2015 NRL Season Preview and Betting Tips
The wait is almost over, the 2015 NRL season is only days away and Before You Bet is offering you the opportunity at an insightful look at some of the future NRL betting markets such as the NRL Grand Final, 2015 Dally M medal and other markets for the 2015 NRL season before we have full weekly articles on our Rugby tips page.
Ladder Predictor and Season Results Betting
Predicting the entire ladder of an NRL season is close to impossible. There are always unforeseen factors that happen throughout a long season which impact a team’s placing. Injuries to star players can end a team’s road to the finals and the State of Origin period is always tough on sides that lose key players from their squads.
However, there are plenty of opportunities to bet on certain outcomes that are likely to happen throughout the NRL season such as predicting sides that will make it into the top eight. Firstly, let’s take a look at the Before You Bet predicted NRL ladder.
2015 NRL Ladder Prediction
1st - South Sydney Rabbitohs
2nd - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
3rd – Sydney Roosters
4th – Penrith Panthers
5th – North Queensland Cowboys
6th - New Zealand Warriors
7th - Melbourne Storm
8th - Manly Sea Eagles
9th - Brisbane Broncos
10th - Cronulla Sharks
11th - Parramatta Eels
12th - Newcastle Knights
13th - Wests Tigers
14th - St George Illawarra Dragons
15th - Canberra Raiders
16th - Gold Coast Titans
The top four teams should definitely make the finals and teams from 6th to 10th could easily finish in a different order. For example, I have the Broncos narrowly missing the eight, however with Coach Wayne Bennett returning and the signing of Anthony Milford and Adam Blair they could easily reach as high as sixth place. However, the Broncos are known for having a slump period during and after the Origin period and if it happens again this year it will cost them a place in the finals.
The Roosters will also struggle during this period. It is likely that the duo of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney will return to State of Origin as NSW halves and they no longer have Sonny Bill Williams and Daniel Mortimer to replace them. They will also lose Aidan Guerra, Boyd Cordner, Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou and possibly Blake Ferguson to Origin duty.
The Warriors haven’t been able to live up to their expectations since their run to the Grand Final in 2011. It is now Sam Tomkins’ second year in the NRL and Shaun Johnson led New Zealand to a Four Nations victory, so it could be their year to finally silence the doubters.
The Warriors and Cowboys could both be higher on the ladder if they are able to take their home form on the road with them. Both sides are known for struggling when playing away and until they can turn that around, they will continue to find themselves in the middle of the ladder.
2015 NRL Premiership Betting
Due to the closeness of the top four or five sides, the odds of picking the right side to win the NRL Premiership doesn’t offer a lot of value, especially prior to the season. Last year’s champions, the Rabbitohs, are unsurprisingly favourites, closely followed by the Sydney Roosters. They are clearly the two sides that are most likely to win the premiership but at the odds of $5.90 and $6.80 respectively, it isn’t worth the bet at this stage.
North Queensland Cowboys - $10 at Betfair
The Cowboys were knocked out of the finals last year and again it was a refereeing decision that didn’t go their way that ended their season. Although the decision wasn’t as bad as the “hand of Foran” and the seven tackle try, the Cowboys were left with that empty feeling inside them and the thoughts of “what could have been”. Thurston is entering his final few years of the NRL and his opportunities to win his second premiership (first with the Bulldogs as a bench player) are quickly fading. However, the boost of Jason Taumalolo re-signing with the club and the return of Lachlan Coote from injury should give the Cowboys extra depth in their line-up. If the Cowboys sort out their hooker situation then they could be in for the club’s first ever premiership.
There is a way to make a profit without even waiting for the Grand Final to take place. Trading odds throughout the season on Betfair can earn you profits, using similar trading concepts to that of the stock exchange. To learn more about how to trade odds on Betfair, then check out our basics of sports trading article.
Manly Sea Eagles - $15.50 at Betfair (To watch the Market)
The Sea Eagles lost veterans Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart to rival teams and still have the rumour clouds hanging above their heads with teams trying to sign playmakers Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran. They start the season away from home against the Eels and then have two tough matches against the Storm and the Bulldogs. If they are to lose all three of these matches, their odds could blow out and it could be a good time to place a bet as their two matches after that are against the Dragons and the Raiders, before having another tough three game stretch.
New Zealand Warriors - $16 at Betfair (To lay off)
The New Zealand Warriors open their 2015 season with three matches they should win. They are against the Knights and Raiders away from home before hosting the Eels. Despite the Warriors struggles on the road, they should be too good for the likes of the Knights and last year’s wooden spooners the Raiders and when the Eels head across the ditch, the Warriors should make it three from three to start the season. This could see a load up on the New Zealand side and an opportunity to lay to make an easy profit.
2015 Dally M betting
Similar to betting on the Premiership winner, there are a lot of opportunities for trading on the Dally M winner. Johnathan Thurston is the defending champion and favourite at $9 and Cherry-Evans is close behind at $11.
Shaun Johnson - $17 at Sportsbet
Johnson is my pick as he comes at the right price and he is in good form after winning the Golden Boot and leading New Zealand to a Four Nations crown. Johnson has the ability to take over a game with his playmaking, pace and x-factor. However, the only thing lacking for him is his consistency. He has been unable to put in the performances of a Thurston over an entire season, having slumps at different sections. If Johnson can maintain form and put in solid performances week after week, the award will be his to lose.
Josh Reynolds - $26 at Sportsbet (To Lay off)
The Bulldogs playmaker is known for his energy, effort and his grubby nature. Reynolds is constantly involving himself in the game and trying to make something happen for his team. Reynolds will also be in contention for Origin, putting him in the spotlight and receiving media attention, this can help contribute to him receiving votes as the attention is on him. The five-eighths chances are also boosted because the Bulldogs should be winning the majority of their games and in those games Reynolds should be the star working off the back of his forwards.
Best Value 2015 NRL Season Future Bets
South Sydney Rabbitohs to Make the Top 4 - $2 at Sportsbet
Penrith Panthers to Make the top 8 - $1.50 at Sportsbet
Sydney Roosters to be leading at halfway point (Completion of Round 13) - $6.50 at Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
