Will the effects of State Of Origin III be felt throughout the NRL this weekend?
BetDeluxe looks at every Round 20 game, including the power house clash between the Roosters and Storm.
game of the week: Roosters vs. Storm
15th July 7:35pm
It might not be the closest match-up in the market, but there’s no doubt the Roosters and Storm clash will draw a lot of eyeballs on Saturday night.
With both sides entering off the Round 19 bye, the pressure is mounting on the Roosters to launch into a late-season finals run after winning just seven of their 16 games and sitting in 13th spot on the ladder. They boast a massive list of ins for this week, with Brandon Smith, Billy Smith, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii among their inclusions.
Storm will be quietly confident ahead of their trip to the SCG, given they’ve lost to the Roosters just once since 2019. Provided Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Xavier Coates are all available three days after Origin III, the Storm will be looking to improve upon their 4-3 away record and cement their spot in the top four.
Recent form is good form, and with the Storm’s defensive prowess going up against a Roosters side that has outscored only Wests this season, we’re following Craig Bellamy and his Melbourne men in on enemy territory.
Suggested Bet: Storm to win @ $1.53
Knights vs. Wests
14th July 8:00pm
Despite their lowly ranking of 14th, the Knights have had somewhat of a resurgence since Round 13 and capped it off with a blistering 66-0 victory over Canterbury two weeks ago. After breaking his jaw, Apisai Koroisau is back for Wests, but it will unlikely be enough as they try to end a five-game losing streak.
Suggested Bet: Knights 13+ @ $1.88
Bulldogs vs. Broncos
15th July 3:00pm
So, did anyone back the Bulldogs against the Bunnies? In one of the season’s biggest surprises, Canterbury held on for a stunning four-point victory after piling on a Blake Wilson double and four tries in the opening half. Payne Haas (ankle) is a massive loss for the Broncos, and Pat Carrigan will need to recover from Origin III, but they should maintain their spot in the top two.
Suggested Bet: Broncos to win @ $1.43
Sea Eagles vs. Cowboys
15th July 5:30PM
Another game that will be impacted heavily by the availability of Origin representatives. Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will be monitored for the Sea Eagles, while Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai have all been selected for the Cowboys. The Cowboys’ four-game run has been impressive, and they’ll need everything they have to make it a five-for.
Suggested Bet: Cowboys 1-12 @ $3.05
Warriors vs. Sharks
16th July 2:00PM
The tightest clash in the market, with the Warriors currently $1.97 outsiders against the $1.87 Sharks. It flies in the face of the Warriors’ four wins from their past five, including a dominant 36-point win over a Cowboys unit missing several Origin stars. The Sharks’ 5-2 away record holds them in good stead, making this a clash not to be missed.
Suggested Bet: R. Mulitalo anytime try scorer @ $1.67
Dolphins vs. Panthers
16th July 4:05PM
The NRL’s newest team will face off with the reigning premiers for the very first time when the two sides clash at Kayo Stadium. It will be a Dolphins unit with far more confidence than a week ago, having defeated the Titans in golden point and snapping a five-game losing streak. Nathan Cleary has been named on an extended bench for the ladder leaders, but irrespective of his inclusion, the Panthers should get the job done.
Suggested Bet: Panthers first team to score a try @ $1.41
Eels vs. Titans
16th July 6:15pm
The Eels came back down to earth in their most recent outing against the Warriors, with their 36-point loss breaking a five-game winning streak. However, they will welcome back Origin trio Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, provided they make it through Game III unscathed. David Fifita will lead the inclusions for the Titans, but with one win from their past eight games against the Eels, we’re with Brad Arthur and his men.
Suggested Bet: Eels 1-12 @ $3.15
