2024 NRL Semi Finals Betting Predictions
The Sharks and Cowboys kick off the NRL semi finals on Friday night at Allianz Stadium. At the same venue on Saturday night, the Roosters will take on the Sea Eagles. Let's get into a preview for each game.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (4th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (5th)
The Sharks got hammered by the minor premiers Melbourne and need to bounce back fast if they want to avoid an eighth straight finals loss since 2018. Centre Jesse Ramien is rushing to get fit after missing the game at AAMI Park due to an ankle injury. They’ve got to get back to their tough tackling game that made them the second-best defense in the regular season, right behind Penrith. On the bright side, they’ve won 11 of their last 13 games against the Cowboys, and Ronaldo Mulitalo has bagged 10 tries in 11 games against them. But, they’re coming off seven straight finals losses, so it’s crunch time.
The Townsville boys left it till the last minute to take down a tough Knights team, but they're on a roll with four straight wins. They’re heading into their first final at Allianz Stadium since 2017, when they knocked out the Roosters 29-16 to reach the big game. With Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, and Val Holmes all in great form, the Cowboys are looking pretty dangerous. They’ve also had the upper hand in recent finals against the Sharks, winning three of the last four. Oh, and Kyle Feldt has been on fire, scoring 12 tries in his last seven games.
The Sharks have now gone Over in their last 4 games and the Cowboys don't have the best record defensively either. So I like the chances of a high scoring clash.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 0-1 at this venue since 2018. North Queensland are 1-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Sharks hold a 8-2 record.
Best Bet
Sydney Roosters (3rd) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (7th)
The Roosters have only managed to win 2 of their last 8 finals games. They had a rough first half against the Panthers last week and ended up losing 30-10. But they’ve got a good track record at this venue, with 6 wins in their last 10 games. The return of tough guy Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from suspension is a huge boost for them. They got one over the Panthers with a thrilling 34-30 win at Allianz in Round 21. Victor Radley could make a comeback from a fractured scapula he picked up in Round 26, and Nat Butcher will shift back to the bench. Plus, Roosters captain James Tedesco will hit his 250th NRL game.
In Sea Eagles last finals clash during the COVID-affected 2021 season, the Sea Eagles crushed it with a 42-6 win in Mackay, in front of 5,800 fans. Earlier this season, Manly also got the better of their opponents with a 21-14 win at home. They’re sticking with the same 17 players who powered through to beat the Bulldogs. Winger Jason Saab is still out with an ankle injury, and fullback Tom Trbojevic will be sharper after his return from a shoulder injury on Sunday. The Sea Eagles have given up 118 points in their last four games, but winger Tommy Talau has been on fire, scoring 12 tries in his past 13 games.
I think Manly can give the Roosters a run for their money. Manly is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games and the form of DCE at halfback should be the key.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Manly have a 0-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Roosters hold a 6-4 record against the Sea Eagles.
Best Bet
