Tag: NRL

Rugby League: ANZAC Test Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

International Rugby League – ANZAC Test Preview

Who

Australian Kangaroos v New Zealand Kiwis

Where

Suncorp Stadium

When

Friday, 7.45pm (Australian Eastern Time)

Odds

Australia – $1.44

New Zealand – $2.87

Form

Most recently, the Kiwis enjoyed narrow wins over Australia in their past two meetings during last years Four Nations.  The wins came against severely weakened opponents so we’re taking the recent form with an almighty grain of salt.

Despite turning Suncorp in to an overseas fortress, winning four of their past five there (including one against England), New Zealand have won just one-from-15 Anzac Tests since the annual clash’s inception.

Teams

Australia: 1 Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 2 Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) 3 Michael Jennings (Roosters) 4 Will Chambers (Storm) 5 Josh Dugan (Dragons) 6 Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys) 7 Cooper Cronk (Storm) 8 Matthew Scott (Cowboys) 9 Cameron Smith (Storm) 10 Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers) 11 Greg Bird (Titans) 12 Sam Thaiday (Broncos) 13 Corey Parker (Broncos).

Interchange: 14 Luke Lewis (Sharks) 15 Trent Merrin (Dragons) 16 Nate Myles (Titans) 17 James Tamou (Cowboys) 18th man: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) 19th man: Josh Papalii (Raiders).

New Zealand: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Jason Nightingale, 3 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4 Peta Hiku, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Kieran Foren, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Tohu Harris, 12 Kevin Proctor, 13 Simon Mannering (c).

Interchange: 14 Thomas Leuluai, 15 Martin Taupau, 16 Sam Moa, 17 Greg Eastwood, 18 Lewis Brown.

Preview

History is New Zealand’s enemy tonight.

The Kiwis, who have a tendency to score first before badly running out of steam, are looking to overcome 13 straight ANZAC test match defeats, and will need to call upon every inch of NRL form that exists within their squad.

The New Zealand underdogs have belief after last years Four Nations, but injuries to key personnel including Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, and Jason Nightingale may have curtailed any momentum garnered from last seasons tournament win.  Instead they will rely on form front rower Jesse Bromwich and the electric footed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to inspire an upset that would leave a lot of punters upset.

Tim Sheen’s Australian squad are bolstered by several names who missed last years Four Nations finale, in addition to bright prospects Alex Johnston and Will Chambers.  Greg Inglis gets a chance to play his preferred fullback position after Billy Slater was ruled out through injury, and that in itself is a reason to tune in tonight.

Other mouth watering prospects include Cronk v Johnson, Scott and Woods v Matulino and Bromwich, Luke v Smith.

Prediction

Australia’s stranglehold over the annual fixture looks set to continue in tonight’s 2015 edition (also the 100th anniversary of the first major contribution of ANZAC troops in the First World War).  Despite the Kiwi’s Four Nations win (including the back to back wins) the Australians have too much quality on paper and are traditionally to fit for their trans-Tasman rivals in the early season figure.  We’re predicting the Kangaroos to pull away in the final quarter to win by 14. 

Sportsbet Betting Special

Representative Round Special – Place a Win / Try Combo bet on any Representative (Fiji v PNG, Samoa v Tonga) match this weekend and if your player scores a try but the team loses, you’ll get your cash back.

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Eight Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Eight Preview:

Round 7 our picks went out the window, calling 2 of 7. Round 8 is ANZAC round which means uniforms that pay tribute to the troops and mouth watering fixtures.

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v Wests Tigers 

Bulldogs – $1.65

Tigers – $2.15

Round eight opens at ANZ stadium hosting the Bulldogs and Tigers. The Bulldogs come off a win after finally getting on top of Manly late in the game and the Tigers come off an embarrasing loss after going 22-0 up then leaking 30 unanswered points to the Raiders. For the Dogs Josh Morris, Kasiano and Tim Browne return and for the Tigers big red Keith Galloway couldn’t recover from his shoulder injury. The Tigers look the more dangerous out of the two sides especially with the likes of Tedesco and Brooks running hot but the Bulldogs bring a more ruggered approach to the game and will play for close to 80 minutes with more depth on the bench. Expect a high scoring game but the Doggies will walk away with the spoils, Bulldogs 13+

 

Bulldogs

1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman (c) 9 Michael Lichaa                   10 Tim Browne 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Sam Kasiano 15 Lloyd Perrett 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Moses Mbye 19 Danny Fualalo 20 Antonio Kaufusi 22 Herman Ese’ese

 

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Ava Seumanufagai 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Matthew Lodge 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue 18 Delouise Hoeter

 

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans

Warriors – $1.33

Titans – $3.10

Mt Smart plays host to the Warriors and Titans. Both teams sitting just outside the top 8, equal on competition points but their for / against record lets them down. For the Warriors Konrad Hurrell is dropped, David Fusitu’a replaces him whilst Sam Rapira returns along with debutant Raymond Faitala-Mariner. The Titans lose Dave Taylor to suspension, Agnatius Paasi and Ryan Simpkins to injury but gain Nate Myles. The Warriors were guilty last round of poor ruck defense and were made to pay. They also made too many errors which the Cowboys were able to capitalise on, tidying these areas up is essential. The Titans, slow starters but put the Panthers away well. The Warriors at home are tough to beat and will be notice so expect the Warriors to come out  firing, they need to look after Falloon or we’ll see the Titans replicate the Cowboys display. It’ll be a good battle, expect the Warriors to get an early lead and hold on, Warriors 1-12.

 

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 David Fusitu’a 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16 Sam Lisone 17 Sam Rapira 18 Dominique Peyroux

 

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman  5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Beau Falloon 10 Nate Myles
11 Ryan James 12 Lachlan Burr 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Matt White 15 Edward Pettybourne 16 Matt Robinson 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Mark Ioane

 

Newcastle Knights v Queensland Cowboys

Knights – $2.30

Cowboys – $1.57

Hunter stadium plays host to a mouth watering fixture between the Knights and Cowboys. The Knights have already but the Cowboys to the sword in round 2, both teams unchanged from last round. Expect to see some fire works here the Cowboys will certainly be out for revenge for the loss earlier in the season. The Knights will need to do a better job around the ruck than the Warriors if they want to keep Granville quiet who will be confident around some big men. Both packs boast size and the Cowboys pack is seen as the form pack right now so expect to see the likes the Snowden, Jeremy Smith, Tariq and Korbin Sims going hammer and tonge to try and upset the Cowboys pack. The Knights will get up, Knights 1-12.

