2023 NRL Round 6 Betting Predictions
Round 6 features plenty of rivalry matchups over Easter and it all begins at AAMI Park with a top 8 battle between the Storm and the Roosters.
Melbourne Storm (6th) vs Sydney Roosters (3rd)
The Storm come off arguably their best performance of the season as they beat Souths 18-10 in Sydney. Their defence was back to its best after struggling over the last few weeks. So that will be the key against the Roosters as well.
The Roosters are 3-0 since losing in Round 1 and come off a 28-20 victory over the Eels last week. However, James Tedesco will miss this clash with a concussion and that will hurt their attack against the Storm.
This should be a low-scoring battle between these two rivals and the Storm are 4-0 against the Under in night games.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney are 2-3 in their last 5 at AAMI Park.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, Storm are 7-4 against the Roosters.
Best Bet
Canterbury Bulldogs (8th) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (13th)
The Dogs outlasted the Cowboys in a brilliant golden-point win last week 15-14. Matty Burton nailed the game-winning field goal and the Dogs are now 3-1 in their last 4 games.
The Rabbitohs are out of form at the moment after 3 losses in their last 4 games. Their attack is out of sync after being held under 20 pts in 4 of 5 games in 2023. It likely won't improve against an in-form Dogs side in what should be a bruising encounter.
Souths attack just isn't there at the moment and the Dogs are in good enough form to keep this one close.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 4-3 at this venue since 2021. South Sydney are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Rabbitohs are 7-2 against the Bulldogs since 2018.
Best Bet
North Queensland Cowboys (14th) vs Dolphins (7th)
The Cowboys are back at home in Round 6 as they host the Dolphins for the first time. They're coming off a disappointing golden-point loss against the Dogs in Sydney. However, they should be more confident at home after winning 2 of 3 at this venue so far. Especially with Drinkwater back in the side.
The Dolphins have lost back-to-back games and were outplayed by the Dragons last week in the 38-12 result. They also lost Milford to injury and with O'Sullivan already out for a while, their halves combination will have to change again. They're also missing enforcer Felise Kaufusi with suspension.
The Under is 5-1 in the Cowboys last 6 games and it's hard to see the Dolphins scoring many points with a lot of experience out of the side.
Stadium Record
North Queensland are 7-3 in their last 10 games at home. The Dolphins are yet to play at this venue.
Head to Head Record
These two sides are yet to meet in the NRL.
Best Bet
Penrith Panthers (5th) vs Manly Sea Eagles (4th)
The Panthers let out some frustration last week as they absolutely smashed the Raiders 53-12. After struggling to score points during the first few rounds, the Panthers attack was back to its best. The points should continue against Manly's leaky defence as well.
The Sea Eagles are coming off a thrilling and high scoring 32-32 draw against the Knights last week. However, their defence is becoming concerning after conceding 30+ pts in 2 of their last 3 games. That will need to improve against a strong Panthers attack.
Day conditions should see the Panthers attack continue to roll on against a Manly side that has given up 30+ pts in 2 of their last 3.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 7-3 at home in their last 10. Manly are just 1-4 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The Panthers are 6-1 against the Sea Eagles since 2018.
Best Bet
Brisbane Broncos (1st) vs Canberra Raiders (16th)
The Broncos are flying in 2023 after an undefeated start to the season. They smashed the Tigers 46-12 last week and have been impressive in both attack/defence. They're scoring the most points per game in the NRL and have only conceded an average of 14 pts.
The Raiders will be looking to respond after getting smashed by the Panthers in Canberra last week 53-12. They're just 1-4 after the first five rounds and their defence will be tested against the Broncos in a tough matchup.
Brisbane have scored 40+ pts in 2 straight at Suncorp and they could easily do the same against a struggling Raiders defence. The Over is also 6-0 in this matchup.
Stadium Record
In their last 10 games at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane holds an 8-2 record. Canberra are 2-3 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Raiders are 3-2 against the Broncos in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Titans (9th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (10th)
The Titans return from the bye and have had a decent start to 2023 with a 2-2 record. They don't have to wait long for revenge against the Dragons after losing 32-18 in Round 2. But they should be more confident on their home turf and most sides have played well after the bye this year.
The Dragons snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 38-12 crushing win over the Dolphins. Mikaele Ravalawa scored a late double but the most impressive part was their defence. After conceding 40 pts in back-to-back games, they held the Dolphins to just 12 pts.
Gold Coast are 9-0 as a home favourite and should be well rested after the bye to beat the Dragons this time.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. St. George are 0-3 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, Dragons are 6-3 against the Titans.
Best Bet
Newcastle Knights (11th) vs New Zealand Warriors (2nd)
The Knights drew with the Sea Eagles last week in a high scoring 32-32 affair. After falling behind early, the Knights showed good resolve to get back into the contest and Dom Young was the standout with 4 tries.
The Warriors are coming off a huge win over the Sharks in Cronulla that extended their winning streak to 3 games. They were down 20-0 against the Sharks but rallied in the second half behind Shaun Johnson. They've now 2 games in a row in Australia so they'll be the favourites against Newcastle.
New Zealand are the form side coming into this matchup and the Knights are just 3-10 ATS in Newcastle.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 2-8 in their last 10 games at this venue. New Zealand are 2-3 in their last 5 in Newcastle.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, Knights are 5-4 against the Warriors.
Best Bet
Wests Tigers (17th) vs Parramatta Eels (15th)
The Tigers are sitting dead last on the ladder and they're the only team without a win so far. Their attack continues to struggle after scoring 12 pts in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, they gave up 46 pts against the Broncos in Brisbane last week.
The Eels are just 1-4 to start 2023 and come off another disappointing loss against the Roosters 28-20. However, they did beat the Panthers a few weeks ago and do have a good record against the Tigers.
There probably won't be much defence on Easter Monday as both sides are giving up plenty of points in 2023. So I like the Over, which is also 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.
Stadium Record
Since 2018, Wests are 0-7 at Stadium Australia. Parramatta are looking to break a 4 game-losing streak at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Eels are 8-2 against the Tigers.
Best Bet
