Round 5 of the NRL begins in Canberra this week, with the Raiders hosting the Sharks. Always an exciting NRL fixture between these two sides, each will be out to improve their standing on the competition ladder. Non-stop action is expected, and Before You Bet are here to help make sense of it all among the chaos that is rugby league. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
Location: GIO Stadium
Date: Thursday 3rd April
Time: 8:00pm (AEDT)
Odds: Raiders $2.35 vs Sharks $1.60
Line: Raiders +3.5
Points: 46.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Raiders travelled to Townsville last week to play the Cowboys and left empty handed following a 30-20 defeat. Starting strongly, hopes were high that they would perform well; they appeared in control and were outplaying their opponents. Unfortunately, an 8-nil lead transformed into a 16-8 HT deficit, with more pain to come in the second half. They were their own worst enemies too. With more possession (52%), they completed at 76% but only managed 8.6m per carry. They were poor defensively also allowing 9 line breaks and missing 31 tackles.
The Sharks were upset by the Bulldogs at home in surprising circumstances, outplayed in every area. To put it simply, their opponents disrupted their momentum and played with aggression. Despite an 80% completion rate they managed just 7.7m per carry and 3 line breaks. It was a sign that perhaps this team is still missing an attacking spark when behind in matches.
This is an intriguing contest and one that is far closer than the odds are suggesting. The Raiders have won 5 of the past 6 at home against the Sharks, meanwhile, the Sharks have won the past 3 matches against the Raiders. The inability of the Raiders to limit their opponents’ points (25ppgs vs Sharks 18ppg) may be their downfall; they have a slight edge in attack (23ppg vs 22ppg).
The short turnaround on the back of a trip to Townsville may be too much for the Raiders. Despite positives to start the year, they looked vulnerable at times last week and failed to execute when it mattered most. This should give the Sharks an edge and you can bet that they will be a team which is out for revenge following an upset loss to the Bulldogs at home. Given the defensive difference between the two sides, it should also mean that the visitors are able to cover the line.
Sharks -3.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
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Leg 1: Sharks -3.5 – the average winning margin in the past 5 matches between these two sides is 19.2 points. It is unlikely to reach those heights and rather than entertain the 13+ option, this appears far safer.
Leg 2: Stonestreet to score – 4 tries have been scored on his edge against the Raiders in the past 3 matches. Expect plenty of traffic to be directed down his side as the Sharks aim to get the ball to their fast-finishing winger.
Leg 3: Total Points Under 46.5 – the average total in their past 5 matches is 42.4 points. It is usually a grinding affair between these two sides whereby attacking flair takes a back seat.
SGM Odds: $6.75 at BoomBet
