The Big Marn’s NRL Round 23 Preview
Friday 7:35pm (AEST) South Sydney Rabbitohs $1.85 v Manly Sea Eagles $1.95 – Bluetongue Stadium
This will be an outstanding clash between two of the competition heavyweights as they both look to cement a top four spot.
Souths is on a six game winning streak and a win in Gosford will all but secure a top four finish before the finals begin.
The Rabbitohs welcome back some big names in Issac Luke and Roy Asotasi for this clash.
These sides played at Bluetongue Stadium last year with the Rabbitohs winning 32-30.
Should be a really good game of footy with the Sea Eagles winning in a close one.
Friday 7:35pm (AEST) Melbourne Storm $1.36 v Gold Coast Titans $3.15 – AAMI Park
The Storm returned to form in emphatic fashion last week with a 46-6 thumping of Penrith.
The big three in Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk & Cameron Smith were back to their best and will be looking to produce a similar performance against the Titans.
The Storm has won the past three clashes against the Titans comfortably and this shan’t be any different.
It’s a crucial game for the Titans as they now sit a win outside the top eight, but will welcome back Greg Bird in a boost to their chances.
The Storm looks to have clicked back into gear and should be too strong for the Titans.
Saturday 5:30pm (AEST) Parramatta Eels $2.15 v Sydney Roosters $1.70 – Parramatta Stadium
After the Tigers and Eels match last week, anything could happen in this one! Expect a high scoring affair!
The Roosters upset the Dragons last week and will be looking for another win in a disappointing season for the tri-colours.
There will be some exciting talent on show as both clubs look towards next season with all eyes on the Roosters wingers, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck & Tautau Moga. Definite stars of the future.
The Eels will be looking to bounce back and this could potentially be Nathan Hindmarsh’s last match at Parramatta Stadium if the last round clash with the Dragons is moved to ANZ Stadium.
I’ll take the Eels in this one and the $2.15 with Sportingbet Australia looks value.
Saturday 7:30pm (AEST) Wests Tigers $1.65 v St George Illawarra Dragons $2.25 – Allianz Stadium
This is a massive clash between two sides that have built up a rivalry over the past few years.
Tigers rookie Marika Koroibete marked his second 1st grade match with four tries against the Eels last week and won’t be going under the radar this week against the Dragons.
Jamie Soward has been named on an extended for the Dragons after starring for the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup last weekend.
The Dragons tore the Tigers apart earlier in the season, winning 36-12 at Kogarah. The Tigers forwards were labelled soft and wouldn’t have forgotten those stinging comments leading into this match.
The Tigers have won four out of five against the Dragons at Allianz Stadium and should get the cash once again on Saturday night.
Saturday 7:30pm (AEST) North Queensland Cowboys $1.40 v New Zealand Warriors $3 – Dairy Farmers Stadium
I backed the Warriors as my best last week and they were thumped by the Sharks.
You never know what you’re going to get from the Warriors and their mental state has to be questioned after throwing away two 18-0 leads before last week’s hammering by the Sharks.
The Cowboys played a tough game against the Sea Eagles and a repeat performance should be enough to account for the Warriors in this one.
James Maloney is a major loss for the Warriors, with rookie Carlos Tuimavave moving to the halves to partner Shaun Johnson.
The Warriors recent record in Townsville is poor and has won just four out of 13 matches against the Cowboys at Dairy Farmers.
The Cowboys will be winning this week and I shan’t be tipping the Warriors after the last few week’s performances.
Sunday 2pm (AEST) Penrith Panthers $2.10 v Canberra Raiders $1.75 – Centrebet Stadium
The Panthers need to keep winning to avoid the wooden spoon, while the Raiders need to keep winning to keep their top eight hopes alive.
The Raiders continued their up and down season last week with a win against the Broncos. Can they back it up on the road against the Panthers?
Penrith met the Storm at the wrong time last week, after the criticism the Storm had been receiving during their five-match losing streak.
It all comes down to what Raiders side turns up to play on Sunday. I can’t be backing them with any confidence, so I’ll stick with the home side.
Sunday 3pm (AEST) Canterbury Bulldogs $1.37 v Brisbane Broncos $3.15 – ANZ Stadium
The Bulldogs have won their past 10 and haven’t suffered a defeat since Rd 10 to the Titans.
They are the front runners to take out the minor premiership with Sportingbet Australia at $1.08.
The Broncos are down on troops with Corey Parker & Alex Glenn missing through injury, but do welcome back Justin Hodges in a boost to their chances against the Bulldogs.
Brisbane has lost their past three matches and will be desperate for a win to stop the slide down the competition ladder.
Will the Bulldogs continue their winning streak or can the Broncos stop their losing one?
Hard to go against the Bulldogs and they will be chalking up win 11 in a row on Sunday.
Monday 7pm (AEST) Newcastle Knights $1.75 v Cronulla Sharks$2.10 – Hunter Stadium
Paul Gallen’s return from injury and the return to form of Todd Carney helped the Sharks to a 45-4 thumping over the Warriors last week.
The Knights came up against a red hot Bulldogs side and their season potentially goes on the line this week against the Sharks.
The Sharks can all but cement their finals position with a win over the Knights but will have to overcome the history books.
Newcastle has won their past four clashes against the Sharks and 13/17 played at Hunter Stadium.
The performance of the Sharks against the Warriors was impressive and I’m tipping them to get the job done in Newcastle despite their poor record. $2.10 with Sportingbet Australia looks a great price.
Best Bet – Penrith @ $2.15 with Sportingbet Australia
Sportingbet Australia NRL Premiership Winner Market
Canterbury Bulldogs $4
Melbourne Storm $4.50
South Sydney Rabbitohs $4.50
Manly Sea Eagles $5
North Queensland Cowboys $14
Brisbane Broncos $16
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