The Big Marn’s NRL Round 24 Preview
Friday 7:35pm (AEST) Brisbane Broncos $2.40 v Melbourne Storm $1.60 – Suncorp Stadium
The Storm had to work hard for their win against the Titans last week and it took a half-time spray from coach Craig Bellamy to get the job done.
Melbourne has won its past three matches against the Broncos and has won six out of nine matches at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos let a 14-0 lead slip against the Bulldogs last week and can’t afford to make the same mistake against the Storm.
Brisbane will be desperate and need a win to stop the slide down the ladder as the chasing pack is gaining ground on them.
I’m tipping the Storm and the $1.60 with Sportingbet Australia looks to be a good price.
Friday 7:35pm (AEST) Canterbury Bulldogs $1.45 v Wests Tigers $2.85 – ANZ Stadium
The Bulldogs will be looking to make it 12 wins in a row when they take on the Tigers on Friday night.
The Tigers are coming off back-to-back wins and will be looking to stretch the gap to the sides outside the top eight with victory.
Canterbury has won the last three against the Tigers and with the form of Ben Barba, win number 12 doesn’t look too far away.
The Bulldogs will also be boosted by the return of Sam Kasiano and James Graham from injury.
Hard to go against the Bulldogs with the form they are in and I’ll be taking the $1.45 with Sportingbet Australia.
Saturday 5:30pm (AEST) Canberra Raiders $1.45 v Sydney Roosters $2.85 – Canberra Stadium
The Raiders sit two points outside the top eight and need to win all their remaining matches to keep their finals hopes alive.
Despite the poor form of the Roosters, they have won four out of their past five against the Raiders.
The battle for the Roosters captaincy continues with Braith Anasta leaving the club for the Tigers next season and a good performance from a player that leads from the front could seal the deal.
The Raiders have been up and down all season and this is a match they should win but I’m not confident.
Saturday 7:30pm (AEST) Cronulla Sharks $2.65 v South Sydney Rabbitohs $1.48 – Toyota Stadium
This is a massive match for both sides and a match the Sharks desperately need to win to try and cement their spot in the finals.
The Sharks have a tough run home after Souths with matches against the Storm and Cowboys, so a loss here and the pressure starts to build.
The Rabbitohs have won five of the past six matches against the Sharks and will fancy their chances at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night.
Greg Inglis returns to the Souths side after his suspension and it couldn’t come up at a worse time for the Sharks.
I’m sticking solid with my Sharks and the $2.65 with Sportingbet Australia looks outstanding value!
Sunday 12:00pm (AEST) New Zealand Warriors $1.33 v Penrith Panthers $3.45 – Mt Smart Stadium
How do you pick this one?
The Warriors have been diabolical the past two weeks and the Panthers are a big chance of taking out the wooden spoon.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary comes up against his former side and would love a victory in a disappointing season for the Panthers.
Travis Robinson replaces the suspended Michael Jennings in the centres and could have a tough day at the office if he marks up against Konrad Hurrell.
The Warriors have won their past four against the Panthers and for the sake of a tip I’ll take the Warriors but I’m not confident.
Sunday 2pm (AEST) Gold Coast Titans $1.48 v Parramatta Eels $2.72 – Skilled Park
The Titans sit two wins outside the top eight and this is a must-win match against the bottom-placed Eels.
Gold Coast has been struck with injuries at the wrong time of the season.
Luke Bailey is out with a season-ending Achilles injury, while Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and William Zillman are in some doubt.
Parramatta recorded a rare win last week and will be hoping that continues this week to try and hand the spoon to the Panthers by the end of the season.
The Eels are dangerous with the ball but are leaking too many points for my liking.
I’ll stick with the home side in this one but the Eels are capable of anything on their day.
Sunday 3pm (AEST) Manly Sea Eagles $1.38v Newcastle Knights $3.15 – Brookvale Oval
Manly were impressive last week against the Rabbitohs and have come into equal $4 premiership favourites at Sportingbet Australia.
The defending premiers are back to full strength with the return of Steve Matai and Jason King and have signalled a warning to the rest of the competition.
The Knights were impressive in their victory over the Sharks in Monday night football and will need to keep winning to make the finals.
Newcastle has a tough run home with matches to come against the Cowboys and Rabbitohs and a loss at Brookvale Oval will make it even tougher.
Brookvale Oval hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Knights. They have won just two of 14 matches against the Sea Eagles at Brookie with their last win coming back in 2006.
It’s all about the Sea Eagles for me. They are my best bet of the week and they’ll cover the -7.5 line ($1.90) with Sportingbet Australia.
Monday 7pm (AEST) St George Illawarra Dragons $2.40 v North Queensland Cowboys $1.60 – WIN Stadium
It’s going to be difficult for the Dragons to make the top eight after their loss to the Tigers and will need to win their remaining matches and rely on results going their way.
The Cowboys sit just outside the top four and will need a win in Wollongong to keep alive their top four aspirations.
Matt Cooper returns from injury for the Dragons but it appears they are playing for pride for the remainder of the season.
The Dragons have won six out of nine clashes between the sides at WIN Stadium but it will be the Thurston and Bowen show on Monday night despite the history books.
$1.60 with Sportingbet Australia looks a good price for the Cowboys.
Best Bet – Manly to cover -7.5 @$1.90 with Sportingbet Australia
Sportingbet Australia NRL Premiership Winner Market
Canterbury Bulldogs $4
Manly Sea Eagles $4
Melbourne Storm $4.25
South Sydney Rabbitohs $5.50
North Queensland Cowboys $11
Wests Tigers $21
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