Best bets: A punter's guide to this week's sporting action

Last week we saw the Rabbitohs and Swans run away with convincing victories, both managing to cover their respective lines and then some.

Sadly, a couple of late penalty goals meant that the Storm snuck past the 12-point margin that I predicted.

The dismal performance from the Bombers, losing by 50 to the Dockers, was the most disappointing result of the week and it will take a lot for me to back them going forward.

On to this week, we have plenty of sports action and there is always value to be found.

As always do your own research and happy punting.

NRL

Cronulla Sharks versus Manly Sea Eagles, PointsBet Stadium, Thursday, 7:50pm
Last round Manly extended their winning streak to four, beating the Titans at home by eight. It was another solid display without Tom Trbojevic.

Meanwhile the Sharks’ winning run came to an abrupt halt, losing out to the Storm down at AAMI Park by 16. It was a valiant effort but disappointing all the same.

This looks to be the clash of the round as two teams tied on four wins will look to cement their spot among the top four.

At this point the Sharks are yet to lose a game at home and will look to continue that form, while Manly have won just once away from home this year and are yet to win a game against a top-eight team.

Potential wet weather could make it a low-scoring affair. I expect it to be a bit of a rock fight with the Sharks just edging out Manly.

Bet: Sharks 1-12 – $2.90, under 38.5 points – $2.90

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Brisbane Broncos versus Canterbury Bulldogs, Suncorp Stadium, Friday, 7:55pm
A clash at the bottom of the table may not sound exciting, but with the news of multiple COVID cases among the Bulldogs’ side, the Broncos will be licking their lips as they welcome the bottom side to Suncorp.

The Dogs have been poor all season with just one win this year, which they won 6-4 against the Cowboys. That was their lone highlight.

On the other hand, the Broncos have at least looked somewhat competitive despite winning just one more game.

The Broncos have not lost to the Dogs at Suncorp since 2015, with five double-digit victories. I predict this game to play out in a similar fashion, the Broncos winning by more than two converted tries with Kotoni Staggs to get over for the third game in a row.

Bet: Broncos 13+ – $2.05, Staggs ATS – $1.97

Multibet: Sharks 1-12, Broncos 13+ – $5.94

AFL

Western Bulldogs versus Adelaide Crows, Saturday, Mars Stadium, 1:45pm
Both sides are coming off much needed victories, pushing them to 2-4 for the season.

While it is still very early in the season, this match-up will be important for either team to begin gathering momentum as they fight for finals contention.

The Dogs looked a lot more like their 2021 selves as they crushed the Kangaroos by 68, with Bailey Smith racking up a whopping 43 touches.

Their form at Mars is strong and they have won their last two games against the Crows convincingly at the venue.

The Crows have proved to be difficult to put away so far this season and I expect them to once more hang in the contest for majority of the match.

However, the Bulldogs should have enough to get away with their third win of the season.

Bet: Bulldogs -22.5 – $1.90

(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Hawthorn Hawks versus Sydney Swans, UTAS Stadium, Monday 12:30pm
A big ANZAC Day clash sees the Hawks take on the Swans down in Tasmania.

Despite the Hawks picking up their first big scalp against the Cats, it is extremely hard to look past the Swans at this point.

With just a single blemish on their record, the Swans put on another spectacular display in Perth against the Eagles, running out to a 56-0 lead before half time and not looking back on their way to another victory.

It’s hard to see the Hawks slowing down this scintillating run the Swans have put together and I expect it to continue on Monday.

Bet: Swans -10.5 – $1.90, Swans -24.5 – $2.65

Multibet: Bulldogs -22.5, Swans -10.5 – $3.91