Three rounds remain in the NRLW season and so far, the action has been thrilling, with no doubt that this is the best (and highest quality) season to date. Teams will be desperate to position themselves to make a run towards the Finals and with just 4 points separating 3rd and 9th, anything is possible.
As always, BeforeYouBet is here to guide you through the weekends matches with the aim of finding you a winner or two. Stay tuned to the website for a comprehensive look at all sporting action from Australia and around the globe this weekend.
NRLW Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights
GIO Stadium, Saturday 2nd September, 11:05am (AEST)
The Raiders held hopes of being competitive against the Broncos but were anything but that in their 40-8 loss. Despite scoring 2 tries inside 12 minutes and leading 8-nil, they conceded 8 tries for the rest of the game. A lack of possession (46%) and inability to make strong metres with the ball (average 8.3m per carry) meant they failed to build pressure. They were poor in defence too, missing 35 tackles and conceding 9 line breaks. There were no such issues for the Knights, who remained equal-top of the competition ladder with a 22-14 win over the Sharks. Dictating the terms of the match, the Knights lead 16-nil at HT and withheld a Sharks revival in the second half to win the contest. The win was made even more impressive considering they trailed their opponents in every major statistic, including a 64% completion rate, 35 missed tackles and conceding 6 line breaks. This is an area the Knights will need to improve upon if they are to end the Raiders unbeaten streak at home. They are a difficult team to defeat here, but the Knights are still listed as favourites ($2.70 vs $1.45). The point scoring/defensive averages of each team suggest the Knights are well placed to cover the line. In attack, the Raiders average 20ppg compared with the Knights 26ppg. In defence, the Raiders allow 24ppg, while the Knights have the best defensive record in the competition averaging just 15ppg. Take it on with the thought that the Knights defence will aim up.
Knights -6.5
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 2nd September, 12:50pm (AEST)
The Broncos had a breakout performance which could set them on a path to future success with a 40-8 win over the Raiders. Overcoming a slow start which saw them trail their opponents 8-nil after 12 minutes, the Broncos scored 8 unanswered tries in powering to victory. They dominated possession (54%), made more total metres and created 9 line breaks. Most impressive was their 16 missed tackles. The Sharks were outplayed against the Knights, trailing 16-nil at HT and never getting a chance to get themselves into the match. It was a disappointing outcome considering they dominated every statistic, including possession (53%), completion rate (70%), metres made, line breaks (6) and having fewer missed tackles (26). They are a talented team but are 4 points adrift of a spot in the Finals. They find themselves as outsiders for this game ($1.35 vs $3.20) with the expectation that captain Brigginshaw will take the field after suffering a broken nose last week. Her omission would impact the price and overall outcome in this game. The Broncos have been inconsistent so far this season, but their performance last week suggests that they are build towards something bigger, with the Finals on the horizon. If they are to win, the bounce back for the Sharks should keep the game tight. Keep the investment low though, there are better options available this weekend.
Broncos 1-12
$2.70 (1 Unit)
North Queensland Cowboys vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 2nd September, 3:10pm (AEST)
The Cowboys suffered a 16-12 loss to the Eels on the road, delivering a poor performance which handed their opponents their first victory of the year. Kept scoreless until the 59th minute, the Cowboys were never in the contest. They made fewer total metres, conceded more line breaks, and missed 48 tackles. The Dragons tried hard against the Titans, overcoming a second half deficit to be narrowly defeated 23-22. They gave themselves a chance with an 80% completion rate, but still made fewer metres. Their issues came in defence, allowing 9 line breaks and missing 39 tackles. There isn’t much between these two sides; on top of their standing on the ladder, they are listed even in the odds ($1.90 each). Both also have instability within their side. The preferred option is staying away from this contest altogether but if you need to have a bet, take the game to be decided by less than a converted try. The inconsistency of each this season lowers the confidence in the overall outcome.
Either Team Under 6.5 Points
$2.30 (1 Unit)
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 3rd September, 12:03pm (AEST)
The Titans prevailed in a thrilling contest against the Dragons 23-22, scraping home after allowing their opponents an opportunity to get themselves back into the contest. They were strong carrying the ball, running for more metres, having more post contact metres and creating 9 line breaks. More impressive was their defence, which only missed 17 tackles. The Tigers would’ve benefitted from a similar level of execution in their 48-10 drubbing at the hands of the Roosters. Conceding 10 tries was always going to be problematic and their defence was torn apart by 52 missed tackles and conceding 14 line break. In attack, they made less than 1,000m and averaged just 7.3m per carry. This is a performance they will want to move on quickly from. They will find this contest difficult without two of their stars (Apps & Horne), with this a large reason why they are outsiders ($1.42 vs $2.80). The Titans are too short; they average just 14ppg in attack this season (vs Tigers 17ppg) and the while worse in defence (17ppg vs 20ppg), the Tigers could well use this to their advantage. It does suggest that the game should remain close and low scoring. Either would be recommended and some may be tempted by the value on offer for the Titans (1-12). The preferred (and arguably safer) option is for the total points to remain low, with both teams performing to their season standard.
Total Points Under 38.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Industree Group Stadium, Sunday 3rd September, 1:50pm (AEST)
The Roosters justified their standing as competition leaders with a dominating 48-10 victory over the Tigers. The 10 try performance was highlighted by 14 line breaks, averaging 9.9m per carry and having 523 post contact metres. It was a sign of how strong this team is and sent a loud message to their rivals. The Eels were also victorious, capturing their first victory of the season in their 16-12 victory over the Cowboys. Overcoming a poor completion rate (68%), they averaged 10.2m per carry and missed just 21 tackles in defence. It showed what they are capable of, although, the quality of their opponents was probably lower than what they are going to face here. They will need every bit of conviction in this contest against a far superior opponent. The odds heavily favour the home team ($1.04 vs $10); it is their game to lose and the decision turns to finding value in this contest. The Roosters have scored the most points and allowed the fewest of any team this season (attack = 32ppg & defence = 12ppg). The Eels are at the opposite end of the spectrum, scoring the fewest (12ppg) and allowing the most (29ppg). This points towards another blowout victory for the Roosters as they account for the line along the way to victory.
Roosters -21.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
