The first game on Friday evening is a game which has no implications for the Finals, with each team having their season decided weeks ago. It is an opportunity for both sides to play with freedom, which should ensuring a high-scoring and free-flowing contest. This can often pose as a danger for punters but BeforeYouBet is here to take a detailed look at the exciting action which is ahead. Make sure you check the website all weekend for previews of everything sport from Australia and around the world.
NRL Round 27 Preview & Betting Tips
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers
4 Pines Park, Friday 1st September, 6pm (AEST)
Preview
The Sea Eagles produced a 7-try display to defeat the Bulldogs 42-24, with 2 late ‘garbage time’ tries narrowing the margin of victory. Despite conceding the first try inside 5 minutes, they were always in control of the result. They dominated possession (53%), completed well (79%), averaged 11m per carry and had 12 line breaks. With nothing to play for, the Sea Eagles squad executed well, with a sign that perhaps they will carry some positive momentum into their 2024 preseason.
Sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder, the Tigers assured guaranteed themselves the ‘wooden spoon’ for the second consecutive year in their 32-8 loss to the Roosters. Scoring early, the Tigers were quickly reminded that they were the inferior team; they were powerless to halt any of the 5 tries their opponents scored. There was little to be excited about too, as they made fewer metres/post contact metres, had just 3 line breaks and missed 38 tackles. They will be hanging out for the conclusion to this game so they can put another abysmal campaign behind them.
Verdict
The Sea Eagles head into this game as strong favourites ($1.22 vs $4.35) with several signs supporting their short price. They have won the past 5 games against the Tigers (including their Round 8 22-16 win), with 4 of those wins coming by a 13+ margin. The Tigers struggle at this ground; they have won just 3 games in 16 attempts (19%), while the Sea Eagles have a 61% strike rate. Looking at the season averages, the Tigers may also have a difficult time competing with their opponents. The Sea Eagles average 21ppg compared to the Tigers 16ppg in attack. The home team also has a better defensive record, conceding 22ppg compared to the Tigers 27ppg. These averages suggest that the final margin could be high. The Tigers will be weaker in the forwards with the omission of Utoikamanu, with the Sea Eagles fielding a relatively unchanged team from last week.
The game will likely have passages of play which are tight; the work rate and contribution of Koroisau should have a positive impact on his team but one man can only do so much. In the end, this should be a comfortable win for the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles 13+
$1.80 (2.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Popular bookmaker Picklebet have launched their Same Game Multis for both the AFL and NRL. There are plenty of markets to choose from an excellent odds on offer, so make sure to check them out!
Leg 1: Total Points Over 47.5
Leg 2: Saab 1+ Try
Leg 3: Koula 1+ Try
Leg 4: Olakautu 1+ Try
The Sea Eagles have scored plenty of points in the past two weeks against inferior opponents; this game should be no different. This also provides try scoring opportunities for these players. Saab and Olakautu crossed last week, and Koula showed his worth with vital support play.
SGM Odds: $9 at Picklebet