 

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims  11 Chris Houston 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 David Fa’alogo 16 Joseph Tapine 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c)
9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange
14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 19 Ray Thompson

 

Sydney City Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

Roosters – $1.45

Dragons – $2.60

The Roosters host the Dragons at Allianz. The Roosters are in trouble, 3 losses in a row and potentially a 4th against a Dragons side who is on a run of 5 wins. For the Roosters Waerea-Hargreave’s is out and Sam Moa replaces him, the Dragons are unchanged. The Dragons defense has been the difference in their run on wins, big hits around the ground and grinding goal line heroics. The halves match up between Mitchell Pearce and Benji Marshall should provide some spark in the game with both playing good footy. The Roosters will throw everything they have at Dragons and the Dragons will hold, expect some big hits and a expansive game from both. Dragons defense will win the day, Dragons by 1-12.

 

Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)
8 Dylan Napa 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Interchange
14 Willie Manu 15 Isaac Liu 16 Kane Evans 17 Lagi Setu 19 Matt McIlwrick

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Peter Mata’utia 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper
11 Will Matthews 12 Joel Thompson 13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 Ben Creagh (c) 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange 18 George Rose 19 Drew Hutchinson 20 Kiti Glymin

 

Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles

Storm – $1.25

Sea Eagles – $3.70

AAMI hosts the Storm and Sea Eagles. The Storm sit pretty on top of the table as a proud Manly outfit continue to camp at the very bottom. It doens’t get any better for Manly, losing Jamie Lyon once again to injury however Keiran Foran is back. The Storm running hot are unchanged. There isn’t much to say about this game other than Manly are in for a drubbing, expect to see the regulars like Cronk and Smith running the ship behind the big boys. Storm 13+

 

Storm

1 Cameron Munster 2 Mahe Fonua 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi 18 Ben Hampton 19 Kenneath Bromwich 21 Hymel Hunt 22 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

 

Sea Eagles

1 Peta Hiku 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Brayden Wiliame 4 Steve Matai 5 David Williams 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Jake Trbojevic 9 Matt Ballin (c)
10 Willie Mason 11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Justin Horo 13 Tom Symonds

Interchange
14 James Hasson 15 Luke Burgess 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Ligi Sao 20 Jayden Hodges

 

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

Broncos – $1.33

Eels – $3.10

The Broncos host the Eels at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos licking their wounds after a physical loss to the Dragons last round seeing Hodges out with injury again, Alex Glenn has not recovered from his facial injuries which puts Thaiday back into the 2nd row and Adam Blair starting at prop. For the Eels who are still blowing hot and cold this season but managed to put away the Knight last round make a few changes with Reece Robinson to fullback, Hopoate to centre and Folau to the wing. On top of good defense the Broncos were their own worst enemy against the Dragons and will be looking to make amends, expect to see Hunt, Milford and Marantra make a lot of metres and breaks behind the big runs from the pack. The Eels will be up for a scrap but their form is too inconsistent and if they want to stand a chance it they better be blowing hot. The Broncos will play the 80 minutes and win easy, Broncos by 13+

 

Broncos

1 Lachlan Maranta 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 3 Dale Copley 5 Daniel Vidot 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough
10 Adam Blair  11 Matt Gillett 12 Sam Thaiday  13 Corey Parker

Interchange
14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Francis Molo 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima

 

Eels

1 Reece Robinson 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Will Hopoate  4 Brad Takairangi  5 John Folau 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick  9 Nathan Peats
10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 David Gower 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Peni Terepo 18 Richie Fa’aoso

 

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks

Panthers – $2.15

Sharks – $1.65

The Panthers play host to the Sharks at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers were on the end of a 30 point drubbing round 7 courtesy of the Titans and the Sharks bullied the Rabbitohs to take a hard grind win. For the Panthers injuries have struck with Josh Mansour and Brent Kit out, repacing them is George Jennings and Sam Anderson. The Sharks get back Gallen. The Sharks really stepped up last weekend round against the Rabbitohs and will look to continue that form, the Panthers will provide the Sharks with a good battle but there isn’t much to seperate the teams man for man. Going off form the Sharks will win this arm wrestle by 1-12.

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 George Jennings 3 Dean Whare  4 Waqa Blake  5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Apisai Koroisau 7 Isaac John 8 Sam McKendry  9 James Segeyaro (c)
10 Jeremy Latimore  11 Sika Manu 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Nigel Plum

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Sam Anderson 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Bryce Cartwright 18 Tupou Sopoaga 19 Will Smith 22 Robert Jennings

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird 7 Jeff Robson 8 Matt Prior 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington
11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen

Interchange
14 Jayson Bukuya 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Ben Barba 17 Tinirau Arona 21 Sam Tagataese

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

Rabbitohs – $1.27

Raiders – $3.50

The Rabbitohs and Raiders close the ANZAC round clashes at Barlow park. The Rabbitohs will be keen to get their season back on track after losing 2 game on the trot and the Raiders will look to continue their attacking form after putting 30 unanswered points on the Tigers but leaking 22 early. The Rabbitohs are unchanged but the Raiders say goodbye to Dane Tilse who has signed on with Hull KR in the UK. Paul Vaughan shifts to the front row and Fensom is back at lock. The Raiders will hold their own up front but can’t afford to leak points early against a desperate Rabbitohs side. The Rabbitohs are vulnerable in the halves with Reynolds and Sutton still missing so expect to see the Raiders put pressure on the youngsters McInnes and Keary. Its a tough game for the Rabbitohs to get back on track but we think this will be the game they return. Rabbitohs to take it at the death, 1-12.

 

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Dylan Walker 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Cameron McInnes 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke
10 Dave Tyrrell 11 Glenn Stewart 12 Chris McQueen 13 Jason Clark

Interchange
14 Chris Grevsmuhl 15 Nathan Brown 16 Tim Grant 17 Thomas Burgess

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Sisa Waqa 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Paul Vaughan 9 Josh Hodgson
10 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 11 Josh Papalii 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Jarrad Kennedy 16 Mark Nicholls 17 Shannon Boyd 18 Kyle O’Donnell 19 Jeremy Hawkins

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven Preview:

Round 6 we picked 7 of the 8 winners opting for the Raiders to sneak past the Storm which they unfortunately did not do. This round has some exciting fixtures Friday to Monday, we also see Thurston celebrate his 250th NRL game, as if the Cowboys needed more incentive. Jamie Lyon returns from injury to the Sea Eagles, can he help get their season back on track? Check out the odds, predictions, and teamlists for NRL Telstra Premiership Round Seven.

