Round 7 action of the NRL begins in Sydney this weekend, with the Sea Eagles hosting the Dragons. Inconsistent form has been consistently displayed by both teams to date and each will be out to prove a point in this contest. With 2 competition points on offer, as well as the right to improve their standing on the ladder, an exciting match is ahead. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Location: 4 Pines Park
Date: Thursday, 17th April
Time: 7:50pm AEST
Odds: Sea Eagles $1.62 vs Dragons $2.30
Line: Sea Eagles -3.5
Points: 48.5
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 Sea Eagles remain in the Top 8 heading into this week, despite traveling across to Perth and being defeated by the Sharks 24-18. In a tight contest where they tried hard, they were no match for their opponent’s strength in the middle; they missed the spark with Turbo would offer them. They gave themselves every possible opportunity with a 51% completion rate but were let down by creating just 3 line breaks and missing 31 tackles.
The Dragons returned to winning form with an impressive 38-16 win over the Titans. Executing as the superior team for the duration of the contest, the Dragons displayed their attacking brilliance scoring 7 tries; the game was all but over as they lead 24-4 at HT. Surprisingly, they completed at just 72% with 53% possession but dominated every other area of the match; they made 9 line breaks, while also running for 400 more metres and 100 more pcm’s.
This game is far closer than the odds are suggestions. The home side must still overcome the loss of their superstar fullback but have the added advantage of playing at home; the Dragons have just a 40%-win record here (Sea Eagles 62%). You could find flaws in the performances of both teams to start the season. This is the type of game that you would expect the Dragons to lose but they can just as easily come out and cause an upset. Their performance last week suggests that they can do so. While good against the Sharks, the Sea Eagles still have improvement left in them. There are parts of their game which still mean they are vulnerable; the Dragons will sense this and aim to capitalise.
Given the uncertainty around each team, it is better to invest on this game being a close contest. The average margin of victory in their past 5 matches is 11.6 points but with the attacking (27ppg vs 23ppg) and defensive (24ppg vs 20ppg) also being close, the margin of victory should be close.
Either Team by 10.5 Points
$1.95 (2 Units)
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Leg 1: Dragons to score the first try – they have managed this feat in the past 3 matches. They start well and can cause defensive pressure from the opening minutes.
Leg 2: Total points under 47.5 – the average total points in their past 5 matches is 38.8 points. Both can struggle in attack at times and will be relying heavily on their defence to set up victory.
Leg 3: Saab to score at try – he returns for the Sea Eagles this week and will be a threat in the air or on the ground. He has scored 4 tries already this season and looms as another threat this week on the right edge.
SGM Odds: $8.00 at BoomBet
