Round Six of the NRL season and the mouthwatering clashes aren’t slowing down as we enter the Easter weekend.
The Game of the Week is the Storm and Roosters under Thursday night lights, but the quality matchups certainly don’t stop there.
Our experts break down their best bets for every game.
game of the week: Storm vs. Roosters
6th April 7:50pm
With the Panthers playing the Sea Eagles, the Titans taking on the Dragons and the Knights doing battle with the Warriors, there were several possibilities for this round’s Game of the Week. Alas, we’ve gone with the Thursday night blockbuster between the two major cities, with both the Storm and Roosters recording strong wins in Round Five and important ins/outs, making this as tight as any matchup.
The Storm’s eight-point victory at the home of the Bunnies gives them the slightest edge in this one as they prepare to welcome back key playmaker Jahrome Hughes. Hughes, who missed due to suspension, joins a Storm side that evidently found their groove against Souths, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Nick Meaney playing key roles and Josh King laying 52 tackles.
The Roosters, who sit third on the ladder following an eight-point win over the Eels, will be without star fullback and captain James Tedesco (concussion). Joey Manu will return and fill Teddy’s void for the time being, but they will otherwise be unchanged.
It could certainly go either way, but with Hughes’ return, an away win against the Rabbitohs and a vocal Thursday night crowd behind them, the Storm has slightly more in their favour.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Storm to win
- Leg 2: Over 39.5 total points
- Leg 3: D. Tupou score anytime
- Leg 4: X. Coates score anytime
- Total: $10
Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs
7th April 4:05pm
The Bulldogs will undoubtedly be up against it when they host the Rabbitohs, even after their one-point win over the Cowboys. They lose Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Franklin Pele and Jayden Okunbor, while the Bunnies will be without Alex Johnston. The Souths have more to lose after last week’s defeat at the hands of the Storm.
Suggested Bet: Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3.25
Cowboys vs. Dolphins
7th April 8:00pm
The Cowboys are yet to get going five rounds into the season, but the signs were there in their close loss to the Bulldogs. The return of Scott Drinkwater couldn’t have come quick enough as he slots straight back into fullback. It could be Phins down for the newest franchise after their 26-point loss to the Dragons and a raft of injuries.
Suggested Bet: Cowboys to win @ $1.35
Panthers vs. Sea Eagles
8th April 5:30PM
Form is temporary, class is permanent, and the Panthers are double dipping with both. They were back to their very best against the Raiders (12-53), with a nine-try performance, including doubles to Sunia Turuva and Izack Tago. The Sea Eagles had no answer for Dominic Young and his four tries for the Knights, tying a game they would’ve pencilled into the win column. This is the Panthers’ chance to prove they’re back.
Suggested Bet: Panthers (-9.5) @ $1.88
Broncos vs. Raiders
8th April 7:35PM
The ladder leaders against the 16th-placed Raiders bodes as an ugly matchup on paper. The Broncos were far too strong for the Tigers in their 34-point win, while the Raiders were on the wrong end of a shellacking from the Panthers—a second consecutive percentage booster for Kevin Walters’ chargers.
Suggested Bet: Broncos 13+ @ $1.79
Titans vs. Dragons
9th April 4:05PM
The Titans will be hoping a week off to recharge the batteries was precisely what the doctor ordered as they prepare to host a Dragons side that found some form last round. It was a second-half exhibition from St George as they piled on 26 points to the Dolphins’ four. Jayden Campbell goes to fullback for the Titans, and Toby Sexton is the new five-eighth in place of Kieran Foran. One of the closer matchups.
Suggested Bet: Titans to win @$1.75
Knights vs. Warriors
9th April 6:15PM
The Warriors are getting the kudos they deserve in the market as they enter as $1.80 favourites. It comes after they jumped into the second spot on the ladder following a two-point victory over the Sharks. However, the Knights impressed in their own way with a draw against the Sea Eagles, making this as enticing as any game this weekend and their $2 quote very appealing.
Suggested Bet: Knights to win @ $2
Tigers vs. Eels
10th April 4:00PM
Can things get any worse for the Tigers five rounds into the season? Apparently, with a Round Six clash against the Eels, they can. It was a difficult night for the Tigers last week as they managed just two second-half tries in their loss to the Broncos. The Eels, who went down to the Roosters by eight points, present another challenge for the home side as they desperately need to win. With edge forward Shaun Lane returning from a broken jaw, the Eels should be able to record their second win for the year.
Suggested Bet: Eels (-12.5) @ $1.94