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles

Bulldogs – $1.75

Sea Eagles – $2.00

The Bulldogs coming off a drubbing courtesy of the Dragons in round 6 host bottom of the table Sea Eagles who are in all sorts of strife on and off the field. For the Doggies, Josh Reynolds and Tim Browne are starting which pushes Moses Mbye and Antonio Kaufusi to the bench. Jamie Lyon returns for Manly, this pushes Brayden Wiliame out to the wing. The battle between the halves has an exciting prospect about it; both halve pairs have faced disruptions during the season, Cherry-Evans and Foran more so but have kept a workmanlike approach making it count when the opportunities arise. Reynolds and Hodkinson are a great combination when their pack is dominant but struggle more so than their counterparts when things aren’t going their way.  Both teams suffering from injuries and suspensions so expect a tight battle with some big collisions, Sea Eagles by 1-12.

 

Bulldogs

1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman (c) 9 Michael Lichaa                       10 Tim Browne 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Lloyd Perrett 15 Antonio Kaufusi 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Moses Mbye 19 Danny Fualalo 22 Herman Ese’ese

 

Sea Eagles

1 Peta Hiku 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Jamie Lyon (c) 4 Steve Matai 5 Brayden Wiliame 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Jake Trbojevic 9 Matt Ballin (c)                         10 Willie Mason 11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Tom Symonds 13 Dunamis Lui

Interchange

14 James Hasson 15 Luke Burgess 16 Justin Horo 17 Ligi Sao

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos

Dragons – $2.15

Broncos – $1.65

Certainly a mouth watering fixture, Dragons sitting in 3rd and the Broncos top, both teams showing good form. The Dragons make one change with Will Matthews replacing suspended  Tyson Frizzell. The Broncos see Captain Justin Hodges return from injury which shifts Daley Copley out to the wing and Corey Oates to the bench. Both teams boast good defense so far which means the game is going to tight, points are going to be taken when on offer so it’s vital that both sides keep their discipline in check. It’ll be very tight and confrontational but the Broncos have the goods across the park, Broncos by 1-12.

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Peter Mata’utia 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Ben Creagh (c) 11 Will Matthews 12 Joel Thompson 13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 George Rose 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange

 

Broncos

1 Lachlan Maranta 2 Dale Copley 3 Jack Reed 4 Justin Hodges 5 Daniel Vidot 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Sam Thaiday  11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c)

Interchange
14 Corey Oates 15 Mitch Garbutt 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima

 

Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers

Titans – $1.90

Panthers – $1.85

The Titans host the Panthers at CBUS stadium, both teams coming off good round six wins. For the hosts Beau Falloon returns from suspension replacing Pettybourne who is suspended. Kierran Moseley drops to the bench. The Panthers debut Roberts Jennings at centre, coming in for Jamal Idris who is out for the season. It’s hard to say which team has the advantage in this fixture, the Titans certainly have the more ready 13 but the Panthers have more depth on the bench with experience and impact players. It’ll be a banger but the Panthers are going to walk away with it, Panthers by 1-12

 

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman 5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Beau Falloon 10 Nate Myles (c) 11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Matt White 15 Lachlan Burr 16 Ryan Simpkins 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Agnatius Paasi

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Robert Jennings 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Apisai Koroisau 7 Isaac John 8 Jeremy Latimore 9 James Segeyaro       10 Brent Kite 11 Sika Manu 12 Elijah Taylor 13 Nigel Plum

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Sam McKendry 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Isaah Yeo

 

North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors

Cowboys – $1.37

Warriors – $2.90

The Cowboys host the Warriors at 1300 Smiles Stadium. The Cowboys celebrating Thurstons 250th NRL game. Both sides are unchanged for this game rewarding both line ups after round 6 wins, both are guilty of taking too long to get going but at the same time when they’re in gear they’re very hard to stop. The Cowboys pack has been rampant and Thurston has been feeding off it, currently sitting second in the league for line and try and line-break assists. For the Warriors, Johnson and Townsend have the knack of doing the unexpected and if their pack is struggling they’ll need to look to their backs to make some meters. For me, the Cowboys are looking awesome and will be way to good at home. Cowboys 13+

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c)                       9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant

 

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Konrad Hurrell 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Dominique Peyroux 16 Sam Lisone 17 Albert Vete 18 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

 

Melbourne Storm v Sydney City Roosters

Storm – $1.97

Roosters – $1.77

The Storm sits nicely in 2nd place host the 6th placed Roosters who are on a possible 3 game losing streak. For the Storm they’ve made no changes. The Roosters bring Jake Friend in to make his first start pushing Matt McIlwrick to the bench. Sam Moa is suspended so Dylan Napa starts and Sio Siua Taukeiaho will start ahead of Isaac Liu so Lagi Setu warms the bench. The Roosters need to get their season back on track but it’ll be a tough ask at AAMI against a big, skilled, and mobile pack orchestrated by Cronk and Smith. The Roosters inclusion of Friend into the run on side is vital if they want to battle the experience Smith brings. The packs will battle all night and it’ll be crucial to take the points on offer. Both teams boast outside backs that are renowned for defusing bombs and having gas to burn so each player will need to ensure their pass is going to find the right man. It’ll be a very tight affair, full time it’ll be even, Storm to take it in golden point.

 

Storm

1 Cameron Munster 2 Mahe Fonua 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi 18 Ben Hampton 19 Kenneath Bromwich 21 Hymel Hunt 22 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

 

Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)                                           8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Interchange
14 Matt McIlwrick 15 Isaac Liu 16 Kane Evans 17 Lagi Setu 18 Willie Manu

 

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders

Tigers – $1.40

Raiders – $2.80

The Tigers return home to Leichhardt oval hosting the Canberra Raiders, both sides losing last week. For the Tigers they sit 8th and are unchanged. The Raiders are 2 points ahead of cellar dwellers Manly and have confirmed Fensom to start at lock even though he was an injury concern last round. On form both sides are relatively even, the Tigers pack should hold the advantage on experience and mobility. Tedesco and Brooks will be looking to cause trouble and on the back of a dominant pack these two are very creative and are not afraid to try things. Tigers 13+

 

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c) 10 Keith Galloway 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Taupau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Ava Seumanufagai 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue 18 Joel Luani

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Sisa Waqa 5 Jeremy Hawkins 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dane Tilse           11 Jarrad Kennedy 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Glen Buttriss 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Mark Nicholls 18 Jordan Rapana

 

Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels

Knights – $1.42

Eels – $2.70

The Knights host the Eels at Hunter Stadium with both sides on the verge of 3 losses in a row. Both sides have big aggressive packs and dangerous running backs with ball in hand, both have opted to keep the same run on 13 as last round. It’s crucial that discipline is kept in check as both teams have quality kickers who can take the points or carve off meters with a touch finder. Expect to see some fireworks with the likes of Watmough, Jeremy Smith, Sandow, and the Sims brothers to name a few stirring the pot with any chance they get. Whilst the Knights are on a 2 game losing streak, they haven’t looked bad in their loses where the Eels have been blowing really hot or freezing. Knights to run away with it in the last 20, Knights 13+

