The first week of the NRL finals ends on Sunday afternoon, as the Sea Eagles head to Accor Stadium to take on the Bulldogs, with the winner set to take on the Roosters next weekend. It is the first finals appearance since 2016 for the Bulldogs, so expect a huge and raucous crowd to be cheering them on this weekend. As always, we have you covered with our full betting preview for the game!
NRL Finals 2024 Week 1 Betting Tips
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles
AAMI Park, Sunday 15th September, 4:05pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Bulldogs come into the finals after two straight losses, one of which was to this weekend’s opponent in a major concern for coach Cameron Ciraldo, with the recent form of his club being well below where they were at a month ago. Last week, the Bulldogs had the chance to host the Cowboys in a matchup that would decide who finished 5th, and they were utterly dominated by the road team, going down 44-6. Yes, they were without Matt Burton, but considering this team was being talked about as the dark horses for the Premiership three weeks ago, alarm bells must be ringing in Belmore.
The Sea Eagles came into Sunday afternoon last week with a chance at hosting the Bulldogs in this clash, with a win over the Sharks pushing them into 6th on the ladder. And whilst it was a tight matchup for the majority of the first half (Sharks led 10-8 after 37 minutes), the Sharks piled on three unanswered tries in 16 minutes to put the game beyond doubt nearing the hour mark, eventually winning 40-20. In a welcome sight for Sea Eagles fans, Tom Trbojevic will be back this week, in a much-needed boost after a poor loss last weekend.
Match Preview
The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles met just two weeks ago in round 26, and it was an easy win for the Sea Eagles at this very venue. After closing as 1.5-point road underdogs, the Sea Eagles shook off an early Bulldogs try to score three quick tries in return, leading 18-6 after 25 minutes. Three more tries in the 10 minutes either side of halftime had the Sea Eagles home, as they led 34-12 heading into the final 15 minutes. Tom Trbojevic was carted off injured, which allowed the Bulldogs to score two late tries, but it wasn’t enough. The total closed 45.5, and easily went over.
For this elimination final, the Bulldogs opened 1.5-point favourites, the same closing line as the game a fortnight ago. Manly money has come in, to where they now sit as tiny 0.5-point favourites, with the game essentially a pick em’. I’m pretty much spot on this number, however I don’t like what I’ve seen in the past fortnight from the Bulldogs. I get a sense they’ve peaked this season and could be resting on their laurels and beginning to believe some of the hype about their form this season. I like the big game players of the Sea Eagles and think they will win for the second time in three weeks over the Dogs.
As for the total, it opened 43.5, which seemed a bit odd considering the game two weeks ago closed 45.5 and went sailing over the total. It hasn’t moved at all, so I do like the over here and would be happy to bet it, however I like the Sea Eagles to get the W here and move through to a semi-final clash with the Roosters next weekend.
Sea Eagles to Win
$1.94 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Over 43.5 points – As above.
T Trbojevic (1+ try) – Trbojevic can’t help but score tries, and in this massive game I expect their number 1 to show up to play.
J Kiraz (1+ try) – Kiraz is back on the wing and attacking the weaker left side of the Sea Eagles defence. Kiraz is strong close to the line and should be a good chance at a try here.
SGM Odds: $6.22 at Ladbrokes
