish seventh.

That sets up a likely date with the winner of Penrith and Manly, although they could face Cronulla if the defending champs lose and the Panthers salute.

It may not mean much in the end, as online bookmaker CrownBet.com.au rates the Dragons as $41 rank outsiders to win the flag.

Canterbury Bankstown have nothing to play for, but that might be what makes them dangerous.

After four heavy defeats in succession, Des Hasler’s men have finally turned up.

A shock victory over the Sea Eagles and a routine result against the shambolic Gold Coast Titans sees the Bulldogs aiming at three straight wins to close the season.

The frustrating thing for Canterbury fans is that it has taken this long for the competition’s worst attackers to put up their best scores of the year.

Brett Morris has played a big part in that turnaround, but the State of Origin winger will miss the last round with a rib injury.

Also in doubt is the departing Josh Reynolds, who is named in the reserves as he works to overcome a calf problem.

Nene Macdonald tryscorer betting

• Anytime tryscorer – $1.95 at CrownBet
• Tryscorer/Dragons win – $2.20 at Sportsbet
• First Dragons tryscorer – $6.50 at William Hill
• Two or more tries – $7 at William Hill
• First match tryscorer – $10.50 with Ladbrokes Odds Boost

St George’s star winger has endured something of a lean year.

So impressive for the Gold Coast last season, the 23-year-old from Papua New Guinea has found the line only six times in 2017.

Indeed, his last 11 outings have produced only two tries.

While those numbers are not exactly a ringing endorsement, they show that both Nene and the Dragons have plenty of upside in them should they reach the finals.

Stay away from the multiples (he has not scored a brace or better all season), but the first try and anytime markets are well worth a look.

Dragons vs. Bulldogs NRL bet specials

• Josh Dugan anytime tryscorer/Dragons win – $4 at Ladbrokes
• Dragon/Bulldogs for NRL Sunday high/low score combo – $7 at CrownBet
• Josh Morris anytime tryscorer/Bulldogs win – $7.50 at Ladbrokes
• Early payouts at Sportsbet.com.au if your team leads by 12 or more points at any time
• Get $1 in CrownBet bonus cash for every point your team wins by

St George vs. Canterbury match tip

The Dogs have picked a funny time to start playing some football.

However, the absence of Brett Morris will put a big dint in their newfound attacking verve.

Canterbury ran out victorious when these two last met, and it would be just like the Dragons to choke up when it matters.

Nevertheless, we think Mary’s men will put the Pups in their place and lock down a finals berth.

St George Illawarra to win by 13+ points – $2.50 at CrownBet.com.au