While the AFL Grand Final takes place down in Victoria, NRL fans are licking their lips at the prospect of two massive preliminary finals. Make sure to check out Before You Bet’s 2014 NRL Finals Week 3 preview and betting tips below!
2014 NRL Finals Week 3 Preview
Friday night football, this week is as much about a rivalry as it is about making it to the Grand Final as South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Sydney Roosters in the first preliminary final of the weekend.
A few months ago Souths’ Back Sam Burgess proclaimed that the Rabbitohs could win it this year. At the time many people scoffed, but it seems that he and his fellow team mates are having the final laugh, heading in to this one as firm favourites.
The Rabbitohs are fresh off the break looking tougher than ever. Ben Te’o returns from suspension, his inclusion is along with Before You Bet favourite young Alex Johnston, Greg Inglis and a seemingly unstoppable Lote Tuqiri.
We can't rule out the historical factor that in three years the Rabbitohs will have made three Preliminary finals appearances, yet never making it to the big dance. However, history is written by the winners and it’s about time for a rewrite.
Do milestone games matter? It’s a question that plagues many a tipster as NRL legend and future immortal Anthony Minichello is retiring at the end of this season. Will the Roosters rise to send their captain off with a bang, and perhaps another premiership cap? Unfortunately I don't think so.
While I think most would agree the rooster have the stronger team on paper, recent performances have shown otherwise. The Roosters went down to the Panthers in the first week of the Finals, then only just got up over the Cowboys last week. As for lineup changes, the only change for the Rooster is Dylan Napa who is replacing Remi Casty.
Think everything points to the Rabbitohs in a close one.
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Saturday night’s preliminary final is two Teams nobody ever expected to make it this far after suffering repeated injuries and suspensions - Penrith Panthers Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
For Penrith a victory this week would continue a fairy tale season. With so many outs all year, how they've managed to make it this far is surreal. Adam Docker is their only inclusion.
Coming off the break, and recent performance, the Panthers won’t make many mistakes. Jamie Soward and Matt Moylan will have to control this one early and simply play disciplined football if they want to win.
The Bulldogs are also planning on fielding the same team from last week.
Trent Hodkinson Fired off a couple of field goals last week, with the second one coming late enough to secure the Bulldogs the victory. He will likely have to do the same this week.
Adian Tolman (222m) crushed last week, as did Tony Williams (175m) and Sam Perrett (174m).
This one is tight. Could see it possibly being the tightest game I’ve previewed this season.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
