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.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Like the first bet as a Titans line against a Warriors side that played in Perth with all that travel. Might be good to make a multi against all those teams that traveled to Perth last week. Titans +8.5 Roosters win Panthers win Tigers +17.5
The Barry
Roar Guru
How did you go last week Eddie..? You’re pretty game putting your bets out there up front. It would be interesting if you could keep a rolling season tally...
BA Sports
Guest
Multi (Sportsbet) Dragons +1.5 ($1.85) Cowboys H2H ($1.55) Storm - 15.5 ($1.91) Josh Morris - Anytime try scorer ($2.88) Multi odds - $15.77 without the Morris try Multi odds - $5.47 But I like Morris to score. Manu didn't look rock solid last week against the Tigers.