Will the Storm continue their recent dominance against the Broncos?
Can the Sea Eagles celebrate a favourite son in style against the champs?
BetDeluxe takes a look at four blockbuster match-ups and provides best bets for each game.
Storm vs. Broncos
4th April 8:00PM
There are few scarier propositions than coming up against Melbourne Storm at Aami Park. Still, the bonus of a post-bye and refreshed Purple Army means the Broncos will enter the game as $2.79 underdogs on Thursday night.
The fifth-placed Storm suffered their first loss of the season before the bye but will be expected to recapture the same form that defeated the Panthers and Warriors at home in the first two rounds. Cameron Munster (groin), Jahrome Hughes (suspension) and Christian Welch (concussion) are all set to return for the Storm as they look to win their 15th match against the Broncos from their past 16 meetings.
Despite missing star fullback Reece Walsh, the Broncos proved far too strong for the Cowboys during their 38-12 victory. With six different players finding the line, Kevin Walters’ men will need a similar all-round display if they are to have any chance against a near full-strength Storm.
Melbourne is searching for its 12th consecutive win at AAMI Park – a record we can’t imagine ending at the hands of Brisbane.
TIP: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Storm to win
- Leg 2: Over 39.5 points
- Leg 3: J. Arthars score anytime
- Leg 4: R. Papenhuyzen score anytime
- Total: $10
Rabbitohs vs. Warriors
6th April 3:00pm
Happy to take small wins at this point of the season, the Rabbitohs bounced out of last place on the NRL ladder with a four-point triumph over the Bulldogs on Friday night.
While their performance was far from convincing, the Bunnies snapped a three-game losing streak as they look to get their season back on track and heading towards the top half of the ladder. Disappointingly, Alex Johnston has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson.
The Warriors, who are currently $1.78 favourites with BetDeluxe, made it two wins from four games when they defeated the Knights 20-12 in Auckland. It was another defensive masterclass from the Kiwi Machine, who are ranked below only Melbourne, Penrith and Sydney for points against with 17 per game.
While the Rabbitohs have scored 208 points in their past five games against the Warriors, the improved NZ defence should hold firm in this one.
TIP: Warriors to win @ $1.78
Sea Eagles vs Panthers
6th April 5:30pm
The triple premiers will be looking to reclaim top spot on the ladder from the Dolphins this weekend and it all starts with a trip to 4 Pines Park against Manly on Saturday afternoon.
The $1.60 Panthers have now pieced together three consecutive wins against the Eels, Broncos, and Roosters over the past three weeks, with their most recent coming off an impressive treble from Sunia Turuva. While Nathan Cleary remains sidelined, the Panthers will be buoyed by their recent record at Manly’s home track, winning their past four outings.
The Sea Eagles have slumped into 11th spot on the ladder following their shock 20-12 loss to the Dragons and will be hellbent on re-entering the eight with an improved performance. They’ve lost two on the trot after winning their first two impressively against the Bunnies and Roosters.
While they haven’t tasted success against the Panthers since 2018, they’ll have a lot more to play for as Daly Cherry-Evans runs out for a club record 310th time.
TIP: D. Edwards anytime try scorer @ $2.70
Dolphins vs. Tigers
6th April 7:35pm
While many predicted an improved Dolphins outfit in 2024, few would’ve forecast Wayne Bennett’s men holding down the #1 spot four rounds into the season.
The Dolphins have a great chance to solidify their position atop the NRL ladder when they host Wests at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. They’ll enter the game full of confidence following their 16-point away win over the Titans, having now plundered 68 points in their past two games.
But if confidence is key to winning this game, it would take a brave punter to look past the sixth-placed Tigers after their incredible 16-17 win over the Eels. A far cry from the team that won four games and finished 17th last season, the Benji Marshall-led Tigers have now downed Parramatta and Cronulla in consecutive games.
The Tigers have won only two of their past 11 games in Queensland but are riding a wave of confidence we’ve not seen for years. A close one.
TIP: Dolphins 1-12 @ $2.80
