NRL Round 2 Preview
Sydney Roosters vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Sydney Football Stadium
Thursday March 9 8.00pm LOCAL
The Roosters will be kicking themselves after they nearly let a 28-0 halftime lead slip at the hands of a resilient Gold Coast Titans outfit. They looked like the premiership force they are expected to be in the first 40, however allowed bad habits to creep in the second half which allowed the Titans back into the game.
Luke Keary looked like a completely different player to the one who played for the Rabbitohs last season, having a hand in two tries whilst also scoring two himself. 19-year-old superstar Latrell Mitchell crossed for his first career hat-trick, and looked right at home in left centre. They have named an unchanged 1-17 heading into the clash against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs showed brilliant tenacity in their 12-6 loss to the Storm last week, after conceding two tries in the opening 10 minutes of the game. Terrible conditions at Belmore were always going to impact the scoring potential of the contest, however, their attack looked unstructured as they only crossed for one try.
The Bulldogs have a perfect record in Round 2 matches under Des Hasler, however are up against a new look Roosters side who have won 6 of the past 9 matches.
Tip: Expect the Roosters to take control early and hold their lead but never doubt a desperate Bulldogs team looking to bounce back after a tough loss. Roosters by 8.
Best bet: Total points under 37.5 - $.190 (The Roosters conceded three tries however two against the run of play as a result of errors, whilst the Bulldogs kept the Storm scoreless for 70 minutes of the contest)
Odds: Roosters $1.45 Bulldogs $2.80
New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm
Mt Smart Stadium
Friday March 10 6.00pm LOCAL
Both sides endured tough wins in the opening round of the new season and they can expect much of the same when they face each other on Friday night.
It’s hard to judge the Warriors in their opening hit out against the Newcastle Knights, but despite the win may have some worrying signs defensively when they face last year’s runners up. Issac Luke has been named although he suffered a rib injury last week, and Simon Mannering will be monitored over the next 24 hours after being cleared of a broken jaw but picking up a neck injury.
The Melbourne Storm endured terrible conditions last Friday at Belmore Oval but their brilliant goal-line defence got them home in a physical encounter. Cameron Munster holds his spot at fullback whilst Riley Jacks has again been named at five-eight after his debut last week.
They will take confidence in knowing they have won 3 of their past 5 games at Mt Smart, however will attempt to do so without Jesse Bromwich who is out for 2-3 weeks with a broken thumb.
Tip: The Warriors will need to improve defensively if they are to win this contest, but will be hard to beat at home. Warriors by 2.
Best Bet: David Fusitu’a anytime try scorer - $2.60 (Fusitu’a lines up opposite an inexperienced combination of Josh Addo-Carr and Cheyse Blair who missed seven tackles between them last week)
Odds: Warriors $2.15 Melbourne Storm $1.67
Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Suncorp Stadium
Friday March 10 8.00pm LOCAL
The 2015 Grand Final replay has delivered some of the most exciting games in recent history over the last twelve months, and it’s safe to say Friday nights contest will be much of the same as both teams come off victories.
The Broncos outclassed the defending premiers last Thursday in the opening clash of the season, and will be out to seek revenge following their golden point loss to the Cowboys in last years Semi-Final. They hold the advantage in the previous encounters played at Suncorp, having not lost against the Cowboys at home since 2012.
The Cowboys will be full one confidence following their thrilling Golden Point victory over the Canberra Raiders last week, and will welcome back winger Antonio Winterstein who is expected to return following his ankle injury.
Expect a big performance from reigning Dally M Medalist Jason Taumalalo, who is coming off a brilliant individual performance with 295 running metres, 27 tackles and 8 tackle breaks.
Tip: With three of the past five contests going to extra time you can expect another physical and intense game of footy. They both play an open brand of footy so expect plenty of points on a dry Suncorp turf. Cowboys by 4.
Best bet: Cowboys 1-12 - $3.10 (The Cowboys haven’t won in their last five games against the Broncos at Suncorp, but have won three of the past five in total.)
Odds: Broncos $1.82 Cowboys $2.00
Newcastle Knights vs. Gold Coast Titans
McDonald Jones Stadium
Saturday March 11 3.00pm LOCAL
No-one expected the Knights to compete as hard as they did against the Warriors, and against all odds nearly pulled off a remarkable victory.
After trailing 20-8 at halftime, the Knights showed incredible tenacity to fight back to a 22-20 lead, only for the experience of the Warriors to take control in the dying stages of the contest. Debutant Dylan Pythian suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the match, with former Rooster Brendan Elliott named to take over the fullback duties.
The Titans were well under-done in their opening clash against the Roosters, trailing 28-0 at halftime before showing some resilience in the second 40 to go down 32-18. Jarryd Hayne has already copped criticism for poor attitude, so it will be interesting to see how the superstar fullback responds following the significant media attention.
They line-up 1-17 despite Kevin Proctor struggling with a shoulder injury, and will look to put in a strong showing despite winning just four of their past 9 matches when facing the Knights at home.
Tip: The Titans weren’t prepared well enough last week but will take a lot from the experience. If last week is any indication as to how this match will go, don’t be surprised if the Knights come away with a resounding victory. Knights by 6.
Best bet: Total points over 45.5 - $1.95 (The Knights conceded 800 points in 2016 and the Titans were the worst defensive team in the top 8 at seasons end. They both conceded 58 between each other last week.)
