It’s Round 13 of the NRL season, and the first State of Origin match is just days away.
With this in mind, BetDeluxe dives head-on into all five games this weekend.
game of the week: Rabbitohs vs. Raiders
27th May 7:35pm
With the first State of Origin match kicking off next Wednesday, we’re left with five games to focus our attention on. Despite both sides losing their Round 12 encounters, the match-up between the Rabbitohs and Raiders is as enticing as any this weekend, with the Bunnies $1.77 favourites on the back of crucial Origin omissions.
Souths would have been far shorter two weeks ago, but their six-game winning streak ended at the hands of the Parramatta Eels. Trailing by just two points at half-time, Souths had no answer for the Eels’ four-try onslaught in the second half and ended up losing 16-36. Campbell Graham has been named to play despite a sternum injury forcing him to withdraw from the NSW squad, while Blake Taafe comes in for Latrell Mitchell.
The Raiders will be looking to bounce back in a similar fashion after they were comprehensively defeated by the Sea Eagles, ending their own five-game winning run. After scoring the match’s first try through Elliott Whitehead, the Raiders watched as Anthony Seibold’s men piled on eight tries to one. They’ll be without Hudson Young due to his Origin debut, while Whitehead has been suspended.
The effects of Origin will be felt more so by the second-placed Rabbitohs, but it’s hard to see them losing two home games in succession.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Souths to win
- Leg 2: Over 42.5 points
- Leg 3: A. Johnston score anytime
- Leg 4: J. Rapana score anytime
- Total: $8
Dolphins vs. Dragons
25th May 7:50pm
No coach, no worries for the Dragons. Despite parting ways with Anthony Griffin last week, the players caused the boil over the season with a two-point victory over the Roosters. They’ll be without Ben Hunt (Origin) but will be buoyed by the return of Jack Bird. Despite missing Tom Gilbert (Origin) and Felise Kaufusi (suspension), the Dolphins should be able to bounce back from losing to the Storm.
Suggested Bet: Dolphins to win @ $1.50
Eels vs. Cowboys
26th May 8:00pm
One of these teams downed the Rabbitohs by 20 points, while the other was obliterated by Wests to the tune of 48. Add in the fact that the Cowboys will be without Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden due to Maroon’s Origin duties, and we’re taking the in-form Eels.
Suggested Bet: B. Simonsson anytime try scorer @ $2.30
Warriors vs. Broncos
27th May 7:30PM
Another exciting match-up that will be heavily affected by State of Origin, the Warriors are short-priced $1.45 favourites heading into this one. The Broncos, who have now lost three of their past four games, lose Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas, and Thomas Flegler. It’s far too much quality for a cold Brisbane outfit.
Suggested Bet: Warriors to win @ $1.45
Knights vs. Sea Eagles
28th May 4:05PM
The Sea Eagles returned to form in a big way against the Raiders with a 28-point victory, but they will be without star duo, Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic. Kalyn Ponga is set to return to fullback for the Knights, who will be looking to maintain their decent form at home.
Suggested Bet: Knights 1-12 @ $3.20
