There are just two rounds remaining and it is getting tight for the remaining spots in the Top 4. Week after week, the NRLW action has been exciting, and players continue to amaze fans with dazzling displays of athletic ability. This has left fans wanting more! BeforeYouBet is here to look at each game this weekend, with the aim of finding you a winner or two.
NRLW Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Cronulla Sharks vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
PointsBet Stadium, Thursday 7th September, 7:45pm (AEST)
The Sharks tried hard against the Broncos last week, but ultimately, gave up a lead which was too big to overcome in their 32-28 loss. Trailing 16-10 at HT, 3 tries extended the lead to 16 points. The execution of the Sharks was riddled with mistakes (69% completion & 11 errors), and they averaged just 7.5m per carry. The loss also created a 4 point gap between them and a spot in the Top 4. Their season is on the line in this match. The Dragons jumped ahead of their opponents, courtesy of a dominant 48-16 win over the Cowboys on the road. The 9-try blitz proved what they are capable of, with the game decided by HT with the visitors leading 28-6. A 59% share of possession with a 79% completion rate assisted their cause, as did averaging 9.3m per carry and missing just 23 tackles in defence. It is interesting to note that the Sharks are posted as strong favourites ($1.45 vs $2.70). While appearing to be the stronger of the two sides on paper, they have struggled for large parts of games in 2023 to put opponents away. The Dragons performance last week will likely lift their confidence in attack too. These two sides are far closer than the bookies are suggesting and for that reason, take this game to be decided by just over a converted try.
Either team by 8 points or less
$2.10 (1.5 Units)
Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos
McDonald Jones Stadium, Saturday 9th September, 11:30am (AEST)
The Tigers failed to build on their strong form from earlier in the season, again suffering a loss, this time at the hands of the Titans 16-4. In yet another grinding contest, the Tigers were strong in the first half but couldn’t maintain that effort over 70 minutes. Their defence was poor in allowing 10.3m per carry, 622pcm’s and missing 48 tackles. That will again cause them trouble here against the Broncos, who are coming off a narrow 32-28 win over the Sharks. Jumping to a 16-point lead with 15 minutes remaining, the Broncos switched off and allowed their opponents to score 2 quick tries. They held on for a victory but will be disappointed they put themselves in such a position. Their mistakes (12) and poor completion rate (66%) were a major contributor to this. They are still listed as strong favourites for this game ($3.20 vs $1.34), and it appears as though the Tigers struggles to score points will cause them an issue. They average just 15ppg compared with the Broncos 26ppg, with both teams averaging 19ppg in defence. The return of 3 leading players helps the Tigers cause and it should mean that the Broncos are made to work for their victory.
Broncos 1-12
$2.70 (1 Unit)
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters
McDonald Jones Stadium, Saturday 9th September, 1:30pm (AEST)
The Knights handed the Raiders their first home loss of the season in a grinding 20-12 victory. Kept scoreless in the first half, the Knights produced 3 tries in the second half to prevail. They demonstrated poise (completed at 79%) and didn’t panic under pressure; this maturity allowed them to prevail when most areas in the game were equal. The Roosters had no such issues against the Eels, seemingly cruising their way to a 46-12 victory. A 22-2 HT lead was a statement to the attacking power of this team, and they didn’t let up in the second half. Their ability to average 10.2m per carry, have 11 line breaks and miss only 24 tackles is to be admired. The Roosters are strong favourites ($2.45 vs $1.53) to continue their winning streak. Despite never defeating the Roosters, that price is somewhat disrespectful to the Knights. They are a capable team, and it is worth noting that the only other time the Roosters faced a strong defensive opponent was back in Round 2, where they were defeated by the Raiders. This game has a similar feeling about it; rather than invest outright on a winner, take the safer option of either opponent winning by less than 8 points. It would be surprising to see two strong defensive teams concede a high number of points, so use this option to your advantage.
Either team by 8 points or less
$2 (2 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 10th September, 11:30am (AEST)
The Cowboys season hit a low point on Saturday, defeated 48-16 at home by the Dragons. Expected to perform better, they were powerless to stop their opponents. They allowed 9.3m per carry while making under 1,000m for the match, conceded 9 line breaks and missed 33 tackles. Their poor differential has them languishing in 9th on the competition ladder. The Raiders sit in 5th spot but are coming off a 20-12 loss to the Knights at home. Leading 10-nil at HT, there was a sense that an upset could be ahead but a strong effort in the second half by their opponents meant it never eventuated. In an even contest, they can take confidence away from the fact that they mixed it with a leading team in the competition. The Raiders are favourites ($2.80 vs $1.42) to bounce back to form, but some are giving the Cowboys a chance. They fact that they score fewer points (15ppg vs 19ppg) than the Raiders and concede more (27ppg vs 23ppg) indicates that the odds for the visitors should be shorter. Despite the Raiders 33% success rate on the road, they should still be too strong. The line (7.5 points) is well set, but the power of the Raiders in defence should be enough to create a gap on the score board between these teams at the end of 70 minutes.
Raiders -7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Gold Coast Titans vs Parramatta Eels
Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday 10th September, 1:30pm (AEST)
The Titans grinded out a dour 16-4 win over the Tigers, failing to demonstrate flair in attack but rather, allowed their defence to do the talking. They missed just 11 tackles for the match and gave minimal opportunities to their opponents. In attack, they averaged 10.3m per carry and 622pcm’s. The Eels were simply outplayed by a strong Roosters team, eventually defeated 46-12. Always expected to struggle, they trailed 22-2 at HT and failed to consistently pressure their opponents. They will lament the 38 missed tackles and 11 allowed line breaks, while making significantly fewer metres in attacking sets. A better effort will be needed by the visitors here and it starts in that area. They concede an average of 31ppg compared to the Titans 15ppg. In attack, the Titans have a slight edge (14 vs 12ppg) but while that supports the Titans as favourites ($1.26 vs $3.80), it also points towards this game being a low scoring contest. This is the preferred investment in this game, with the Titans likely to grind out another tough win.
Total Points Under 40.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
