PUNTERS SAY FLAG TO STAY SOUTH
As the NRL Premiership season gets right down to its pointy end, punters have narrowed things down to betting principally around four clubs: the ever-shortening favourite Melbourne Storm (1.91), Manly (4.70), and Brisbane (9.60). And whilst all clubs – Melbourne included – have suffered indifferent form of late, it’s the Storm that have remained dear to punters; copping the spit last week and expected to apply the polish.
It’s the final round of the NRL; let’s take a look at the upcoming round of matches, including the much-awaited grand final replay between the Manly and Melbourne…
1.39 BRONCOS v KNIGHTS 3.35
The Knights have won five from six (including a victory over premiership shorty Melbourne) and thus look overs at their current price to back. This indicates they provide a good opportunity to trade, or at the very least, they’re worth a look with an 8.5 point head start.
2.12 ROOSTERS v DRAGONS 1.87
The Chooks have become headless after being a one-time contender. The Dragons, conversely, are gathering a full head of steam and making best use of their talented backline. So unless the Roosters experience a drastic form turnaround, the Saints look the goods.
5.30 PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES 1.22
Manly are on top by virtue of their for/against points differential; this match will simply be an activity in them extending this deficit against a Penrith outfit looking for Mad Monday. Eagles by over 12.5 in the winning margin market could be the go there for a bit of value.
2.16 EELS v WARRIORS 1.71
The Warriors are by no means a model of consistency when visiting civilisation, but their finals hopes exist whilst the Eels’ ostensibly do not. With this in mind, you can probably back the Warriors with a bit of confidence at what is a fairly reasonable price.
1.26 SHARKS v COWBOYS 4.30
The Sharks are going along nicely, equal ladder-leader on points, whilst the Cowboys have had a mare of a season. Interestingly, the men from the Shire have typically played in low-scoring matches in the latter third of the season, so the value in this match might be the unders in the total match points market.
1.14 RAIDERS v BULLDOGS 7.20
The Raiders are rock solid at home and the Bulldogs have degenerated into a pathetic disgrace. The Raiders. By heaps. So check out the handicaps markets at 6.5 points, 18.5 points and 30.5 points.
1.29 TITANS v TIGERS 4.20
The disparity in prices between these two clubs indicates a groundswell amongst punters that bucks the formlines. With this in mind, it may prove wise to have a think about backing the Tigers with the 8.5 point or 10.5 point head start.
1.07 STORM v RABBITOHS 13.50
See Raiders v Bulldogs preview, although to the Bunnies’ defence, they’re nowhere near the rabble Canterbury is. That said, they have no chance against the Storm. The handicaps markets differ marginally also: 14.5 points, 28.5 points and 40.5 points.