We were so close to perfection last week with out NRL tips, but after beginning the round 7/7 for a whopping combined odds of 475-1, we missed the last game with the Eels storming home to narrowly defeat the Tigers. Nevertheless, a massive profit was gained for those followed our tips. We'll look to back it up week with our NRL Round 8 Preview and Betting Tips.
2017 NRL Round 8 Betting Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles (Friday 6pm AEST)
The Raiders are beginning to climb the ladder as they live up to their expectations. After a slow start with a couple of tight losses, their attack has kicked into full gear. They are lethal on both edges and their forward pack is dominant up the middle which sets a great platform for their exciting backs. We are predicting them to continue to improve as their confidence lifts and they take off from where they left off last season.
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Meanwhile the Sea Eagles are on a downward trend. They stringed together three strong performances but other than that they have looked lacklustre. Their forward pack is inconsistent while their left edge defence was caught out and proved to be a weak one. This plays into the hands perfectly of the Raiders strategy and Joseph Leiluia and Jordan Rapana should run rings around Blake Green in this one. We are predicting a big scoreline.
TIP: Raiders at the margin (13+) – $2.10 at William Hill
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
The Broncos began the game poorly on the weekend but a couple of individual efforts saw the side clinch the victory. James Roberts had one of his best performances as a Bronco, scoring a hat-trick and the match winning try but it was Matt Gillett who was the star of the show. He is proving to be one of the best backrowers in the game and is arguably the best defender in the game. Kodi Nikorima still has a lot to prove at halfback but he has one game under his belt in the number 7 which will help his confidence.
Meanwhile the Rabbitohs suffered a loss to the Bulldogs. They created a couple of opportunities but some spectacular trysavers from the Bulldogs left them undone. They weren’t able to hold onto their lead and their forward pack could take a hit with Sam Burgess facing suspension. If he is out this will be a onesided match but if he is included it could be a little closer, nevertheless, we are predicting a comfortable win for the road side.
TIP: Broncos to win at the line (-7.5) – $1.90 at Sportsbet
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers (Saturday 3pm AEST)
The Eels season was hanging in the balance and they were facing a five game losing streak. Their key players stepped up and turned things around as they scored three unanswered tries against the Tigers to secure the victory. Corey Norman showed glimpses of the player who was leading the Dally M race after two rounds while Michael Jennings got the best of Jamal Idris throughout the match but wasn’t able to find Semi Radradra. They will face a tougher opposition outside this weekend and this could turn into a high scoring battle.
Neither the Eels or Panthers have prided themselves on their defence this season but the Panthers have been the more disappointing side. Other than their two big wins against the Tigers and Knights, the Panthers have been on the wrong end of some big score lines. We are predicting them to bounce back this weekend as the pressure mounts on the side and Matt Moylan steps up against the adversity he is facing. Bryce Cartwright is also tipped to return to the line up, adding some much needed attack and x-factor into the side.
TIP: Panthers to win at the margin (1-12) – $3.00 at CrownBet
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights (Saturday 5.30pm AEST)
The Cowboys were late to the party against the Dragons on the weekend and it cost them in the end. Faced with a 28-4 half time deficit the side came out all guns blazing in the second half, only to fall short. Johnathan Thurston will remain on the sidelines and the 108kg front rower John Asiata will keep the halfback position. He created some incredible opportunities on the weekend and played a bigger role than his representative five-eighth Michael Morgan. In a boost for the side, Lachlan Coote will return at fullback and the Cowboys attack and structure will receive a huge boost with him back in the side.
Meanwhile the Knights suffered another defeat despite their effort and enthusiasm. However, all the positive talk surrounding the spirited Knights side is getting a bit old. They still aren’t doing enough to win and find themselves in lapses at times. We are predicting them to have a tough road trip in this one with the Cowboys to bounce back with an impressive victory.
