Parramatta v Canterbury
8pm Thursday 29 June
ANZ Stadium
Parramatta take on an injury ravaged Canterbury side at ANZ Stadium to kick off round 17. The Eels are coming off a bye and prior to that, put in a strong performance against the Dragons in round 15. They were devastating that day with halves pair Moses and Norman showing glimpses of what they are going to be able to produce at their best. Goalkicking fullback Clint Gutherson has continued to go from strength to strength this season having being thrusting into the fullback position for that game forcing the dynamic Bevan French to the wing. They have plenty of speed to burn with Radradra and French on the flanks and will pose plenty of questions to opposition defences for weeks to come.
The Bulldogs on the other hand had a week to forget following a failed trip across the ditch to take on the Warriors. The Belmore boys lacked energy and failed to convert their opportunities. The loss leaves them languishing 13th on the ladder with plenty of work to do in the back end of the season. To make matters worse, they lose captain James Graham due to a shoulder injury for a number of weeks while Moses Mbye may be a late out pending the birth of his second child.
The Eels have injury-forced changes of their own with Cameron King coming in for Kaysa Prtichard while hardman Beau Scott is out for the season with a torn bicep.
Tip: While they regain the services of Brett Morris tonight, it’s difficult to see where the Dogs’ points will come from to defeat an in-form Eels side. Look for a low scoring affair but the Eels to be too strong.
Best Bet: Eels -6.5 $1.90
Odds: Parramatta 1.45 Canterbury 2.80
Gold Coast v St George-Illawarra
6pm Friday 30 June
CBUS Stadium
Gold Coast are playing for their season when they host the St George-Illawarra in the early game on Friday night. They sit 14th on the ladder with just 12 competition points despite claiming the prized scalps of Storm and Sharks throughout the year. Those numbers suggest that they struggle to ‘get up’ for the ‘nothing’ games but it’s a big one tonight and a must-win for Neil Henry’s men. Tyrone Roberts is set to be a much welcomed started to the side; set to partner Ash Taylor in the halves while Jarryd Hayne will don his preferred number 1 jersey.
The Dragons have hit a stutter in the middle part of their season winning just 1 of their last 3 and slumping to 6th on the ladder after leading the competition earlier in the season. Gareth Widdop is slowly beginning to regain his strong form prior to the leg injury he sustained in Round 8 but the big question is whether the big men will be able to dominant without Paul Vaughan who has been instrumental in laying the foundation for their halves earlier in the season.
Head to Head Record
The two sides have split their last 12 matches with 6 wins a piece.
Stadium Record
Dragons have won 2 of their last 6 at CBUS Stadium while the Titans have won just 2 of 7 at home this season.
Tip: The market has the game a tight one and it should be just that.
Best Bet: Total Under 40.5 1.88
Odds: Gold Coast 1.95 Dragons 1.85
Brisbane v Melbourne
8pm Friday 30 June
Suncorp Stadium
The game of the weekend with a couple of the heavyweights going toe to toe at Suncorp. Broncos will be looking to cement their spot in the top 4 while the Storm can potentially extend their lead on top of the ladder.
The Broncos had a strong win against the Raiders in Canberra last week with the halves combination of Hunt and Marshall a feature in their win. Hunt returned from his short stint in reserve grade with a scintillating performance potentially thrusting him into Queenland calculations. A win here would certainly make it interest for Maroons selectors. His game last week has forced Wayne Bennett to pick him in the start squad which relegates halfback-in-waiting Kodi Nikorima back to the bench. Veteran Marshall has wound back the clock in recent weeks providing plenty of classy touches and showing his experience. He’s given the Broncos plenty of value after they picked him up on a basement deal at the start of the season.
