NRL Super Saturday is back! With it comes this NRL Betting Preview of all 3 games on a blockbuster night of action. The first game eases into things but could produce anything, with the resurgent Bulldogs host the Sharks. On a 2-game winning streak, belief is growing that the Bulldogs could make a run towards the Finals. The Sharks will not entertain that thought as they’re in 4th and want to solidify their standing on the ladder.
The second match heads north to Townsville for the Queensland derby as the 3rd placed Cowboys host the 5th placed Broncos. As the battle for Queensland dominant team takes centre stage, each side will want to prove their worth and push for a sport in the Top 4.
The night of action concludes with the desperate Rabbitohs facing off against the Eels. Both sides have had their share of mixed form this season and will want to make a statement with a win over a tricky opponent. Strap yourself in, this promises to be a fantastic afternoon/evening of rugby league viewing.
NRL Round 16 Saturday Betting Tips
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks
CommBank Stadium, Saturday 2nd July, 3pm (EST)
Squads
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Corey Allan 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tevita Pangai Junior Interchange: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Corey Waddell 16. Joe Stimson 17. Kurtis Morrin 18. Declan Casey
Cronulla Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicholas Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes Interchange: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Dale Finucane 16. Teig Wilton 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Connor Tracey
Match Preview
Confidence is a great commodity in rugby league; it even has this Bulldogs team stating that they believe the Finals are still within reach. A recent 2-game winning streak has contributed to their ‘newfound’ direction and the individual form of some players has added positively to their success. It is yet to change the mind of punters (and bookies) with the Bulldogs still listed as outsiders for this match ($3.10 vs $1.38).
Their 36-12 victory over the Tigers was a terrific display; perhaps the bye week has come at the wrong time for this club. The Sharks head into this game following an underwhelming 18-10 win over the Titans. Always in control of the result, the Sharks were expected to score more points in the second half but failed to do so. A horrendous completion rate (68%) and 16 errors were a major limiting factor to their success.
On face value, you have a team sitting in 4th on the ladder against a team in 13th. The Sharks have a superior defensive structure which should limit their opponents point. Assuming they can atone for their mistakes in their previous fixture, they should be able to cover the line.
Sharks -8.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 2nd July, 5:30pm (EST)
Squads
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo Interchange: 14. Jake Granville 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame 18. Ben Condon
Brisbane Broncos
1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Jordan Pereira
Match Preview
The Cowboys are well placed to win this game against their Queensland rival. Their 28-26 victory over the Sea Eagles in Round 15 was special; on the road, they scored 16 points in 3 minutes to finish over the top of their opponents. Teams with confidence and belief win games in this manner. It will be concerning that they allowed the Sea Eagles to score 26 points, but this is a rare slip up from a team with the second best defensive record in the competition.
The Broncos were unsuccessful against the Storm 32-20 but can take plenty away from that result. They held the Storm in the first half, despite missing several key players. Much like the Cowboys, the belief within this Broncos team, even without their key playmakers, still allowed them to score 20-points. This will be another tough game for them and while they are boosted by the return of Reynolds, they still appeared outclassed. The Round 3 meeting between these two sides saw a dominant 38-12 victory by the Cowboys but the Broncos have improved dramatically since then.
This game will be far closer and a return to the thrilling ‘Queensland Derby’ looks set to occur.
Prop Bets:
Tabuai-Fidow & Nani to score ($4.80)
Total Points Over 40.5 ($1.90)
Cowboys 1-12
$2.60 (2.5 Units)
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels
Accor Stadium, Saturday 2nd July, 7:35pm (EST)
Squads
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Thomas Burgess 16. Siliva Havili 17. Hame Sele 18. Blake Taaffe
Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’I 13. Ryan Matterson Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Marata Niukore 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Ky Rodwell 18. Tom Opacic
Match Preview
Kick off for this game couldn’t come quick enough for the Rabbitohs following their humiliating 32-12 loss to the Dragons. It sounded major warning signs for this team and had a further issue with their halfback ‘hooked’ from the field. The suggestion that it was an ‘off night’ will not completely be answered until the end of this game. They are an improved side in this fixture though, with the return of Mitchell at fullback. He adds experience and another attacking option.Hopefully for them, he can also assist with their defensive organisation.
The Eels know the feeling of an embarrassing loss all too well. They bounced back from an upset loss to the Bulldogs in Round 14 with a strong 26-16 win over the Roosters. The victory was set up in the first half, with the Eels attack running riot through their opponents. From there, they allowed their defence to lead them to victory. Hopefully for them, this standard can be maintained. They are favourites ($1.60 vs $2.35) and appear to have the stronger of the two sides.
If they want to be taken seriously, this is a game that they should win. Inconsistency has been a theme for them this season and there is enough to suggest that they are vulnerable. The safer option appears to be investing around a close game. The Rabbitohs have a point to prove but the Eels defence is a key part of their identity. Confidence is low though; anything could happen in this game, and you will be better for a watch (in coming weeks) rather than a bet.
Prop Bets:
Total Points OVER 41.5 ($1.85)
Either Team by Under 8.5
$2.00 (1 Unit)
