How good was Round One of NRL action?
Our experts break down the best bets for every game of Round Two.
Panthers vs. Rabbitohs
9th March 8:00pm
Despite their $1.51 quote, the Panthers face a challenging task as they try and register their first win of the year against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Panthers were shock losers in their Round One match with the Brisbane Broncos, going down 12-13 via an Adam Reynolds field goal late in the second half. They dominated the stat sheet with 54% possession and more than 400+ metres run but couldn’t break through the Broncos’ defense in the second half.
On the other hand, the Rabbitohs will be full of confidence following their 18-27 victory over Cronulla at Shark Park, with Campbell Graham scoring two tries in the second half. The Rabbitohs look primed for another tilt at the premiership, but a winless Penrith at home could prove too much of a challenge.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Panthers to win
- Leg 2: Under 38.5 total points
- Leg 3: Panthers first to 10 points
- Leg 4: A. Johnston to score anytime
- Total: $9
Eels vs. Sharks
10th March 6:00pm
The Parramatta Eels will enter their Round Two clash against the Cronulla Sharks as $1.50 favourites with BetDeluxe after both sides lost their season openers last week.
The Eels were courageous in their 12-16 loss to the Storm but couldn’t stop Harry Grant’s magical game-winner in the 83rd minute. It’s not all doom and gloom for the 2022 grand finalists as they welcome Sean Russell back into the fold after missing the first game through suspension.
The Sharks will be just as hungry as the Eels following their 18-27 loss to the Rabbitohs. Both sides were 12-all at the half-time break, but the Sharks couldn’t hold off their opponents with just the one second-half try to Teig Wilton.
Unfortunately for Sharks fans, their captain, Wade Graham, has been ruled out for the next four weeks for a reckless high tackle on South Sydney’s Davvy Moale.
Suggested Bet: Eels to win @ $1.50
Broncos vs. Cowboys
10th March 8:00PM
One of the most even match-ups with BetDeluxe pits the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys in the Queensland Derby.
The Broncos enter the game as $1.80 favourites after their upset victory over the reigning premiers Penrith on Friday night. Herbie Farnworth was the man of the moment with two tries in the 15th and 19th minute of the match until a late field goal to Adam Reynolds sealed the deal by one point.
The Cowboys were impressive in their first half against the Raiders with three tries to one, before giving them a sniff and holding off by just one point.
Star recruit, Reece Walsh, will make his debut for the Broncos as they look to go two from two to start the season.
Suggested Bet: Broncos to win @ $1.79
Roosters vs. Warriors
11th March 3:00PM
Who ordered the upset of the round? Or perhaps the season?
The Roosters had no answers for the newest kids on the block, going down to the Dolphins 28-18 in one of the great NRL boil-overs. While they had no excuses with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco all playing, they will be buoyed by the return of centre Joey Manu this week.
$5.20 feels a bit rough for a Warriors outfit who defeated the Newcastle Knights 20-12 in their Round One opener. The most pleasing aspect of the Warriors’ victory was their ability to share the load with four different try-scorers on the night.
While $1.17 is too short for the Roosters, they’re expected to bounce back in a big way.
Suggested Bet: J. Tedesco to score anytime @ $2.05
Dolphins vs. Raiders
11th March 5:30PM
If somebody told you this would be arguably the match of the round two weeks ago, you would have been calling for a concussion test. But after their first-round victory over the Sydney Roosters, the Dolphins have already made their mark on the NRL.
With the scores level at 12-12 at half-time, the Dolphins came out firing with three tries in 16 minutes. Jamayne Isaako was the main destroyer, with two tries and four conversions.
As for the Raiders, are they the Allen Iverson of the NRL? After finishing last and with a 48-point differential in the Pre-Season Challenge, the Raiders took it right up to the Cowboys and eventually lost by just one point.
It’s hard to say the Dolphins will replicate their Round One performance, but if they come close, there’s value to be found in the market.
Suggested Bet: Dolphins (+5.5) @ $1.90
Storm vs. Bulldogs
11th March 7:35PM
The Melbourne Storm’s perfect Round One record under Craig Bellamy remained intact after they accounted for the Parramatta Eels by four points.
With the scores level after 80 minutes, it took a piece of magic from hooker Harry Grant in the 83rd minute to snatch another opening-round victory for the Storm boys.
The Bulldogs weren’t quite as lucky against the Sea Eagles as they suffered the most significant loss of the round, going down 31-6. Reed Mahoney was the sole try-scorer for Canterbury as Daly Cherry-Evans turned on a second-half masterclass with a hat trick.
Despite losing Cameron Munster to a finger injury, it’s hard to see the Storm troubled by the Bulldogs in Melbourne.
Suggested Bet: N. Meaney to score anytime @ $2.65
Tigers vs. Knights
12th March 4:05PM
In another game where both sides will be desperate to notch their first win of the season, the Wests Tigers will host the Newcastle Knights.
The Tigers were no match for the improved Gold Coast Titans last week, going down 10-22 at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers couldn’t break through the Titans’ defense in the first half but hit the scoreboard with tries to Adam Doueihi and Daine Laurie in the second. They have a significant change for this one, with three-time premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau named to start.
The Knights also found the going tough in their first match as they fell to the NZ Warriors by eight points. Their star centre, Dane Gagai, will return from a hamstring injury.
Suggested Bet: Tigers to win @ $1.72
Dragons vs. Titans
12th March 6:15PM
St George Illawarra will kick-start their 2023 campaign against the Gold Coast Titans after sitting out with the Round One bye.
The Dragons failed to register a win in the Pre-Season Challenge but will still enter the match as $1.86 favourites.
The Titans proved their impressive pre-season form was no fluke as they emphatically defeated the Tigers 10-22. Phillip Sami top-scored with two tries in the opening half, while David Fifita ran for 206m.
Suggested Bet: Titans to win @ $1.94