 

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims 11 Chris Houston 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 David Fa’alogo  16 Joseph Tapine 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Eels

1 Will Hopoate 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Ryan Morgan 4 John Folau 5 Reece Robinson 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Nathan Peats 10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 David Gower 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Peni Terepo 18 Richie Fa’aoso

 

Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sharks – $2.15

Rabbitohs – $1.65

The Sharks with two wins on the trot host a Rabbitohs outfit blown away by the Cowboys last round at Remondis. The Sharks have certainly turned around their season with some good performances but have paid the price for some ill discipline and injuries ruling out the Fifita brothers. The Rabbitohs look a little lost without Reynolds and Sutton both out which means Glenn Stewart retains the five-eight role. It’ll be crucial for the Rabbitohs big men to put pressure on the Sharks halves, they’re young and inexperienced but with time these two aren’t afraid to take their chances and lead their big men around the park. It’ll be a very physical battle and Gallen has shown that he’ll take the points on offer so discipline in crucial for the Bunnies and Sharks likewise with Goodwin a decent boot. The Sharks at home, looking more creative and better for a grinding game will take this at the death, Sharks 1-12.

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird 7 Jeff Robson 8 Sam Tagataese 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange
14 Ben Barba 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Matt Prior  17 Jayson Bukuya 18 Tinirau Arona

 

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Daryl Millard 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Glenn Stewart 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke 10 Dave Tyrrell           11 Chris Grevsmuhl 12 Chris McQueen 13 Jason Clark

Interchange
14 Ben Lowe  15 Nathan Brown 16 Tim Grant 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Cameron McInnes

NRL Telstra Premiership Round 4 Results

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

NRL Telstra Premiership Round 4 Results. Who could finally get on track with a win, the Sharks or Titans? Exciting match ups with close games going down to the wire and won on the final whistle. Monday night footy in Townsville putting on an golden point thriller.

 

Eels (29) v (16) Rabbitohs

Round 3 started off in style with the Eels hosting the Premiers at Pirtek. The matched opened with the Rabbitohs scoring through Joel Reddy (8th) on the receiving end of slick passing through the line. The Eels replied 6 minutes later courtesy of John Folau who took a short pass 10 out to step and crash through defenders (14th).  Reynolds was done for decent towards the pocket referee and Sandow converted the penalty however he redeemed himself shortly after putting up a difficult bomb which was blundered by the Eels and Grensmuhl pounced for his first (34th). On the stroke of half time a barn storming run 10 out from John Folau carrying 3 Rabbitohs with him over the line saw him pick up his second try of the night (39th). The Eels were at it again early in the second half with some slick hands passing through the line giving Reece Robinson the advantage over his inside defense and he kicked into 2nd gear to get around a diving Inglis for the try (42nd). The Premiers under the pump in the second half, taking nearly 20 minutes to get substantial possession and a try scoring opportunity. A numbers game out wide saw the Rabbitohs strike back with a try to Alex Johnston (60th). It didn’t take long for the Eels to reply with Reece Robinson again getting the better of the defense, getting around his opposite on the outside (67th). Sandow extended the lead by 7 with a drop goal (76th) and on the stroke of full time Sandow grubber was spilled back into his path and easy pick up and dive gave Sandow the last laugh (79th).

Eels
Tries – J. Folau 2, R. Robinson 2, C. Sandow
Pen – C. Sandow
Con –  C. Sandow 3

F/Goal – C. Sandow

Rabbitohs
Tries – J. Reddy, C. Grevsmuhl, A. Johnston
Con – A. Reynolds 2

 

Wests Tigers (24) v (25) Canterbury Bulldogs

ANZ Stadium hosted the Tigers and Bulldogs, a match full of expectation. The Tigers first out of the blocks with a try inside 4 minutes when Kyle Lovett slipped through a yawning Bulldogs defensive line. The Doggies hit back after some well constructed plays through the middle to have Frank Prichard bulldoze close to the line and make an offload millimeters from the ground to put Curtis Rona over (15th).  Both team squandering chances for the remainder of the half. The Tigers charged into the second 40 much like the first scoring early with Luke Brooks blocking a poor grubber into the Tigers half, he scooped up the deflection running 50 metres to dot down (45th). 3 minutes later some slick running from dummy half put the Tigers ahead of the advantage line and a tactical grubber into space bounced favorably into Tedescos’ hands only having to run over the line to dot down (48th). Brooks was at it again from dummy half putting through a pin point grubber for Tedesco to run onto making it his second for the night (55th). With the gap widening the Doggies managed to apply some pressure to the Tigers with their big men running hard, Lichaa found himself over the try line after beating some tired tackles close to the line (58th). Curtis Rona added to his tally 8 minutes later after some excellent dummy pass skills courtesy of Kasiano to feed an open Rona (66th). The Doggies evened up the game with 5 to go through a Josh Morris run away. Golden point commenced and an 83rd minute droppy from Moses Mbye sealed victory for the Bulldogs.

Tigers
Tries – K. Lovett, L. Brooks, J. Tedesco 2
Con – M. Moses 4

Bulldogs
Tries – C. Rona 2, M. Lichaa, J. Morris
Con – T. Hodkinson 4

F/Goal – M. Mbye

 

Newcastle Knights (26) v (14) Penrith Panthers

 The unbeaten Knights hosted a Penrith Panthers outfit missing Soward and Segearo at Hunter Stadium. The hosts were strongest early on with a try to Chris Houston (7th) after receiving a short ball 5 out showing great balance and footwork for a big man to dot down. A dummy half run catching the Panthers defenders napping extended the score (14th) courtesy of Clydsdale.  Mounting pressure was taking its toll on the Panthers with well worked second man play seeing Gidley take the contact and bounce out of the tackle to crash over for the Knights 3rd (17th). After so much pressure the Panthers finally got a real attacking opportunity and cashed in through slick passing from the left hand attack feeding Mansour who gracefully stepped inside his opposite to dot down (23rd). Two missed opportunities from the Panthers saw them go into half 14 points down. Uate was the next man on the board with the Knights line drawing the defense to lead to an overlap, Uate dotting down (52nd). The Panthers hitting back, attacking the right hand defense and only to spin it back the other way and Moylan hitting a gap 20 out to dot down (65th). The Panthers getting back to back tries with Dean Whare pushing the advantage line to bust through some fragile Knights defense (71st). Newcastle withstood the onslaught keeping the Panthers scoreless in the final 5, Tyrone Roberts slotting a penalty on the final whistle.

