NRL Round 15 Preview
With a week’s hiatus after this round due to the representative period, the teams will leave it all on the park in what should be a fascinating round of football.
St George-Illawarra Dragons ($2.75) v South Sydney Rabbitohs ($1.45)
Thursday 16th June, 7:50PM, WIN Stadium
Two of the competition’s most peculiar sides kick off round 15 as old rivals the Dragons and Rabbitohs go head-to-head. On the surface, St George Illawarra’s 6-7 record and 10th-place standing doesn’t look all that bad, after all, they’re only a win outside the eight and theoretically very much in finals contention, but very much look out class against the competition's heavyweights. South Sydney improved to 7-6 and seventh on the ladder with just their second back-to-back wins of 2022 last weekend, but like the Dragons, the Rabbitohs’ only win over a Top 8 team was against the Roosters early on. The Rabbitohs impressive last two wins gives me confidence they are starting to find their groove and will hopefully continue on that trend Thursday evening.
Recommended Bet: Rabbitohs -6.5 $1.90
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles ($2.40) v North Queensland Cowboys ($1.57)
Friday 17th June, 6:00PM, 4 Pines Park
Manly host the Cowboys in the first of our Friday night clashes in what could be one of the clashes of the round. The Manly Sea Eagles are ninth but Des Hasler’s haven’t yet beaten a side in the top 8 and still have the tag of flat track bullies, with their lost two victories, both by more than 26 points coming against the Warriors and Tigers. Just one of their losses has come by less than 12 points and come up against third-placed North Queensland Cowboys, who are currently oozing confidence in both attack and defence.meanwhile, continue to prove they are the real deal in 2022. Origin forwards Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai return for the Cowboys, and while captain Daly Cherry-Evans comes back for Manly, who are also undefeated at home this season (albeit against the Bulldogs, Titans, Tigers and Warriors) the Cowboys line looks a good bet.
Recommended Bet: Cowboys -4.5
Melbourne Storm ($1.17) v Brisbane Broncos ($5.00)
Friday 17th June, 7:55PM, AAMI Park
It’s rare to see a side win seven games on the bounce and eat up $5 outsiders, but such is the long term dominance of the Storm at home. Craig Bellamy’s side weren’t at the best in their win over the Roosters in round 14, however still did enough to hang on for an 8 point win. The Broncos meanwhile continued on their 2022 resurgence with a win in front of the Brisbane faithful but will be without captain Adam Reynolds and centre Herbie Farnworth who has been one of the sides best this year. Even with these losses, the Broncos have one of the most in-form forward packs in the competition and will be able to cover the line on Friday.
Recommended Bet: Broncos +15.5 $1.90
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks ($1.19) v Gold Coast Titans ($4.75)
Saturday 18th June, 3:00PM, C.ex Coffs International Stadium
The Sharks love pounding on the competitions weaker sides and the last-placed Gold Coast Titans fit very much into that category. The 3-11 Titans have slipped to last on the NRL ladder after their ninth loss in 10 games after a 30-16 home defeat to the Rabbitohs and there must be questions coming of Justin Holdbrook, who has a talented roster, but definitely one that lacks the instinct required to be a successful NRL side. Cronulla has won the last seven against the Titans after their win last month and while I’m prepared to eat my words but I can’t go with any bet but the Sharks.
Recommended Bet: Sharks -13.5 $1.90
New Zealand Warriors ($11.00) v Penrith Panthers ($1.04)
Saturday 18th June, 5:30PM, Moreton Daily Stadium
The Warriors raced to a 12-0 lead over Cronulla in round 14 before crumbling in trademark fashion to ultimately lose by 22 points, quite close to what the line on offer is here. The news does not get better for the side, set to host the Panthers on the back of another huge win, this time by 36 against the Knights. The Panthers have scored 160 points more than the Warriors whilst also conceding almost 250 less and while I’m not overly confident, I’m taking Penrith on the line. If you are looking for some more value, back Nathan Cleary to score a try anytime.
Recommended Bet: Penrith -26.5 $1.90
Parramatta Eels ($1.77) v Sydney Roosters ($2.05)
Saturday 18th June, 7:35PM, Commbank Stadium
The Eels inexplicably crashed to a 34-4 loss to the lowly Bulldogs as 18.5-point favourites, and really looked like a side who hadn’t played the game of Rugby League before. Much has been made of the fact the Eels have the ability to beat the Panthers and Storm, but then go on to lost to the side coming last, twice, and all in the space of 14 rounds. The Roosters aren’t exactly flying, either having won only one of their last four, but did once again show positive glimpses in their 8 point loss to the Storm - it’s just putting this together for the full 80 that is their issue. The Roosters’ 31-24 victory in Magic Round was their sixth from their last seven clashes with the Eels and I expect them to make it a second against the Eels in 2022.
Recommended Bet: Roosters $2.05
Canberra Raiders ($1.27) v Newcastle Knights ($3.75)
Sunday 19th June, 2:00PM, GIO Stadium
Despite a 6 point loss to the Broncos loss round, Canberra continue to improve and desperately need a win to remain in contention for the top 8 and will relish playing back at GIO Stadium, where they have won four of their last five games. After their strong start to the season, the Knights have struggled to look even remotely close to competing with a majority of sides in the competition and were thrashed by 36 points last week. I struggled to really find a bet reflecting the two sides, considering the high overs/unders line, so I went with Raiders fullback Xavier Savage to score a try.
Recommended Bet: Xavier Savage to score $2.10
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs ($1.74) v Wests Tigers ($2.10)
Sunday 19th June, 4:05PM, Commbank Stadium
The Bulldogs put on one of the performances of the season against Parramatta, downing the Premiership contenders 34-4, once again on the back of Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton. The Bulldogs’ attack has turned around under interim coach Mick Potter, averaging 24 points per game under him. Fellow wooden spoon contenders Wests Tigers were comprehensively beaten by Manly, but have the services of Adam Doueihi for the first time in 2022. The Tigers prevailed in this clash earlier this season but the upward trend of the Bulldogs performances sees them as a bet in this clash.
Recommended Bet: Bulldogs $1.74