Melbourne had a minor hiccup last week, falling to the Roosters despite being 12 points ahead with less than 10 minutes to play. Unheard of from a Melbourne side. They were without their big three of Cronk, Smith and Slater last week and you would think that that capitulation wouldn’t have occurred had they been on the field. The star trio will return for the Storm this week in what would have to be the biggest personnel boost in rugby league. Despite the lack of star power last week, for 70mins, the Storm put in an impressive performance and had the Roosters rattled. It goes to show the incredible depth and strong processes in place at the club.
Head to Head Record
Storm have an imposing record over the Broncos winning 11 of the last 13 matches.
Stadium Record
Despite being an away game for the Storm, they boast an amazing record at Suncorp winning the last 6 between the two sides and have won 8 of the last 9 at the stadium against all comers. Broncos have won the last 7 at their home track and 11 of the last 13; those two losses coming at the hands of the Cowboys and Storm.
Tip: Despite their strong showing last week, the Broncos halves combination of Hunt and Marshall is still in its infancy while they are still without skipper Darius Boyd who is a big loss. The return of Smith, Cronk and Slater is an immeasurable boost to the Storm and they should be too strong here.
Best Bet: Storm -4 $1.90
Odds: Brisbane 2.35 Melbourne 1.60
Sydney v Cronulla
3pm Saturday 1 July
Central Coast Stadium
The Sharks looked a tired, tired side when were badly beaten at home by the Sea Eagles last week. It looked like Origin well and truly took it’s toll on the side with 5 players backing up from the gruelling match just 5 days earlier.
Truth be told they haven’t played great footy all season, continuing grinding out the two points in ugly matches however they found their match in Manly last week and well and truly had their pants pulled down. On paper they have a strong playing roster with only Ben Barba and Michael Ennis missing from their starting line up that played in the grand final. The genuine worth of their contributions last year are only now becoming apparent. They clearly stil l have the talent to win matches but this week will be a true test to whether they have the desire to be real contenders this season.
It’s fair to say the Roosters were complacent when they took their away game against the Storm to Adelaide. Hearing that three of the best players of the modern era were late withdrawals from the opposition will do that to you. Despite their lacklustre display for 70mins, they kicked into gear in the last 10 and showed plenty of class in getting the victory – Mitch Pearce with the match winning field goal. It will be a big test for them to see how they back up from the physical encounter and trip home from Adelaide.
Head to Head Record
Cronulla has won the last 5 between the two sides.
Stadium Record
Roosters have won just 1 of 8 at Central Coast Stadium. Cronulla have played at the venue on just 3 occasions. Their one and only win coming in 2001.
Tip: Roosters have a tough back up from Adelaide while the Sharks will be smarting after their loss at home. Expect them to bounce back this week.
Best Bet: Sharks +2.5 1.90
Odds: Sydney 1.73 Cronulla 2.12
Manly v New Zealand
5:30pm Saturday 1 July
NIB Stadium
The Sea Eagles are coming off an impressive victory against the reining premiers Cronulla Sharks last weekend. They out-enthused and out-played the Sharks on that occasion and stretched their winning streak to 4 matches. They could hardly have been more impressive and now have the opportunity to further entrench themselves in the top 4 with a win this weekend. Daly Cherry-Evans has a golden opportunity to earn himself another Maroons cap with the injury to Johnathan Thurston. He’s in near career-best form highlighted by a competition high 13 try-assists throughout the season. They’ve taken their home game to nib Stadium in Perth resulting in a 7 hour flight for the Warriors.
The Warriors themselves had a solid win in round 16. Shaun Johnson’s kicking game was outstanding in the match against the Bulldogs which set the win up for the New Zealanders. Consistency has always been the big concern in Johnson’s game and he will need to replicate more of the same this week, particularly considering the wet weather in Perth, if they’re to overcome the in-form Sea Eagles. The visitors will be bolstered by the return of Kieran Foran who will be pumped to face his old side.
Head to Head Record
Sea Eagles have a formidable record against the Warriors winning 11 of the last 12.
Stadium Record
Manly have won 3 of 5 games played in Perth while the Warriors are 0-8. The sides have played against each other twice in Perth previously with Manly victors by 1 and 2 points.
