NRL Round 16 comes to a close with the Raiders heading to Campbelltown to take on the Tigers, who are coming off their first win since Round 4. Whilst the Tigers are happy just to be off the bottom of the ladder, the Raiders are in need of a win to keep their place inside the top 8. With plenty to play for, expect Ricky to have the Raiders up for this one. We bring you our full betting preview for the clash below!
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
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sunday 23rd June, 4:05pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Tigers finally got the monkey off the back last week, getting their first win since a 17-16 win over the Eels on April Fools Day, defeating the Titans 18-10 at Leichhardt Oval. It was a poor loss by the Titans, who outgained the Tigers by nearly 200 metres, and made 9 line-breaks to two. The Tigers got lucky, but it’s about time they got some good fortune, and their defence scrambled well enough to keep the Titans to just 10 points. Prop Stefano Utoikamanu stood up, running for 206 metres, whilst busting 7 tackles, popping 3 offloads, and making 31 tackles with zero misses. The Tigers will need their young big man to keep this form up moving forward.
As for the Raiders, they were extremely disappointing at home in a 34-16 loss to the Cowboys. After conceding the first 28 points, and being down 34-6 with 15 minutes left, it’s fair to say even this scoreline flattered the Raiders, and Head Coach Ricky Stuart was not pleased with the team’s performance, with 15 errors and seven penalties conceded surely a major concern for Sticky. Jordan Rapana was a shining light for the Green Machine, running for 176 metres, busting 8 tackles, breaking the line twice and crossing for a try. Expect more of the same from the enigmatic fullback this week.
Match Preview
The Tigers and Raiders met back in round 2 at GIO Stadium, and it was the home team that ran out 32-12 winners, after closing 6.5-point favourites. This marked the 8th straight win for the Raiders over the Tigers, as they seem to easily have the measure of the Tigers of late. The total closed 44.5 and was pretty much spot on.
As for this week, the Raiders opened 4.5-point favourites before last weekend’s results, before re-opening as just 2.5-point road favourites. This seemed like an overreaction, and it has been confirmed by the market, which has shifted back to Raiders -4.5. With both teams unaffected by Origin, this should be a relatively simple handicap. Or so you would think, as I’m struggling to find an edge on the side in this one. Statistically, I make this matchup close to a pick em’, however my power ratings have value on the Raiders. I think I’ll steer clear.
As for the total, it opened 48.5 and has been bet down slightly to 47.5. I agree with the move and make a fair total 44.5. I see a small amount of value on the under here, but realistically this matchup could go either way. I think the Raiders will get the job done, and would lean towards them covering, but I’m happier to take the under here for small staking, with the Tigers playing 11 unders in 13 games this season.
Under 48.5 points
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Raiders ML – As above, I think the Raiders will bounce back this week and this props the odds up.
J Olam (1+ try) – Olam has 6 tries in 11 games for the Tigers this season and is as good a chance as anyone in this team of scoring a try.
X Savage (1+ try) – Savage will be attacking a weak Tigers’ right edge and has scored 8 tries in 13 games this season.
SGM Odds: $7.12 at Neds
