Two teams that aren’t expected to trouble the top 8 this season kick-off Super Saturday in the NRL, as the Tigers look to get their season underway with a first-up win. They head to the Nation’s Capital to take on one of the surprise packets of Round 1, the Raiders. This should be a fun one, as the Raiders look to win their 8th straight over the Tigers.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, supply our Best Bet, and suggest a Same Game Multi. Be sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
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- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
NRL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers
GIO Stadium, Saturday 16th March, 3:00pm (AEDT)
Last Week
As mentioned, the Raiders were a real surprise packet in week 1, heading to Newcastle and taking on the Knights in front of a parochial home crowd. The Raiders did a wonderful job though, of not allowing the crowd to get involved, dominating possession and never allowing the Knights to feel in control of the game. The Raiders completed 90% of their sets, on their way to a solid 28-12 first up win on the road. I’m not entirely convinced by their redzone attack, with their points coming more from poor Knights defence, however they should have no problems scoring points again this week if they can hold the ball. They come in with just the one change, with Seb Kris back from suspension, pushing Hopoate to the wing, and Cotric out.
The Tigers are coming off the bye, and are coming in close to full strength, with Justin Olam set to return soon. A brand-new halves pairing has been named, with rookie Lachlan Galvin set to partner recruit Jayden Sullivan in the halves, in what should be an exciting pairing.
Match Preview
These teams met twice last year, with only 5 points separating the pair through two games, despite two wins for the Raiders. Both games were vastly different, with the Tigers dominating the game in round 14 at home, however they still couldn’t manage to win the game. They will come in the fresher of the two teams; however, the Raiders have had the one round to iron out some kinks, and should have a nice advantage, particularly early in this game.
The Raiders opened as 4.5-point favourites, however punters were obviously impressed by the Raiders first round win, pushing them out to 6.5/7.5-point favourites now, depending on where you are betting. I liked the Raiders at -4.5, but now that the number has bumped up over a converted try, I’m a little less confident in them covering. The Tigers showed last year they can stay with this Raiders team, so I’ll leave the spread alone for now.
As for the total, it opened 44.5, and remains around the same number now, with the under bet slightly. The weather looks set to be fine in Canberra on Saturday, and I’d have to lean towards an over in this contest, however with the new combinations at the Tigers, I’m a little concerned that they might be a little clunky.
I think the bet here is the Raiders to win by less than two converted tries. Remember last year, the Raiders had 13 wins, all by a margin of 1-12. Yes, they won last week by 13+, but I like the Tigers to keep this one close, with the Raiders managing to get home in the end.
Raiders 1-12
$3.25 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Raiders (-3.5) HT – As above, I like the Raiders to come out of the gates as the slicker team in attack, with the Tigers likely taking the first half to ease their way into the season.
Jordan Rapana (1+ try) – 4 tries in 3 games playing on the wing against the Tigers, Rapana has the knack of getting across the line. One of the most dangerous men in the league under the high ball, expect the Raiders to attack Charlie Staines in the air.
Tigers over 8.5 (2nd half) - I like the Tigers to look a little better in the second half. This bet is twofold. One, they just look more cohesive in the second half, which should lead to points. The other is, I expect the Raiders to lead going into the second half, which may allow a consolation try or two to the Tigers in the second half.
SGM Odds: $7.22 at Neds