Knights
Tries – C. Houston, A. Clydsdale, K. Gidley, A. Uate
Pen – T. Roberts
Con – T. Roberts 4

Panthers
Tries – J. Mansour, M. Moylan, D. Whare
Con – M. Moylan

 

Cronulla Sharks (22) v (24) Gold Coast Titans

 Both teams winless coming into the round, the Sharks hosted the Titans at Remondis. Michael Gordon putting the Sharks on the board early with a penalty (2nd) after a high shot. The opening 20 was dull as both sides were guilty of poor execution. Dave Taylor eventually crashing over after some ugly play 10 out from both sides losing possession, Taylor catching out defenders not playing the whistle (20th). The Sharks were quick to reply, Valentine Holmes getting the luck of the bounce with a dodgy grubber falling into his hands and he had little work to do beating his opposite on the outside (26th). Another Sharks try was on the board after the Sharks dissected the Titans up through the middle with Ennis running support to dot down under the posts (32nd). James Roberts claimed a try just inside of halftime with the Sharks defense ball watching a grubber hoping it would go out (41st). A pinpoint kick 20 out from Robson into the in-goal area was casually claimed by Holmes getting his second (47th). Nate Myles turned playmaker with a short burst 10 out and a beautiful short ball to Sezer on his shoulder seeing Sezer crash over (59th). Michael Gordon extended the Sharks lead with two penalties (65th & 72nd) after the Titans ill discipline in the tackle cost them. The four point lead evaporated with a soft pass on attack being intercepted by James Roberts who dotted down to even it up, Sezer converting to give the Titans the win.

Sharks
Tries – V. Holmes 2, M. Ennis
Pen – M. Gordon 4
Con – M. Gordon

Titans
Tries – D. Taylor, J. Roberts 2, A. Paasi
Con – A. Sezer 4

 

St George-Illawarra Dragons (12) v (4) Manly Sea Eagles

The Dragons on fire after a spirited come from behind win against the Raiders last round. The Dragons were on the board first with an early converted penalty to Widdop. The Dragons dominating possession inside the opening 10 with with Nightingale dotting in the corner after a slick offload from Duggan in contact (9th). Ill discipline from the Sea Eagles at ruck time cost them 3 points, pushing over the ball player, Widdop converting (24th). Duggan falling short on the stroke of halftime to extend the lead. Hiku nearly opening the Sea Eagles account early into the half with a heroic dive for the corner only to plant the ball out of play but with more possession midway into the second the Eagles finally dotting down through a Keiran Foran grubber cleaned up by Brayden Willame (58th). Off the ball infringement from Luke Burgess 30 out cost the Sea Eagles another 2 points with Widdop slotting the conversion (69th). The Sea Eagles had appeared to score through Willame but the officials deemed the Foran pass to go forward in the previous play. Dragons hold on.

Dragons
Tries – J. Nightingale
Pen – G. Widdop 3
Con – G. Widdop

Sea Eagles
Tries – B. Wiliame

 

New Zealand Warriors (16) v (24) Brisbane Broncos

The Warriors celebrating their 20th year hosting the Broncos at Mt Smart. The Broncos absorbing early pressure from the hosts and replying with a try through a experience cut out pass courtesy of Justin Hodges, Corey Oates dotting down in the corner (11th). The Broncos continued their crisp passing game catching the Warriors defense on the back foot, Lachlan Maranta diving over in the opposite corner (16th). The Warriors breaking the Broncos line but failing to convert points, Broncos dotting down again with Jarrod Wallace crashing over by the sticks (38th). Early into the second half the Warriors claimed their own bomb with a tap back to Allwood who found Townsend inside him, Townsend sprinting 10 to dive to over for the Warriors first (45th). Retaining possession was paying off for the Warriors and Shaun Johnson ran a great angle, with a behind the back offload opening a huge gap for Allgood to gallop through from 20 out, Allgood dotting down (64th) Another massive bomb from Johnson was tapped back by Vatuvei and Solomone Kata claiming the spoils to even it up (69th). Ill discipline at ruck time from the Warriors cost them two points and a short restart was fumbled by the Warriors back over the in-goal line with Andrew McCullough dotting down to seal the victory (79th).

Warriors
Tries – C. Townsend, M. Allwood, S. Kata
Con – S. Johnson

Broncos
Tries – C. Oates, L. Maranta, J. Wallace, A. McCullough
Pen – C. Parker
Con – C. Parker 3

 

Sydney Roosters (34) v (6) Canberra Raiders

 The Roosters hosting the Canberra Raiders at ALLIANZ Stadium. The hosts hot favorites going into the match, they did not disappoint the home crowd. Shaun Kenny-Dowall opened the scoring for the hosts after the Rooster line fed a series of passes gaining the advantage line and Pearce throwing a superb cut out pass to Kenny-Dowall who dotted down in the corner (4th). Tuivasa-Sheck extended the lead after he found a gaping hole in the defense, easing past the last man to score (10th). The Roosters continuing to make metres and gain ascendency found them over again after Blake Ferguson ran a great angle from 10 out, dummying, and the defence falling off gifted Ferguson an easy try (27th). Minutes out from half time an well constructed Raiders attack was finished off with a soft grubber which bounced favorably for Croker who beat the man and dotted down to open the Raiders account. That was all she wrote for the Raiders with the Roosters scoring 3 minutes into the second half, the Raiders defense flat footed and falling for the support runners allowing Jennings to walse over (43rd). Daniel Tupou was next on the board through air supremecy, easily defusing a bomb and crashing over the line (48th). Some smooth footwork from Jennings put him outside of his opposite and he fed Tupou who galloped up the line, feeding Maloney on his inside who ran away to close the game out (69th)

Roosters
Tries – S. Kenny-Dowall, R. Tuivasa-Sheck, B. Ferguson, M. Jennings, D. Tupou, J. Maloney
Con – J. Maloney 5

Raiders
Tries – J. Croker
Con – J. Croker

 

North Queensland Cowboys (18) v (17) Melbourne Storm

 Townsville hosted the final game of the round with the Cowboys facing the Melbourne Storm. The Storm were first to strike with a well constructed move out left seeing Kurt Mann take the overlap and crash through the last man (6th). The Cowboys were hot on a reply with hard yards up the middle and Thurston throwing a ranging cut out pass to Winterstein with the overlap, easily stepping inside to dive over (12th). Koroibete difussed a high bomb will ease and caught the attacking Cowboys off guard as he charged through napping defenders to race 90 meters and score (27th). The Storm hot on attack were over the line again as Kafusi was on the end a well timed shortball 10 out to ease through the defense (34th). Midway through the second half some slick cut out passing and dynamic running from the Cowboys left side attack opened the Storm defence up, Winterstein on the end of it all picking up his second (60th). With 10 to go Cooper Cronk slotted a field goal to put the Storm 7 points ahead (70th). The Cowboys endured and attacked the Storm line searching for a try, catching an overlap out right with Matthew Wright dotting down and Thurston converting to put the Cowboys a point behind (77th). With no pressure 40 out Thurston hit a field goal to put the game into extra time (79th). Sustain pressure into extra time and Thurston was at it again, hitting a similar field goal to give the Cowboys and extra time win (84th).