TIP: Cowboys to win at the margin (13+) – $2.30 at William Hill
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans (Saturday 7.30pm AEST)
The Sharks have stated their claim to defend their premiership title the last two weeks, with impressive wins over the Storm and Panthers – the two favourites to lift the crown at the beginning of the season. Not only did they earn victories, but they held their opponents tryless. The improved Sharks defence hasn’t stopped their attack from clicking and on the back of a spirited performance form their youngster Jayden Brailey, the side has moved back into the top four.
The Titans put together arguably their best performance of the season but it wasn’t enough as the Broncos stole it at the death. Ashley Taylor lead the side around the park brilliantly but it was the same story for the Titans, injuries lead to their demise. The side added another five names to the injury list on Friday night but two of them could make early recoveries. Konrad Hurrell and Ryan James will be racing the clock to be fit and they will need their captain James in the line up to stand a chance. Jarryd Hayne is rumoured to make an early return himself, but he will still be a week away. The Sharks should cruise in this one.
TIP: Sharks to win at the margin (13+) – $2.15 at Ladbrokes
Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Sunday 4pm AEST)
The Tigers have been reported to have blocked Mitchell Moses’ request of an early release which will mean he will suit up for them on Sunday. However, that won’t stop them from suffering their second straight loss as their defence needs drastic improvement. Jamal Idris was burned on multiple occasions by Michael Jennings on Monday and his ability to remain in the centres should be under scrutiny. He is a big body but doesn’t do enough in attack to warrant his stay in the centres. Josh Morris should be able to pick him a part.
Des Hasler has stuck with naming Matt Frawley on an extended bench, despite the fact he has been the game changer for the last three weeks. Since starting for the suspended Moses Mbye against the Broncos and leading the Dogs to victory in that game, he has came off the bench and turned around a deficit. We are predicting the same to happen this weekend, with Frawley a chance of starting. He lifts the game of those around him, especially Josh Reynolds, as he controls the game and structure of the side.
TIP: Bulldogs to win at the line (-4) – $1.90 at William Hill
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons (Tuesday 4pm AEST)
The Roosters and Dragons will kick off their annual Anzac Day match at 4pm and it should be a classic match with the competition leaders the Dragons looking to continue their strong start. The Roosters returned to winning ways last Friday against the Knights. It was their best defensive effort of the season, albeit against one of the worst attacks in the competition. Mitchell Pearce played at a high level and he capped off the victory with the game sealing try.
Meanwhile the Dragons raced out to a 24 point halftime lead against the Cowboys only to see it evaporate. It was the worst 40 minutes of the season for the Red V and they won’t want that to happen this weekend. They have built their competition lead on the back of their defence and strong forward pack and they will be looking to do the same against a Roosters pack underperforming. Boyd Cordner has been exceptional for the Roosters and Jared Warea-Hargreaves has been playing well but they are missing Dylan Napa, who has been named on an extended bench. We are predicting the Dragons to show more punch in the middle of the field and for it to pay dividends.
TIP: Dragons to win – $2.25 at CrownBet
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors (Tuesday 7pm AEST)
NRL Round 8 finished with the Storm taking on the Warriors on Anzac day. It should be an exciting match with the Warriors looking to bounce back from a loss in Canberra while the Storm will be out to continue their winning ways.
The Storm uncharacteristically conceded 26 points last week against the Sea Eagles but ultimately they did what they always do, and that is find a way to win. Cameron Smith had a very strong game but it was Cooper Cronk who had the most impact. His connection with his backrowers is the best in the game and he terrorised his former halves partner Blake Green by putting Felise Kaufusi into holes.
Meanwhile the Warriors wasted a couple of early chances against the Raiders, including a for certain try that wasn’t after a remarkable trysaver from Jarrod Croker. The Warriors are notorious for upsetting the Storm but in the corresponding fixture last season they were handed a hiding. We are predicting a closer match in this one but we will stick with a narrow margin victory for the home side.
TIP: Storm to win at the margin (1-12) – $3.00 at Sportsbet
