The NRLW is delivering exciting matches each weekend and Round 3 of the competition will should be no different. Teams are still fighting to find consistent momentum to start the season, and this is making some outcomes challenging to call. Thankfully, Before You Bet is here to look at each game this weekend, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
2024 NRLW Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
Industree Group Stadium – Saturday 10th August – 11am (AEST)
The Roosters were a class above the Broncos last week, easily accounting for them 28-12. Despite a poor completion rate (61%), they powered their way over the advantage line with 10.1m per carry, which lead to 5 line breaks. The full extent of their power was on display. The Tigers were defeated 28-12 by the Titans on the road, failing to build on a strong start to the match which saw them trail 16-12 at HT. With just 45% possession and a 77% completion rate, they managed to average 10.2m per carry and were threatening at different points on the field. Unfortunately, they again conceded too many points and are last on the competition ladder.
There is a large difference between these two sides and the Roosters are unbackable favourites ($1.09 vs $7.50). With the Tigers conceding an average of 30 points in their first two games, they appear challenged to upset their fancied rivals. As the Roosters attack is still finding its place, rather than take on the line (17.5 points), the safer option is to take them to win by more than 2 converted tries, either with a larger stake or anchoring that to a multi bet over the weekend.
Roosters 13+
$1.50 (3 Units)
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
GIO Stadium – Saturday 10th August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Raiders were competitive at home against the Knights, eventually succumbing to their opponent’s class, defeated 26-20. Jumping to a 12-nil lead inside 7 minutes, it was narrowed to 12-10 at HT. Defensive lapses in the second half allowed the Knights to build pressure, highlighted by the Raiders 33 missed tackles. They should’ve been better controlling the ball also, completing at just 63%. Still, there are positives to take away, including averaging 9.2m per carry and creating 6 line breaks. The Sharks narrowly defeated the Eels 18-16 in a grinding affair, stealing the lead with just 5 minutes remaining. They were made to work hard for the result, with just a 48% share of possession and a 71% completion rate making things difficult. They will also want to improve upon their 45 missed tackles if they are to compete with the stronger teams in the competition.
The Sharks were dealt a blow in attack last week, with Taylor suffering a season-ending ACL injury. They will miss her contribution at fullback and will be relying heavily on the return of Tonegato from injury. Meanwhile, the Raiders are unchanged and will take confidence from their performance last week. They are understandably favourites, proving a challenge with a new-look attacking structure. The Sharks have a strong defensive unit but will be pressed to continually halt the Raiders scoring opportunities. It will be a close contest, so also look at other margin options which work in your favour.
Raiders -1.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Parramatta Eels
Totally Workwear Stadium – Sunday 11th August – 12pm (AEST)
It was a shootout in Townsville last week as the Cowboys captured their first win of the season against the Dragons 38-34. The 13-try thriller was set up with a 51% share of possession and 79% completion rate, two areas they will want to improve upon. They took their opportunities with 7 line breaks and will take confidence away from missing just 16 tackles; the tally doesn’t explain why so many points were scored. The Eels were narrowly defeated by the Sharks 18-16 in a tight contest, going behind with just 5 minutes remaining. Trying hard, they had a 52% share of possession and completed at 74%. They will want to be better with the ball and need more power through the middle as they averaged 8.4m per carry and had just 3 line breaks. Nevertheless, they are already outperforming anything they produced last season.
This game is going to be a tight match with each posted at $1.90 to win this contest. There are only minor personnel chances for the Cowboys, meanwhile the Eels are unchanged. The fact that the Cowboys conceded so many points last week in a winning effort is a concern; the Eels have a far superior defensive record (24ppg vs 14ppg) and will look to use this to their advantage. There is no reason why it cannot occur, and an upset appears likely in this match but it is an investment whereby your stake should be low (if you even have a bet at all). More will be known about each team at the conclusion of this game.
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans
Totally Workwear Stadium – Sunday 11th August – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Broncos suffered their second loss to start the year last week against the Roosters, comprehensively beaten 28-12. Starting positively, they were powerless to halt the impact of the bigger Roosters forwards, missing 37 tackles and allowing 10.1m per carry. The Titans were strong again, powering past the Tigers 28-12 to take 1st place after two weeks. It was established on the back of 11.3m per carry, 604 PCM’s and 7 line breaks; they are a dynamic team with the ball. Their defence was also strong, missing just 21 tackles.
The Broncos are listed as outsiders for this game ($2.45 vs $1.55) and rightly so given the form of both sides to start the season. The Titans are a team which has been performing well but the Broncos receive a huge boost with Broughton (5/8) and Waka (centre) returning to their starting team. The strength and experience they bring to this team will challenge the Titans. The win of the Titans against the Tigers shouldn’t be underestimated but it should also be put into perspective. The Broncos have too many quality players to be losing 3 consecutive matches and will be out to prove a point against a rival from Queensland. Again, a game to keep your investment low but also explore the option of an upset.
Broncos to Win
$2.45 (1 Unit)
Newcastle Knights vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 11th August – 6:10pm (AEST)
The Knights accounted for the Raiders 26-20, overcoming a challenging road trip and producing some impressive passages of play. Conceding the first two tries and trailing 12-10 at HT, the Knights were patient with the ball and took their chances when they came their way. A 68th minute try was reward for their discipline; average 10m per carry having 467 PCM’s and creating 7 line breaks highlights this. The Dragons were competitive against the Cowboys, but their 36 missed tackles hurt their chances, eventually defeated 38-34. Their attack was set up by averaging 9.5m per carry and having 5 line breaks but must improve on the other side of the ball if they are to find their first win of the season.
The Knights are overwhelming favourites for this game ($1.18 vs $4.80) and are deserving of this. Apart from performing strongly in the opening two fixtures, the Dragons have been hit hard by injuries. Combine this with a trip to Newcastle after playing in Townsville last week, and the Dragons look set to struggle. It is time for the Knights to also capitalise on a lesser defensive structure.
Knights -13.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Multi of the Week
Roosters 13+
Raiders -1.5
Knights -13.5
SGM Odds: $5.27 at Ladbrokes