Cowboys
Tries – A. Winterstein 2, M. Wright
Con – J. Thurston

F/Goal – J. Thurston 2

Storm
Tries – K. Mann, M. Koroibete, F. Kaufusi
Con – C. Smith

F/Goal – C. Cronk

Rugby League: NRL Round 4 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After a promising round of predictions last week, we bring you our NRL Round 4 Preview hoping for a perfect 8.  Check out the rounds matches and teams below:

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Eels – $3.25

Rabbitohs – $1.36

The Eels need all the help they can get in the Round’s opener at Pirtek Stadium.  Home ground advantage will give them a small boost against the Rabbitohs, but’s its unlikely to get them over the line against the best side in the competition.

The Rabbitohs look increasingly like defending champions already after winning their three openers, two of which were against other top 4 contenders.  They’ve lost Dylan Walker for a month through a hand injury but are otherwise at full strength.  They are fortunate to have the best player in the NRL leading their side from fullback, and one of the toughest in Isaac Luke at hooker.

The Rabbits x-factor will be too much for an Eels line-up still missing ‘Semi-trialer’ and a number of other key personnel.  Rabbitohs to win this one by 13+.

Eels: 1. Will Hopoate 2. John Folau 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Reece Robinson 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah (C) 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough.

Interchange: 14. Issac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower.

Rabbitohs: 1. Greg Inglis (c) 2. Alex Johnston 3. Daryl Millard 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Tim Grant

Interchange: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Ben Lowe 19. Nathan Brown

West Tigers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Tigers – $3.05

Bulldogs – $1.40

The all Sydney second encounter should be settled in favour of the Superior Bulldogs side.  They have made a good fist of the 2015 season and have plenty of go-forward from their in-form pack, particularly props Tolman and Graham.  The Tigers look a better side in 2015, but still ely too heavily on Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods.  While Tedesco, Moses and Brooks are fine young players and will are all future superstars, they’re all too defensively vulnerable and too easily targeted by opposition teams.

Pat Richards is serving a suspension and won’t play for the Tigers; he’s been replaced by Delouise Hoeter.  Aaron Woods is also a doubtful starter despite being named.

The Bulldogs are unchanged.  We think they’ll win this one, but only by 1-12.  They’re not really big scorers no matter how dominant.

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Delouise Hoeter 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Sauaso Sue 13. Martin Taupau.

Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Brenden Santi 18. Kyle Lovett

Bulldogs: 1 Brett Morris 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Tim Lafai 5 Sam Perrett 6 Moses Mbye 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood.

Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 David Klemmer 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Tim Browne.

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers

Knights – $2.00

Panthers – $1.85

Second on the NRL ladder plays third in what shapes as an entertaining Saturday afternoon encounter between the Knights and the Panthers.  The Knights are the surprise packages of 2015, winning all three games (one of only two teams to do so).  They are playing an attractive brand of football entering around enterprising centre Dan Gagai.  Gagai is about to be the most sought after property in the player market and Wayne Bennett has already made a play to bring him to the Broncos.

They got a little lucky last week, but will compete strongly again against the Panthers.  The Panthers, like the Knights, had a TMO controversy last week, but this one went against them when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was denied a freakish try.

Both teams have well-settled squads so this is tricky to pick.  We’ll have Panthers 1-12.

Knights: 1 Kurt Gidley 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale 10 David Fa’alogo 11 Beau Scott 12 Robbie Rochow 13 Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell 15 Chris Houston 16 Paterika Vaivai 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia.

Panthers: 1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3.Dean Whare 4. Jamal Idris 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Isaac John 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam Mckendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Brent Kite 11. Sika Manu 12. Lewis Brown 13. Elijah Taylor.

Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17. Bryce Cartwright

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Sharks – $1.52

Titans – $2.60

Cronulla have lost Ben Barba to suspension, but it may be a blessing in disguise for a team who are struggling for points.  Wade Graham will play five-eighth instead, and will be hoping to use the for again Luke Lewis in a similar ball playing role to make it easier. Youngster Jack Bird is on the interchange bench if needed.

The Titans were okay last week.  The TMO cost them dearly, as they didn’t struggle at all with the addition of the drug baron trio.  The Sharks are favourites but the Titans could easily surprise.  If you fancy adding some grunt to your multi this week, seriously consider the Titans.  However, we’ll play it safe and tip the Sharks 1-12.

Sharks: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 Wade Graham 7 Jeff Robson 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington 11 Jayson Bukuya 12 Anthony Tupou 13 Paul Gallen.

Interchange: 14 Luke Lewis 15 Matt Prior 16 Jack Bird 17 David Fifita 18 Tinirau Arona.

Titans: 1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman 5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Beau Fallooon 10 Nate Myles 11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird.

Interchange: 14 Eddy Pettybourne 15 Matt White 16 Ryan Simpkins 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Agnatius Paasi.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles

Dragons – $2.30

Sea Eagles – $1.65

The worst team of the first two weeks (the Dragons) surprised all last week by sneaking some points against the Raiders in a fast finish.  They need to thank youngster Euan Aitken and experienced frontman Trent Merrin for doing so after the pair put in huge efforts in the second half.  Aitken was a revelation at centre, and he keeps his place after running for more than 200m on debut. Want-away Merrin was also huge and finally gets a start this week with Jack de Belin absent.

They’ll need a similar effort against the always professional Manly side who welcome back Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran.  Those two will add a huge amount of experience and nous to the side.  The additions should be enough to get them home, by 13+ in our view.

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Eto Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Trent Merrin.

Interchange: 14 Rory O’Brien 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange 20 George Rose.

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Jamie Lyon 4 Steve Matai 5 Peta Hiku 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Luke Burgess 9 Matt Ballin 10 Willie Mason 11 Feleti Mateo 12 Jamie Buhrer 13 Dunamis Lui.

Interchange: 14 Jesse Sene-Lefao 15 Jake Trbojevic 16 Tom Symonds 17 Ligi Sao 18 Justin Horo.

