The second match on Friday has the Sea Eagles hosting the Broncos. Yes, the Broncos are the away team at Magic Round. You cannot make this stuff up! I digress. After a game featuring two teams at the bottom of the ladder, fans will want a lift in quality and this match promises exactly that.
The Sea Eagles returned to their attacking best last week with a 36-22 win over the Tigers, while the Broncos surprised many in their upset 32-12 victory over the Rabbitohs. This sets the scene for an exciting contest and this betting preview will aim to add to that excitement, as well as the money in your back pocket, as you drift off to sleep with a smile upon your face.
Sea Eagles vs Broncos Betting Tips
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 13th May, 8:05pm (EST)
Squads
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Ben Trbojevic 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuden Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Andrew Davey 16. Martin Taupau 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Kurt De Luis
Brisbane Broncos
1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Seylwyn Cobbo 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Interchange: 14. Cory Paix 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Brenko Lee
Match Preview
The Sea Eagles were always in control in last week’s match, but it took them a while to completely shut the Tigers out of the contest. With Tommy Turbo returning to their team, they had more attacking options and it showed. Everyone is aware of the potency of this team, yet their defence needs improvement. They have allowed their opponents to score over 22-points in the past three weeks, a contrast to their opening matches of the season.
The Broncos have the same record as their opponents and will want to keep their momentum going after a confidence-building win last week. In previous years, this would’ve been a game they lost or given up a lead midway through the second half. The difference this time was the measured approach of recruit Adam Reynolds. He kept his team playing direct and added a world class kicking game to increase pressure on their opponents. The Broncos defence complimented this and contributed strongly to the victory.
The ’formline’ of this game goes through the Rabbitohs. The Sea Eagles were defeated in Round 8 by the same team which the Broncos defeated in Round 9. They were played under different circumstances though, with the Sea Eagles playing majority of their match with 12 men on the field. Regardless, they still managed to push the Rabbitohs. If they had not lost a player to foul play (Lawton was sent off for a spear tackle), the outcome may have been different. On the other hand, the effort of the Broncos against the same opponent was impressive.
One win doesn’t make a season and you can bet that the acquisition of Reynolds added an extra spark to their effort last week. This indicates that this game should be close. The Sea Eagles are favourites ($1.55 v $2.45) but the game is expected to be tight. With Haas and Capewell returning for the Broncos, they are a stronger side. All is not well within the sheds at the Sea Eagles either with news this week that Foran will depart to the Titans. In the end, this game will be tight for majority of the 80 minutes with the ‘home’ side only gaining an ascendency late.
Prop Bets:
Total Under 36.5 ($1.85 at Ladbrokes)
Trbojevic, Oates & Staggs to Score ($10 at Ladbrokes)
Broncos +4.5 ($1.90 at Ladbrokes)
Sea Eagles 1-12
$2.50 (1.5 Units)
