Who sits on top of the NRL ladder after Round 10?
BetDeluxe takes a look at four blockbuster match-ups, including the top-of-the-table clash between the Storm and Sharks.
Dolphins vs. Sea Eagles
9th May 7:50PM
Will last week’s shock loss to the Raiders derail Manly’s 2024 season? We’ll certainly know more at the conclusion of Thursday night’s blockbuster against the in-form Dolphins.
It’s been a long week for Anthony Seibold and his chargers since they gave up a 24-6 lead against the Raiders, including the last four tries of the match. Lachlan Croker (concussion) and Nathan Brown (hip) drop out of the side for their away clash against the Dolphins, but they will be buoyed by the return of Ben Trbojevic, who slots straight back into the forward pack.
Bouncing back won’t be an easy task for the Sea Eagles as they come up against a Dolphins outfit hot off a two-point victory over the Cowboys. Jamayne Isaako was unstoppable in Townsville, punching home a treble and sinking 4/5 conversions. Former Bronco Herbie Farnworth (shoulder) is a massive inclusion for Wayne Bennett as the Dolphins attempt to improve on the 2-2 home record and solidify their spot in the four.
TIP: J. Isaako, anytime try scorer @ $1.88
Eels vs. Broncos
10th May 8:00pm
Speaking of dark days for teams expected to threaten in finals, the Broncos lowered their colours against the Roosters on Friday night with an 18-40 loss at Suncorp Stadium.
The game was all but over at half-time (6-18) before the Roosters piled on more pain with another 4 tries to two in the second half. Injuries have hit the Broncos hard, with skipper Adam Reynolds (bicep) and Jesse Arthars (jaw) both sidelined for extended periods.
Similarly, the well-rested Eels have their own injuries concerns with fullback Clint Gutherson (knee) joining star halfback Mitch Moses (foot) in the medical room. Young gun, Blaize Talagi, will come in for Gutherson, but history says it will be difficult for the Eels as they’ve lost their last nine games without their regular fullback.
The Broncos should be able to exploit the Eels’ defensive deficiencies and get their season back on track.
TIP: Broncos 1-12 @ $2.90
Storm vs. Sharks
11th May 7:35pm
Top spot on the ladder is up for grabs on Saturday night when the second-placed Storm hosts the ladder-leading Sharks at Aami Park.
The Storm, who enter the match as $1.79 favourites with BetDeluxe, continued their dominance in tight affairs with a two-point victory over the Titans on the Gold Coast. Six of their seven wins have been eight points or less. There are two substantial omissions for the home side, however, with Jahrome Hughes (calf) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle) replaced by Tyran Wishart and Sualauvi Fa’alogo, respectively.
The Sharks delivered another defensive masterclass in their 20-10 win over the Dragons last week, taking their average points against to 14 per game. While they have a clean bill of health ahead of their biggest test of the season, they’ll need to break an Aami Park hoodoo dating back to 2018.
Clearly the match of the round, but the Storm should be able to extend their home winning streak to 15.
TIP: Storm to win @ $1.79
Roosters vs. Warriors
12th May 2:00pm
As they do most years, the Roosters have delivered serious finals-like hope to their legion of fans following last week’s 22-point demolition of the Broncos at Suncorp.
Angus Crichton and Terrell May did the damage with a double each, while Connor Watson made a game-high 54 tackles. Their 40 points takes their tally over the past two weeks to 100 after also dismantling the Dragons on Anzac Day. Things are only looking up for Trent Robinson and his chargers with the expected return of the big four: Brandon Smith (calf), Daniel Tupou (knee), Victor Radley (hamstring) and Spencer Leniu (suspension).
While the Roosters are entering a bit of a purple patch, the opposite can be said for the Warriors as they languish in 14th spot on the ladder with three wins and five losses. They struggled offensively against the Knights in their 14-8 loss over the weekend, resulting in a new-look forward pack that involves Mitchell Barnett and Bunty Afoa.
With a 0-7 record against the Roosters from their past seven, it’s hard to make any case whatsoever for the embattled Warriors.
TIP: Over (+42.5) total points @ $1.88
