With State of Origin next week, the NRL enters a reduced round of fixtures. Despite the lack of matches, history has shown that there is still plenty to be excited about. Players who missed selection have a point to prove, while other teams will see this as an opportunity to gain a vital 2-competition points. The action begins on Thursday with the Eels hosting the Sharks. With both teams experiencing poor losses last week, each will be desperate bounce back to winning form in this match. Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action ahead.
2024 NRL Round 13 Preview & Betting Tips
Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
CommBank Stadium – Thursday 30th May – 7:50pm (AEST)
Match Preview
A week in which the Eels sacked their coach saw their campaign take another dive, as they were defeated by the last-placed Rabbitohs. Heading into the game as slight favourites, a better showing was expected. This was probably a harsh judgement considering they were still missing two key players but other, talented players, remained. Trailing 22-12 at HT, they tried hard in the second half to gain some momentum but were let down by a lack of experience on both sides of the ball. They failed to execute as they completed at just 70% with 45% possession. They managed to carry the ball strongly (10.4m per carry) and made 6 line breaks yet, when they needed the finishing touches to score points or build pressure via repeat attacking sets, they were unable to achieve this outcome.
It was a far more concerning outcome for the Sharks who were embarrassed 42-nil by the Panthers at home. On a 7-game winning streak, they failed to maintain their momentum and were punished for their mistakes. With just 39% possession and a 70% completion rate, they were powerless to stop their opponents. They averaged just 7.3m per carry, made only 309 PCM’s, had zero line breaks and missed 54 tackles. It is a game they will want to forget quickly and the task of bouncing back will be increasingly difficult without their Origin players.
Match Prediction
The Eels are a remarkably different team with Gutherson and Moses both returning. This changes the dynamic of the team and will take pressure off others who have been forced to take over the playmaking duties. It has seen the Eels listed as slight favourites ($1.77 vs $2.05) with many doubting the Sharks credentials without Hynes and McInnes, who are away on representative selection.
The visitors are still a capable team; their strengths remain in key positions, and they have a suitable replacement in Trindall filling in at halfback. This contest is even; despite the Eels boosted by the return of star players, it will still take a week or two before they are ‘match fit’. The biggest challenge for the Eels will be improving their defensive structure. They concede an average of 30ppg this season compared with the Sharks 18ppg; they also trail their opponents in attacking points scored (19ppg vs 25 ppg). They will be hoping that their home ground advantage (63%) counts for something, although the Sharks will not be afraid of the journey west (55%).
Given there is a lot of doubt around the potential of each side, it is preferred to play it safe in this contest. 3 of the past 5 matches have been decided by 4 or less points, while the average margin of victory in those same 5 matches sits at 10.4 points. For what it is worth, more is still needed from the Eels before you can invest on them with confidence but if there was a recent game that they would fancy themselves capable of winning, this would be it. Still, the Sharks defeated the Storm without Hynes and should not be easily overlooked, especially as they will be out to bounce back from a poor display last week.
Either Team by 10.5 points or less
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Mulitalo is the leading try scorer for his club this season and is a threat in both the air and on the ground. Ramien has been playing well and despite only scoring 3 times this season, has proven to be an attacking threat. Stick with him; it is only a matter of time before he is rewarded for his positive play.
Ramien to Score
Mulitalo to Score
SGM Odds: $5 at Neds