New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

Warriors – $1.67

Broncos – $2.25

The Warriors are slight favourites to pip the Broncos at home in one of the closest games of the round.  Both sides enjoyed relatively comfortable wins last week, with the Broncos in particular looking strong as Ben Hunt finally took a game by the scruff of the neck.

The Warriors youngsters of Kata, Lolohea, Vete and Lisone continue to impress.  But Tomkins is a huge loss at the back of the field.  We feel as though that’s determinative in this one, and that Hunt will take control of the game better than Shaun Johnson will.  Broncos to cause an upset and win by 1-12.

Warriors: 1 Tuimoala Lolohea, 2 Jonathan Wright, 3 Matt Allwood, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Chad Townsend, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jacob Lillyman, 9 Thomas Leuluai, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Bodene Thompson, 12 Ryan Hoffman, 13 Simon Mannering.

Interchange: 14 Nathan Friend, 15 Ben Henry, 16 Sam Lisone, 17 Albert Vete, 18 Dominique Peyroux.

Broncos: 1 Jordan Kahu, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Jack Reed, 4 Justin Hodges, 5 Lachlan Maranta, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Ben Hunt, 8 Josh McGuire, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Adam Blair, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Matt Gillett 13, Corey Parker,

Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Sam Thaiday 17 Kodi Nikorima 18 Todd Lowrie

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

Rossters – $1.16

Raiders – $5.50

The Roosters will be buoyed by Blake Ferguson’s return to form.  He scored two tries last week against the Panthers and looked impressive eon defence and attack.  His form completes the puzzle for the Roosters who look well on their way to a top 4 finish this year.  The interchange strength of the Roosters continues to wow – Kane Evans and Sio Siua Taukeiaho some of the biggest and most exciting forwards in our game.

The Raiders, despite being much improved from last year, can’t quite finish off games.  The win adjacent the Sharks could have been followed up with Warriors and Dragons scalps if their execution had of been better.  they have Jack Wighton back, along with Fensom and Buttriss.

They don’t have a chance though.  Roosters by 13+.

Roosters: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared WaereaHargreaves 9 Matt McIlwrick 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Mitchell Aubusson 15 Dylan Napa 16 Kane Evans 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18 Willie Manu 19 Lagi Setu

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Jarrod Croker © 4. Edrick Lee 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Mitch Cornish 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dane Tilse 11. Jarrad Kennedy 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Shaun Fensom

Interchange: 14. Glen Buttriss 15. Frank-Paul Nuuausala 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm

Cowboys – $1.80

Storm – $2.05

A Cowboys side getting no effort from a tired looking forward-pack are desperate to get some competition points before their 2015 chances fade away.  They host the Storm on Monday, and will be hoping LoLo and Thurston can bring their international experience to a squad lacking in direction.  We’d have them use Jake Granville in the starting hooker spot to spark something different than Kostjasyn, but instead they have dropped O’Neil and Feldt for Wright and Winterstein.

No changes to the Storm.  They played nice against the Sharks last week and will prevail the Cowboys too.  Picking an upset here, Storm 1-12.

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Matthew Wright 3 Tautau Moga 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston 8 Matthew Scott 9 Rory Kostjasyn 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: 14 Jake Granville 15 Kelepi Tanginoa 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 John Asiata.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. William Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Tim Glasby 16. Dayne Weston 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 19. Hymel Hunt

Odds available at Sportsbet.

Rugby League: NRL Round 3 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We enjoyed our strongest week of tipping last week, correctly picking the winning team in 7 of the 8 games, and the winning team and margin in 6 0f the 8 games.  It counts for nothing in a multi bet without boxing it though and we were left to rue the Dragons late win against the Raiders.  A team that had scored 8 points in 160 minutes of Rugby League in the first two weeks somehow found a way to score 8 points in the last 11 minutes of their Round 3 match.  The surge providing one of the few surprises of the weekend.

Here’s how the rest of the games finished up:

Manly Sea Eagles (12) v Canterbury Bulldogs (16)

The Bulldogs got the better of an intense froward battle at Brookvale, edging the contest by two points despite a contentious refereeing decision going against them.  That decision was the bizarre overturning of a Matt Ceccin no-try call by the TMO when he blindly guessed Steve Matai had scored a four pointer amongst several strewn bodies.  That said, the Bulldogs survived the strange call and a late try Pita Hiku to chalk up their second win of the season.  They got plenty of metres out of Aidan Tolman and James Graham, while Sam Perrett and Tim Lafai were dangerous in the outside backs.  Manly’s effort was full of enthusiasm and energy, unfortunately their execution was again missing.  Barring Daly Cheery-Evans, who was one again at the heart of everything his side did in both attack and defence, there were no Manly standouts.

Brisbane Broncos (44) v North Queensland Cowboys (22)

North Queensland’s abysmal start to the season got worse with a heavy defeat to the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp in Friday night’s second game.  An entertaining affair early on with the Broncos opening their account twice inside 12 minutes courtesy of Ben Hunt and Josh MacGuire only to have a the Cowboys break the Broncos defense a few minutes later with Michael Morgan dotting down after a well constructed Cowboys play. Broncos dominated the late stages of the half with a 10 minute master class of finesse and power resulting in 3 tries to Corey Parker, Lachlan Maranta, and McCullough, 32-6 into half time. Winger Kyle Feldt crossed the line 2 minutes into the half to get the Cowboys revival going only to have the Broncos captain Justin Hodges snap up a loose pass moments later and dot down to extend his teams lead. Winger Kyle Feldt picked up a second try with a runaway try in the final minutes to soften the blow for the Cowboys, still a very dominant performance from the Broncos.

New Zealand Warriors (29) v Parramatta Eels (16)

Saturday started off with the Warriors hosting the Eels at Mt Smart. The host’s dominant early on with their new signing Ryan Hoffman crashing over the white wash courtesy of lazy marking, and five minutes later a pin point grubber was snapped up by Solomone Kata. 80 meters out Thomas Leuluai took advantage of lazy marking once again racing away and drawing the last man perfectly with Tuimoala Lolohea dotting down to have the hosts 16-0 up. Manu Vatuvei was on the end of more lazy marking as Chad Townsend cut up the Eels to send the Beast over. The Warriors dominant into the half time break 22-0 up. Early into the second half another pin point kick from Townsend was diffused by Solomone Kata as he rose high to claim the spoils for his second.  Moments later the Eels were back in the game with Takairangi racing down the line to dot down Parramatta’s first of the game. What looked like a strip from Watmough saw the Eels break a Warriors attacking set early, the Eels pouncing on the mistake to dot down in quick successions courtesy of David Gower.

