Super Saturday in Round 8 presents three intriguing matchups. The suddenly in-form Sharks tackle the Titans on the Gold Coast. Then, two of the most disappointing teams in the NRL meet on Central Coast in the Warriors and Broncos. But the highlight of Super Saturday will be the Tigers taking on the Panthers at Bankwest Stadium from 7:30pm.
NRL Round 8 Saturday Betting Tips
Titans vs Sharks
(Sat, Jul 4 3:00pm)
The Titans will aim for back to back victories when they finally head back to Cbus Super Stadium on Super Saturday. They love playing the Broncos at Suncorp and it showed last week as they jumped out to a 22-0 after 40 minutes. Anthony Don enjoyed a double and the Titans forward pack had a field day, outgaining the Broncos by over 500 run metres. Consistency is the Titans biggest downfall so it'll be interesting to see how they respond on Saturday. In team selections, they'll miss Dale Copley and that'll see Peachey back in the centres. Which is likely where the Sharks will look to attack. Bryce Cartwright is also back on the bench at this stage.
Meanwhile, the Sharks absolutely smashed the injury-riddled Sea Eagles last week in the 40-22 result. Sione Katoa continued his red-hot try-scoring form with a double and continues to add plenty of highlights on the wing. Chad Townsend had one of his best games with 3 try assists and Braden Hamlin-Uele enjoyed a try in another good performance. However, he can count himself as unlucky with Andrew Fifita pushing him to the bench on Saturday. That's the only chance for the Sharks as they look for a 3rd straight win.
Both sides are sitting just outside the top 8 so this is a huge 2 points on offer for the winning side. With the Sharks scoring 40 points last week and the Titans also enjoying plenty of points, we do like the Over here. In day conditions on the Gold Coast, this clash should be played at a fast pace and both sides should be able to throw the ball around.
Over 42.5 Total Points
$1.88
Warriors vs Broncos
(Sat, Jul 4 5:30pm)
Well, a coaching change didn't change much at the Warriors last week as they were absolutely crushed by the Storm 50-6. In the last 2 weeks, they've lost by a combined total of 90-18 so the Warriors just have to be better defensively on Saturday. Which shouldn't be too hard against the equally as bad Broncos side. There's big news at selection for the New Zealanders as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been suspended for a week due to a shoulder charge. In other changes, Wayde Egan is back from suspension and David Fusitu'a has been named on the wing. That pushes Gerard Beale out of the side and they've also lost Poasa Faamausili to the Roosters (on loan).
After 5 straight losses, the heat is well and truly on Broncos coach Anthony Seibold. They were awful against the Titans last week in what was a winnable game (it seemed). A 70% completion rate and 14 errors just isn't good enough, especially when they were playing a similar bottom 8 team. Corey Oates has copped the axe but there's plenty of other Broncos that could be facing the same if these poor performances continue. They will continue with Tesi Niu at fullback and Isaako will move back to the wing. Once again, Joe Ofahengaue finds himself on the sidelines with suspension and Pat Carrigan will take his place. Matt Lodge has been named but will probably struggle with a knee issue.
This is easily the most unpredictable game of Round 8 slate and we'll be steering clear of this matchup as a result. The last meeting ended in a draw at Suncorp Stadium so the Warriors could offer value at the line if you believe they can continue the Broncos' woes.
TIP: No Bet
Wests Tigers vs Panthers
(Sat, Jul 4 7:35pm)
It looks like the Michael McGuire axe has worked wonders as the Tigers have looked like a different side over the last 2 weeks. They embarrassed the Cowboys 36-20 a few weeks ago and despite a poor record against the Bulldogs, they simply outclassed them in a 34-6 result. Harry Grant just continues to play at a high level and the likes of Nofoaluma/Talau combined for 4 tries in last week's huge win. So they'll look to continue the momentum against the Panthers on Saturday night as they aim for a 3rd straight win. They are unchanged in team selections thus far.
The Panthers secured a massive win over South Sydney last Thursday in the 20-12 victory. The victory has them sitting nicely in 2nd position on the ladder and this should be another good challenge against the Tigers. Obviously, the return of Nathan Cleary has been a huge boost. But they are just playing well-disciplined Rugby League at the moment. In team news, they will welcome back Josh Mansour from a knee injury and Brent Naden will make way.
The feature of Super Saturday should be this clash between two in-form and top 8 sides. With the Panthers last 3 games finishing under a 10 point margin, we do like the chances of another close finish on Saturday night.
Either Team by Under 10.5
$1.80
