Sharks vs Eels NRL Rd 2 tips, odds & value bets – 19/3/2022

The Cronulla Sharks will host the Parramatta Eels in Round 2 of the 2022 NRL Premiership and it promises to be a big clash for both clubs. The Sharks will play their first game at their traditional home ground since 2019 after it has gone through significant renovations over the past two seasons, while the Eels will be looking to atone for an indifferent performance against the Titans.

The Sharks are the $2.25 outsider with BetOnline for this match but there were elements of their game in the second half against Canberra that indicated they’ll be a handful in 2022. There were also moments in the game where discipline and a lack of clinical finishing cost them dearly. The Raiders were begging for Cronulla to put them away in the second half and they eventually got to the front, only to give the game away in the dying moments.

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Coach Craig Fitzgibbon would have watched from COVID isolation and been filthy they spilled their lollies and gave up two points, but they get a terrific chance to atone for the loss against a side who showed a sense of vulnerability.

Nicho Hynes showed enough as a halfback to suggest he could develop into a terrific halfback, but he will need to improve in late game situations where his team depends on him to come up with the right play. Both he and Matt Moylan have similar traits as players, so it could mean there is some teething pains while they develop, which could lead to low scoring games (keep in mind for those who love the over/under markets).

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The Sharks do have star recruit Cameron McInnes named in the extended squad and he should be promoted on game day, which will mark his first game since the 2020 season. In the long term, the Sharks can’t carry four big men on the bench and one of them will have to make way for McInnes this Saturday.

Parramatta may be the favourite for this one at $1.70 in the head-to-head market, but how can punters back them with any certainty?

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Many believe they can win the Premiership, but in their first showing against the Titans, their defence was left wanting badly in the first half. They were able to turn the tide in the second half and come away with a four-point win, which would have been the pleasing aspect of the match for coach Brad Arthur.

The Eels have been forced into a backline change with the injury to Sean Russell, with Waqa Blake moving to the wing and Tom Opacic earning a recall on the back of a four-try performance in the reserves. Nathan Brown will also make his season debut from the bench after missing the Round 1 win, and he will be sure to add some punch and earn his starting spot back. Mitchell Moses in the opening half looked terrific and the left-edge were scoring points for fun, so it might be worth looking towards the new look combo of Blake and Opacic to score tries. That side of the field is where Cronulla gave up the game-winning try against Canberra, which will give punters even more reason to put their cash there.

Sharks vs Eels NRL betting predictions

Parramatta will have to grind out another close win, so expect them to win by four points. Cronulla are still adjusting to a new halves combination and they go up a class or two against the Eels. Cronulla will play with plenty of emotion early but Mitchell Moses will prove to be the difference in a 20-16 win.

Sharks vs Eels NRL same-game multi

Parramatta by 1-12, Waqa Blake to score a double and William Kennedy to get across for the home team pays a nice $34.75 with Sportsbet.