The Eels were in a purple patch and were looking the better of the two claiming another try mid way through the second half with Reece Robinson staying in field to roll over the try line for his second. Shaun Johnson showed his maturity with a drop goal on the 75th minute to put the game out of reach.

Canberra Raiders (20) v St George Illawarra Dragons (22)

Next up was the Raiders hosting the Dragons at GIO stadium. The visitors were the quickest out of the blocks nearly touching down out wide only to be wrestled into touch millimeters away from the goal line. In return the hosts dominated possession with new signing Josh Hodgson crashing over from 10 out to put the Raiders ahead. Some slick footwork from the Raiders halves and creative passing put Sia Soliola into space and the big man took the advantage close to the line to bust through and open his account. The hosts struck again 5 minutes later after a unforced error from the Dragons gifted the Raiders a scrum 30 out with Blake Austin running at the defense dummying multiple times only to race through the defensive line un touched for a try of his own.

The Dragons denied themselves another try scoring opportunity with a fumble then Blake Austin was denied a second deemed to have made a double movement as he touched down. Dragons captain Nightingale then stripped Crocker and the Dragons were on the attack to once again lose possession but resilient defense saw the Dragons keep the Raiders in their half, 2 out from half time Merrin rumbled over for a well deserved try. On the stroke of half time an early charge by the Raiders saw the Dragons gifted another 2 points for the penalty. Halftime, 18-8 Raiders.

The second half opened with a Dragons attack as Nightingale scored out wide through some quick hands. Moments later the Dragons were penalized for holding a player off the ball resulting in a converted penalty by Crocker to extend the lead 20-12. Josh Dugan was sent to the bin moments later for interfering with the Raiders dead ball restart, deemed a professional foul.  Mitch Rein cut through the guts of the Raiders exposing lazy marking and poor tackling 10 minutes from time to ignite a Dragons comeback. Ex Raider Joel Thompson muscled his way over after quick hands through the line gave him the advantage at contact locking the game up 20-20 kick to come which was slotted beautifully 22-20 fulltime, spoils to the Dragons in an excellent come back.

Melbourne Storm (36) v Cronulla Sharks (18)

The Melbourne Storm hosted the Sharks at AAMI Park with the visitor’s winless coming into the game. Melbourne absorbed an early attack from the Sharks only to return the favor which the Sharks could not the brute strength of Tohu Harris crashing over to open the Storms account. Cooper Cronk was next on the board after putting up a bomb which was fumbled by the Sharks defense and fed back Cronk’s way he darted over to put the Storm up 8-0 inside 20. The Storm continued with pressure through the centre of the pitch and finding the Sharks right hand defense weak with Tohu Harris crashing over again from 10 meters out. A wealth of possession 5 minutes from half time saw the Sharks get one back through sustain pressure, Jeff Robson dotting down, halftime 18-6.

Like the first the Storm were back on the scoreboard early, Marika Koroibete claiming the spoils out wide after the Sharks defense swarmed Tohu Harris. More pressure from the Storm was rewarded through Cameron Smith dotting down after a failed strip by the Sharks and messy defense the Captain guided through. Will Chambers crashing over 5 minutes out this time exposing the left hand defense. What looked to be a big defeat for the Sharks was reduced when the Sharks decided to open up more on attack and wild pass from Barba saw Valentine Holmes dot down out wide. With 10 to go a short ball close to the line saw Andrew Fifita crash over to close in on the deficit, for the Sharks too little too late.

South Sydney Rabbitohs (20) v Wests Tigers (6)

ANZ hosted the Rabbitohs and Tigers. The first 30 minutes saw multiple chances from both sides declined through offside and forward pass plays, the Tiger’s intentions were to be the more physical side with some early big hits and runs. Farah darted through the ruck close to the line to open the Tigers account, only to have the Rabbitohs replied minutes later through quick hands out wide with Inglis feeding Alex Johnston. Rabbitohs continued to dominate the remainder of the half scoring again with a Tigers handling knock on in their own half saw the Rabbitohs pounce at the mistake and Reynolds grubber through for Dylan Walker to race through and dot down on the stroke of half time. 10-6 Rabbitohs. 6 minutes into the half Rabbitohs captain Inglis claimed his own 4 pointer with a powerful run 10 out, crashing over his opposite. The remainder of the half continued the physical battle and tempers flared on multiple occasions with Galloway and Grant squaring up after Galloway received some unwanted attention in a tackle.

The reigning premiers closing out the game in the final 5 minutes with Dylan Walker gliding through for his second.

Gold Coast Titans (18) v Newcastle Knights (20)

The Gold Coast Titans hosting the Newcastle Knights with the Titans stars Bird, Taylor, and Fallon returning from their respective drug investigations. The Titans out wide opened the scoring through some slick hands, Anthony Don dotting down with Aiden Sezar slotting the kick from touch. A flat footed Newcastle defense was caught napping and Beau Scott strolled through a gaping hole to open his teams account. The Knights were denied another try after an amazing run from Gagai, a knock on earlier in the play taking away the brilliance of the would be try. The remainder of the half relatively uneventful with Tyrone Roberts slotting a late penalty to end the half 14-6, Knights. Aiden Sezar claimed a try 3 minutes in when two Knights hesitated under a highball. Midway through the second half Aiden Sezar was at it again running nicely off a tackled player to dot down and converted to take the Titans 4 up with 15 to go. The Knights claiming victory minutes out from full time as Jeremy Smith crashes through the line and Roberts converts.

Sydney Roosters (20) v Penrith Panthers (12)

The final game of the round had the Roosters and Panthers at Allianz Stadium. Both sides with similar form in the 2015 season. The Roosters opened the scoring early on through some hard yards up the middle only to have the ball swung out to Kenny-Dowall who dotted down out wide. Panthers denied shortly after catching the Roosters napping out wide man for man only for the diving effort to be deemed lost forward. A rake cost the Panthers another 2 points. Minutes out from half-time a big bomb was claimed by the Panthers and Mansour off loaded in the tackle to Idris who powered over close to the line. Halftime, 8-6 to the Roosters.

After being dominated by Idris, Blake Ferguson got the better of his opposite by easily stepping inside to open his season account 3 minutes into the half. Ferguson crossing 20 minutes later with the Roosters showing quick hands to get the outside men an overlap and Ferguson picking up his second. 15 minutes from time a rather complacent Roosters outfit were caught napping and Lewis Brown cut through the centre and a slick pass to beat the last man saw Segeyaro dot down. The Panthers guilty of the same play moments later was well received with Dylan Napa smashing Segeyaro and forcing a fumble to round out the match 20-12.