Odds: Knights $2.50 Titans $1.55
Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Lottoland
Saturday March 10 5.30pm LOCAL
With both teams coming off tough losses and losing key players in their starting 13, this game could potentially be match of the round considering the circumstances.
The Sea Eagles didn’t do themselves many favours on Sunday afternoon after a host of errors allowed the Eels to continue their momentum throughout the 80 minutes. They will be without star forward Martin Taupau and rising star Addin Fonua-Blake after they were both suspended for shoulder charges.
The Rabbitohs are no stranger to the headlines this week after their failure to pull the pin on Greg Inglis after injuring his knee in the opening 10 minutes against the Tigers. It’s yet to be known whether keeping him on made the injury worse, but it doesn’t change the fact the Rabbitohs captain will be out for most of the season. His absence will see Alex Johnston shift to his preferred position of fullback, with Braidon Burns expected to make his debut on the wing.
In positive news for Souths fans, halfback Adam Reynolds has been named on the extended bench but it unlikely to play as he still recovers from surgery for appendicitis.
Tip: Both teams are missing integral members of their team so it could really go either way. If your last 10 dollars has to go either of these teams, i’d back the home side considering their spine is still stable. Manly by 6.
Best bet: Manly 1-12 - $2.90 (The Sea Eagles have won three of their past four games against South Sydney, and of those four fixtures, three have been decided by 12 points or less.)
Odds: Manly $1.62 Rabbitohs $2.30
Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks
GIO Stadium
Saturday March 10 7.30pm LOCAL
The Canberra Raiders surprised everyone with their performance last week, despite being titled as premiership heavyweights. The Cronulla Sharks, on the other hand, will be disappointed in their performance after falling to the Broncos.
With the Raiders losing to an absolute freak of a ricochet off the goal posts, they will be looking to avenge their defeat against the defending premiers. Jack Wighton will return from injury and take over Zac Santo at fullback, whilst Junior Paulo returns from suspension and jumps straight into the starting line-up.
The addition of Paulo to their already star-studded line-up will be a huge boost for the Raiders, with Queenslander Josh Papalli leading the way last week with another barnstorming performance.
There’s obviously no need to hit the panic button yet for the Cronulla Sharks but early signs suggest that Michael Ennis will be dearly missed this season. That’s no disrespect to youngster Jayden Brailey, however, with the 20-year-old putting in a solid performance. Pressure will mount on NSW five-eight James Maloney to spark his side this week, who also may be boosted by the addition of superstar Valentine Holmes following a hamstring injury.
Tip: There’s no denying the Sharks have the talent to compete against the heavyweights of the competition, but one gets the feeling the Raiders will be looking to bounce back from their loss last week… in a big way. Raiders by 16.
Best bet: Jordan Rapana anytime tryscorer - $1.72 (Rapana has scored 4 tries in his last three appearances against the Sharks)
Odds: Raiders $1.52 Sharks $2.55
Wests Tigers vs. Penrith Panthers
Campbelltown Stadium
Sunday March 11 4.00pm LOCAL
There is an exciting week of Rugby League action ahead but this game lines up as a potential blockbuster. The Wests Tigers were at their sparkling best against South Sydney, and you can expect a much better Panthers outfit following their terrible performance against the Dragons.
Jason Taylor has named the same 17 that trounced a lacklustre South Sydney, with teenage prodigy Moses Suli holding his place on the wing whilst Jamal Idris will again come off the bench. Expect another massive game from fullback James Tedesco, who seemed unstoppable on Friday night with 193 running metres, 1 try, 1 try assist, 2 line breaks and 13 tackle breaks.
The Panthers will be wanting to put last weeks performance behind them as soon as possible after they fell to the hands of the Dragons 42-10. No-one would of expected the result, but no-one would of expected the polar opposite performances either.
Peta Hiku will miss the game through injury, so promising youngster Dylan Edwards will take his place on the wing. It will be interesting to see the response from back-rower Bryce Cartwright, who has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week.
Tip: You can expect a much better performance from the Panthers against St. George, but Tigers will be flying high after their brilliant win last week and will tough to beat at home. Tigers by 6.
Best bet: Total points over 44.5 - $1.87 (Last three fixtures between these two sides have had more than 45 points or more between them)
Odds: Tigers $2.02 Panthers $1.80
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Parramatta Eels
WIN Stadium
Sunday March 11 6.30pm
Both teams are coming off strong victories in Round 1 but there is no doubt the Dragons put in the best performance so far. Fans will be keen to see the momentum they’ll take from the resounding victory, against an Eels side who looked clinical in their performance against Manly.
Paul McGregor named an unchanged 1-17 following the 42-10 victory, and will be looking for another inspiring performance from Skipper Gareth Widdop after he scored 22 points which included two tries. Joel Thompson is coming off a first career hat-trick, and will be looking to work the edges against a very good defensive outfit.
The Eels seem to have put the dramas of 2016 behind them after a hard-fought win over the Manly Sea Eagles. Bevan French looked at home in the number 1 jersey whilst Corey Norman was by far the best player on the field with a classy individual performance. Brad Arthur has kept faith with his side and named the same squad to face the Dragons.
Tip: It’s hard to view the Dragons as a genuine force after 1 Round, but they will certainly put in a strong showing in front of their home fans. On the other hand, Norman is continuing his career best form and is combining with Gutherson nicely. Eels by 4.
Best bet: Total points under 39.5 - $1.90 (Two very good defensive sides who conceded just two tries each in Round 1.)
Odds: Dragons $2.05 Eels $1.77
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Words: Andre Cupido
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