Featured Bookmaker: Unibet

Unibet might be Sweden's premier iGaming platform, but it’s undoubtedly the darling of Europe's sports betting scene. Established in 1997 and now serving more than 15 million customers in over 100 countries. Plus, they have a fantastic £30 Free Bet to get you started.

Read Review

NRL Grand Final Preview

It has arrived. The conclusion to a competition that is consistently viewed as one of the most even in the World. The end of the constant headlines that the players attract for off field antics (think Mitchell Pearce, The ASADA Sharks, Todd Carney). And sans State of Origin, the pièce de résistance, of the Rugby League calendar.

The Grand Final.

South Sydney and Canterbury are both worthy finalists. They have been the epitome of finals footy. Calm, professional, dedicated and passionate. Despite paving a very different path to the finals; the Rabbitohs qualified third and even earned themselves a week off in the finals; the Bulldogs however stumbled into the playoffs when results went their way, but have fought back strongly to beat the Melbourne, Manly and Penrith; both teams are in with a chance of taking home the Provan-Summons Trophy.

Injury and suspension have added to the drama, and possibly gone some way as to even the scale. Isaac Luke who in my view is one of the most underrated rugby league players on the planet is suspended. Mick Ennis it seems has broken every bone in his foot. The manner in which the teams respond to the loss of their hooker’s may have a massive bearing on this game.

The talking points:

Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs haven’t won an NRL Grand Final since 1971. Despite assembling an impressive squad over the past few seasons they are yet to put it together and deliver the silverware their members demand. 2014 might be one of their best opportunities if losing Ben Te’o is any indicator. The mix of seasoned professionals (Greg Inglis, Lote Tuqiri, Sam Burgess) and young guns (Luke Keary, Dylan Walker, Alex Johnston) has allowed the Rabbitohs to play an exciting brand of football, one that should be able to run over the Bulldogs in the second half. The only question marks I can see are over their ability to control the ruck without Isaac Luke, and the lack of big game experience (just Inglis and Tuqiri have played in grand finals).

Bulldogs: Des Hasler may end being the best NRL coach of all time. His ability to get the best out of ball playing forwards has been the basis of strong finals runs for both his former Manly side and current Bulldogs crop. James Graham and Josh Jackson are prime examples of the types of players that work well in Dessies setup. But they’ll need a fast start to conquer the strong second half abilities of the Rabbitohs. That task gets though only gets harder without Ennis’ tackling and leadership. Carrying the weight will inevitably fall on the halves pairing of Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson. Their battle with Adam Reynolds will also have a big influence on the result.

Where’s The Money? The money is on the Rabbits. Punters have put down double the amount on the Rabbits ($1.42) than the Bulldogs ($3) to win the NRL Grand Final. This is pretty surprising given the teams shared one win each during the regular season match-ups and both were settled by less than 8 points. Lots of money being placed on the Clive Churchill medal winner too. Sam Burgess is the joint-favourite at $4, but Greg Inglis has received plenty of attention at $4 too.

Our Pick: I really want there to be a reason to pick the Bulldogs. I like the odds. I like the way their forwards play. However, I also know that grand finals are often won by moments of brilliance (Benji Marhsall, Keiran Foran) and not pure grit. South Sydney have the x-factor; the players capable of blowing a game open. They’ve also been hugely impressive in the last few weeks. Although I think the Bulldogs is worth a punt if you have a spare tenner, save the big money for the Rabbitohs. By 12.

Cheeky: Adam Reynolds for Clive Churchill at $9. George Burgess for first try at $21. Bulldogs at half time, Rabbitohs at full time $6.50.

*Odds courtesy of TAB.

Top Tips

  • Betfair:
    Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.

    View
  • Paddypower:
    Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.

    4/6
  • Betway:
    Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.

    View
  • Coral:
    Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.

    16/1
  • Bet365:
    Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.

    10/1

Top Free Bets

  • Betway:
    £10 Free Bet Every Week

    View
  • BetVictor:
    £40 Free On First Deposit

    View
  • Bet365:
    £200 Deposit Bonus

    View
  • Paddy Power:
    Risk Free £20
    New Customers Only. 18+. T&Cs Apply

    View
  • Sky Bet:
    £10 Free Bet (No Deposit)

    View

Top Offers

  • 10 Bet:
    Real Madrid to win the Champions League

    5/6
  • Paddy Power:
    Chris Froome to win the Tour De France

    5/6
  • Bet Bright:
    Deposit £10, Play With £50

    £50
  • Unibet:
    Arsenal to win the FA Cup Final

    7/4
  • Coral:
    Lewis Hamilton to win the Monaco Grand Prix

    7/4