With the end of the season getting closer and closer each week, every match becomes crucial as we try to predict how the top eight will finish. There are still a heap of teams in contention in a stacked middle part of the ladder. Today we see the struggling Bulldogs take on the Wests Tigers while the resurgent Titans will host the Cowboys in a big match for both sides.
NRL Round 21 Sunday Betting Tips
Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 1.50pm (AEST)
Once again the Bulldogs come into this week with a loss to their name, following a disappointing 28 point loss to the Titans on Monday Night. The Tigers were only narrowly beaten in an 18-16 loss to the Warriors, after blowing a big lead early in the match. That was a bad loss in the scheme of their season and this is a must-win match if they want any chance of playing finals footy.
The sooner this season is over the better for the Bulldogs who just look classes below the rest of the competition lately. Trent Barrett has had a big struggle trying to get his players up for the fight each week and they have a tough task again here, having to backup quickly from their Monday Night loss. Fans will be hoping they can show some pride and finish the season strongly as they look to build towards next season.
The Tigers will be reeling following a tough loss after giving up a big lead against the Warriors last week. That was a match that they should have won and would have given them a great shot at sneaking into the top eight. They will now have to win every game from here on in to be a chance so I am expecting they will be fired up and ready to bounce back today.
The Bulldogs just don’t look dangerous enough to trouble the scorers here and the Tigers have too much to play for with their season on the line.
Titans vs Cowboys
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 4.05pm (AEST)
The Titans have found form at the right time in the season, moving into 7th on the ladder following a very strong win over the Bulldogs last week. They’ve now won two on the trot in easy fashion and will be keen to cement their spot in the finals with another win today. They come up against a Cowboys side who will be looking to avoid their eighth straight loss.
As mentioned, the Cowboys have been in a terrible slump of form, losing seven straight matches as they continue to fall down the ladder. Todd Payten will be desperate for his side to finish the season on a positive note and they will be boosted by the return of Valentine Holmes at fullback. It’s hard to see them turning their form around however they will be hoping to finish above main QLD rivals the Broncos, who currently sit 2 points behind them on the ladder.
The Titans have found their attack in recent weeks, scoring 66 points across their last two matches while the Cowboys are one of the worst defensive teams in the competition, missing 35 tackles on average each match. It looks a dangerous matchup for the Cowbos and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans rack up a big score here as they look to build momentum into the business end of the season.
