Round 1 action of the NRLW was exhilarating, with the 5 games delivering action worthy of an expanding competition and increasing fan base. With a mixture of upsets and pleasing performances, each side will want to improve into this round and give their team every chance of reaching the Finals. Interestingly, 4 out of the 5 matches saw a 13+ margin, suggesting there could be further exciting action to come.
A new week also provides an opportunity to take a closer look at each fixture and BeforeYouBet is here to hopefully find you a winner or two across the weekend. As always, we will not only have you covered here, but have comprehensive previews of sporting action from Australia and around the world.
NRLW Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans
The Gabba, Thursday 27th July, 5:40pm (AEST)
The Broncos got their season off to a poor start with a 36-18 loss to the Roosters. Competitive in the first half, the Broncos were kept scoreless in the second half as they were outclassed by the Roosters. Missing 45 tackles and creating just 2 line breaks is an insight to how they performed. The Titans turned out a much better effort, defeating the Cowboys 16-6 in a grinding contest. Expected to win, the Titans overcame a 6-4 HT deficit with strong ball carrying. They are well placed to cause an upset here, although the odds ($1.42 vs $2.80) suggest it will be more difficult than that. The performance of the Broncos was good at different points and given their opponents last week are title favourites and the Titans had a grinding affair against a new team in the competition, the Broncos are well-placed to perform strongly in this game. The option is to play it ‘safer’ than normal; there is a slight chance that the Broncos are not as good as most think (like last season) and therefore, this tri-bet option account for an improved Titans performance.
Broncos to win by 5 or more
$1.72 (1.5 Units)
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters
GIO Stadium, Saturday 29th July, 12:50pm (AEST)
The Raiders return home after suffering a 28-14 loss to the Sharks last week. Struggling to get themselves into the contest and generate momentum, the Raiders were defeated by a superior team. The challenge increases further this week, facing a Roosters team which is packed with talent and coming off a strong 36-18 win over the Broncos. After an even first half, the Roosters clicked into another gear to score 3 unanswered tries and close out the match. Providing the Roosters can play at that level, this game is theirs to lose. The Raiders will be strong for parts of the contest but playing for the entire duration is where the Roosters will excel. It was a major difference last week and should set them up to account for the line this week.
Same Game Multi:
Baxter & Sergis to Score – $4.70 (0.5 Units)
Roosters -15.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels
WIN Stadium, Saturday 29th July, 3:10pm (AEST)
The Dragons tried hard against the Knights last week but ultimately, their lack of class meant that they struggled to compete on the same level as their opponents, eventually defeated 32-16. They face another winless in the Eels, who were poor in their 36-8 defeat by the Tigers. Expected to be one of the tighter contests of the weekend, they conceded 6 tries in the final 20 minutes of the match, showing their lack of experience. These teams appear to be evenly matched in this contest, although, the odds tell a different story, with the Dragons favourites ($1.48 vs $2.60). That is over-correcting for the Eels lose more than anything and in fact, the visitors are in with a chance of winning this contest. Such is the uncertainty around either team, this is a game which should be avoided. There is a real chance that the Eels could cause an upset and it is recommended to take them if you are in a tipping competition. If you must have an investment on this game, then take either team to win in a close contest, going against the trend of results in Round 1 of the competition.
Either Team by 8 points or less
$1.95 (0.5 Units)
Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys
Belmore Sports Ground, Sunday 30th July, 12pm (AEST)
The Knights came out against the Dragons last week and delivered a strong performance in their 32-16 win. Dominating just about every area, the Knights made it difficult for their opponents to find momentum in the contest. The Cowboys travelled to face the Titans and were defeated 16-6 in a grinding match. They couldn’t build on a 6-4 HT lead and must demonstrate greater poise moving. Unfortunately, they face another tough task of trying to win here. The Knights are a highly skilled and well drilled NRLW outfit. They are capable of combating everything which is thrown at them by their opponent’s attack. Once this is established, look for the Knights to control possession and score points, running away with the result with their power in the forwards and speed in the outside backs.
Knights -13.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks
Belmore Sports Ground, Sunday 30th July, 1:50pm (AEST)
The Tigers sent a message to the rest of the competition last week that they are to be taken seriously in their dazzling 36-8 victory over the Eels. In a tight contest, the Tigers score 6 tries in the final 20 minutes to close out the game in exciting fashion. The Sharks were consistently strong against the Raiders in their match, providing minimal opportunities for their opponents to get themselves into the contest. They were a class above. With both teams coming off exciting wins, you can expect this contest to be of high quality. The Sharks are favourites ($2.70 vs $1.45), with many believing that their squad of players is more talented across the park. While this is true on paper, the Tigers have combinations within their team which have been established well before this season. They are aware of what works for them and will be competitive in this game. Though in the end, the Sharks should pull away and win by more than a converted try.
Sharks -5.5
$1.80 (2 Units)
NRLW Round 2 Multi
Roosters -15.5
Knights -13.5
Sharks -5.5
Multi Odds: $6.32 at TAB (1 Unit)