All teams will return to action this weekend before the big bye period next week. Continue reading for our NRL Round 16 betting tips.
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Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights (Friday 5.35pm AEST)
The struggling Knights travel north to face the top of the table Broncos who have been able to survive through the Origin period thus far. This weekend the Broncos will rest Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker, who earned a rest two weeks ago, replaces him. This match is quite clearly going to be won by Brisbane, the question really is by how much? With the line at -14.5 and a short price for the Broncos at 13+, I suggest staying away from this one.
TIP: No bet
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles (Friday 7.35pm AEST)
The Rabbitohs suffered a massive loss two weeks ago against the Tigers. Their defence was dismantled on multiple occasions, especially by the rampaging Martin Tapau. Adam Reynolds was rushed into the side in the last minute and there was a lot of rust in his game in attack and defence. Greg Inglis returns for them as well and coming off the back of a bye they have had plenty of time to get their combinations back and return to the form from the beginning of the season.
The Sea Eagles picked up an impressive win last week and will look to build on that as they have players continuing to return from injury. The biggest absentee at the moment is captain Jamie Lyon and if he was in the centres on Friday night I would be picking the Sea Eagles, however they will miss his presence out wide.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3.10 with Sportsbet
New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders (Saturday 3pm AEST)
The Warriors picked up an impressive win last week and Shaun Johnson is finally starting to find some consistency this season. They will need him to continue to fire because when he plays well the rest of the team lifts and works off the back of him. It is clear that he is at his best when he is running the football as well as balancing his playmaking role.
The Raiders are coming off a bye and before that they got a necessary win against the Newcastle Knights as Blake Austin continues to star for the green machine. If they are any chance this weekend he will need to continue his great form, however I can’t see an upset happening this weekend.
TIP: Warriors 1-12 @ $3.10 with Palmerbet
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks (Saturday 5.30pm AEDT)
The Cowboys pulled off a miracle last week as they beat the Raiders in Canberra. This week coach Paul Green has decided to rest superstar Johnathan Thurston as the load of Origin could be taking a toll on his body. This puts there club record 11 win streak at risk but he has chosen a good week to leave Thurston out of the side.
They are at home against a Sharks side that earned themselves a victory last week but they were less than impressive against a Knights outfit that did everything to give the boys from the Shire the win in the second half.
The Cowboys are a strong side across the park and despite the absence of the future immortal, they should extend their win streak to 12.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12 @ $3.05 with Crownbet
Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons (Saturday 7.35pm AEST)
The Eels have to be the hardest team in the competition to pick. They are a surprise packet that can turn it on and off within seconds. They lost in round 13 despite a 24-point lead at home and then they won in round 14 in Melbourne after going down by 12 points in the opening 10 minutes.
They are at home against the Dragons that were flying high but broke back down to earth last week against the Roosters. They are still putting together strong performances and overall you can’t back the Eels because they can’t put together an 80-minute performance.
TIP: Dragons using Ladbrokes $2 favourite Promotion (see Below)
Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans (Sunday 2pm AEST)
The Roosters moved into the top four last week with a strong performance against the Dragons. The side is class all across the park with international and Origin players in almost every position. On the back of Pearce and Maloney finding great form between them they will continue to flourish as they have the ability to score points and defend their line solidly.
Meanwhile, the Titans missed an opportunity to move into the top 8 last week but they are still within reach. After a horror start to the season they are lucky to be in the position they are. The shining lights has clearly been Kane Elgey and James Roberts and his combination with Aiden Seizer. The speedster is hard to shut down but Roosters coach Trent Robinson should find a way with a lot of stars to use at his disposal.
However, similar to the Broncos the Roosters will get the win but there is no value in this match and I suggest steering clear of it.
TIP: No bet
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers (Sunday 4pm AEST)
On the back of a great win against the Rabbitohs, the Tigers were disappointing last week. Their inexperience again showed as their halves were outclassed by Daly Cherry Evans and Kieran Foran. There is no shame being outclassed by those two internationals but the side showed the week earlier they were capable of matching it with the best.
The Panthers season has been disappointing despite sitting just one win outside the top 8. The side had a lot of expectations on them entering this season after reaching the preliminary final last year. However, another injury ravaged season has left them off the pace and they will be hoping to get their full squad back on the field soon.
TIP: Tigers -2 @ $1.92 with Palmerbet
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm (Monday 7pm AEST)
The Bulldogs had a solid win last week against the injury ravaged Panthers and they are coming up against a Melbourne side that is without superstars Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
The Storm had a chance to beat the table toppers Broncos last week but were unable to take advantage of all of their opportunities. This comes back to having no Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk who generally combine to either create or score the tries for the Storm.
The defence of the Bulldogs should be just as strong as the Broncos and it will be hard for the Storm to penetrate it without the creative masterminds of Slater and Cronk.
TIP: Bulldogs -5.5 @ $1.92 with Crownbet
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!