Tip: In-form Manly with a strong head to head and Perth record to be too strong for the Warriors.
Best Bet: Manly -6.5 1.90
Odds: Manly 1.45 New Zealand 2.80
Canberra v North Queensland
7:30pm Saturday 1 July
GIO Stadium
Canberra slumped to their 3rd straight defeat last week, this time at the hands of a resurgent Broncos side. For a side who fell one game short of the big dance last season, their season has been a great disappointment. Two starts ago, they had the game in the bag leading by 8 with a few minutes to play before inexplicably let the Panthers run them down. Last week the game was again in the balance but they just couldn’t find the right play to get them home. They sit equal 11th on the ladder, 4 points out of the top 8 with a bye up their sleeve. If they’re to make something of the season, they need to win this game.
The Cowboys put the devastating news of losing Thurston for the season behind them with a come-from-behind victory against the Panthers last week. They’ve won 3 of their last 4 and have put their best foot forward despite losing one of the greats of all time. Mid-season recruit Te Marie Martin will make a timely debut for the side and partner Michael Morgan in the halves.
Head to Head Record
Cowboys have won 4 of the last 7 matches between the two sides.
Stadium Record
Raiders have won 3 of the last 4 at GIO against the Cowboys. They have won 4 of 7 home games this season.
Tip: Desperate Canberra to get back into the winners circle.
Best Bet: Canberra -4.5 $1.95
Odds: Canberra 1.56 North Queensland 2.45
Newcastle v Wests Tigers
2:00pm Sunday 2 July
Macdonald Jones Stadium
It’s the battle of the cellar dwellers. 15th v 16th. Both teams sit on just 8 competition points with the Wests Tigers holding a bye up their sleeve.
In a season few in highlights, the Knights played out of their skins in the 1st half against the Dragons last week. They opened up a 28-10 lead at the break only to run out of puff in the 2nd half as the Dragon’s class and experience came to the fore. They welcome experienced backrower Jamie Buhrer back to the fold this week with whispers Trent Hodkinson will also be recalled to the side after being dropped earlier in the season.
The Tigers had few answers for a Titans onslaught at Campbelltown last week. They were outclassed across the park. They’ve recruited well for season 2018 though it’s not helping them much on the park at the moment. The end of the season can’t quite come quickly enough for the Balmain boys. To add to their woes, the late mail is James Tedesco will be a late withdrawal from the side.
Head to Head Record
Knights have won 5 of the last 7 between the two sides.
Stadium Record
Wests Tigers have won just 1 of the last 5 games in Newcastle. The Knights have had a horrid run of form over the last couple of years but their only two wins this season have been at home.
Tip: Burher & Hodkinson in. Home game. Tedesco out. All signs point to one result.
Best Bet: Knights -3.5 1.90
Odds: Newcastle 1.65 Wests Tigers 2.15
South Sydney v Panthers
4pm Sunday 2 July
ANZ Stadium
ANZ Stadium plays host to two sides on the cusp of the top 8. Both sides will be desperate for a win with the Panthers also looking to avenge their round 6 1-point loss.
The Rabbitohs are coming off the bye but prior to that, bagged a hard fought victory over the Titans. Sam Burgess returns from injury in a huge boost for the cardinal and myrtle. The Panthers fell at the death to the Cowboys snapping a 4 game winning streak. They will be smarting from that loss and have the opportunity to put themselves back into the top 8 with a win here.
Head to Head Record
Souths have won 6 of the last 8 v Panthers.
Stadium Record
Souths have won all 6 clashes between the two sides at ANZ Stadium. Overall, Souths have won just 2 of their last 7 at the venue while Panthers have won 1 of their last 6.
Tip: Burgess is a massive in for the Bunnies and boasts a strong head to head record against the Panthers.
Best Bet: South Sydney +3.5 1.90
Odds: Sydney Sydney 2.27 Penrith 1.64
