Sunday afternoon football kicks off with the Titans taking on the Bulldogs at Cbus Super Stadium. Whilst there’s some average games this week, this could well be the pick as the worst, with both teams having only won 2 of their previous 10 matches. The only way to make this matchup bearable is to have a punt, so let’s dig in to find some value.
Below, we will dissect the matchup and provide our best bet. Good luck to everyone following, and be sure to keep up to date with all of our NRL content, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
NRL Round 27 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 3rd September, 2:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Titans lost their 4th straight last week, going down 37-16 to the Storm. They’ve had an absolutely brutal draw over the past two months, and will be glad to see the Bulldogs as their opponents this weekend. The Titans were competitive with the Storm for the first 63 minutes, trailing 18-16, before conceding 3 late tries and a field goal to go down. They completed at a high rate, made 7 line-breaks, and have generally looked good over the past two weeks against the Storm and Panthers.
As for the Bulldogs, they were once again trounced in round 26, going down 42-24 to a Sea Eagles outfit that had nothing to play for and were down to their 3rd choice fullback. Whilst they managed to score 24 points, their defence was horrific, and is easily the worst unit in the NRL. With several off-field issues surrounding the club, the players and fans no doubt can’t wait for this season to end.
Match Preview
The Titans opened 8.5-point favourites, and of course have been bet up heavily, to currently sit at 11.5-point favourites. The Bulldogs have lost by a margin of 13+ in 7 of their last 8 losses, with the one exception being a 12-point loss to the Raiders. I make the Titans 10.5-point favourites, but it’s difficult to put a number on how bad the Bulldogs are right now. Whilst I would lean towards the Titans covering, and therefore winning by 13+, my numbers suggest otherwise, so I’ll leave this one alone.
The total opened a massive 53.5, and has been bet up to 55.5. It’s hard to argue, with both teams amongst the three worst defences in the NRL this season. There’s every chance this game turns into something similar to the Bulldogs/Sea Eagles clash last week, where there is minimal defence, and tries aplenty. Whilst my numbers don’t suggest a clear edge, I like the over here. However, again with two teams with nothing to play for, and wanting to keep some powder dry for the finals, I’ll make this a low staking.
Over 54.5 total points
$1.96 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Popular bookmaker Picklebet have launched their Same Game Multis for both the AFL and NRL. There are plenty of markets to choose from an excellent odds on offer, so make sure to check them out!
Titans (-6.5) – As above, I like the Titans to win by margin. I believe they will win by at least 8, so should cover the 6.5.
David Fifita (1+ try) – Fifita should walk over this fragile Bulldogs defence, and I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see the Titans behemoth score multiple 4-pointers.
Blake Wilson (1+ try) – Wilson has been a nice little find for the Bulldogs this season, scoring 5 tries in 10 games. Seems to be a real trier, and at decent odds I like him to score a try.
SGM Odds: $8 at Picklebet