Round 1 was tough to tip a winner with last year’s bottom four all claiming victories. Here are my best bets for Round 2.
Running Tally: – 13 Units
1. New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans at Mount Smart Stadium
5 Unit bet – Gold Coast Titans +8.5 at $1.85
I’m a little bit baffled by this start as I think the Titans are capable of giving the Warriors plenty of headaches here. I know the Warriors have a great record against the Titans, however, in New Zealand these are generally very close games.
The Titans showed last week they have a potent attack so, even if they don’t win this game, I expect them to trade tries and keep this game close.
2. Multi
4 Unit Bet – at $4.59
– Melbourne Storm to win at $1.16
– Sydney Roosters to win at $1.32
– Canberra Raiders to win at $1.62
– Gold Coast Titans +8.5 $1.85
Taking a few shorties at home in the Storm, Roosters and Raiders against three of last year’s bottom six teams. Expecting the Roosters and Raiders to be desperate for a win after losing first up and the Storm love milestone games for Billy’s 300th. Titans are there for the value.
3. Cronulla Sharks v St George Dragons at Southern Cross Group Stadium
4 Unit bet – Sweet Spot (Sharks +8.5 and Dragons +12.5) at $1.75
Traditionally these local rivals like to go toe-to-toe in low-scoring and physical games. With murky conditions around Sydney, and a night game, a slippery surface should see both defences try to get on top.
Last year when the sides clashed, the Dragons won 16-10 at Shark Park, before the Sharks snuck home 18-14 at Kogarah. So expecting this game to go right down to the wire, with the winner prevailing by a try or less.
4. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium
4 Unit bet – Sweet Spot (Broncos +14.5 and Cowboys +6.5) at $1.75
Tempted to back the Broncos here, however, I think the safer bet is to take the Sweet Spot as I still think the Cowboys have a far more dominant forward pack on paper. I just can’t see a Wayne Bennett-coached side being blown out two weeks in a row, particularly playing back at home.
Expecting a huge reaction from the Broncos here, and given the gulf in class, if they do sneak home for a win, I can’t see it being by more than six points.
5. Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium
3 Unit bet – Canberra Raiders -3.5 at $1.85
The Raiders would have been chewing on wasps all week, after coughing up not one, but two 18-point leads against the Titans last week. Despite the loss, they showed when they get a roll on, that forward pack can really steamroll through the middle. Back at home on a fast track, I expect them to give the Knights some problems, who, despite winning last week, have been awful on the road the past couple of years.
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