With Origin II on our doorstep, we’ve got five games of NRL to dive into this weekend.
BetDeluxe takes a look at each game, including the intriguing match-up between the Eels and Sea Eagles.
game of the week: Eels vs. Sea Eagles
17th June 5:30pm
A resurgent Parramatta Eels are searching for their fourth straight win this weekend when they host the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday.
Sitting in ninth spot on the ladder and within arm’s reach of the top eight, the Eels’ midseason revival has involved wins over the Souths, the Cowboys, and the Bulldogs. Their most recent outing against Canterbury was a Clinton Gutherson bonanza as he punched home three tries in the first 24 minutes before the Eels ran out 22-point winners. Mitch Moses has been selected for NSW following his run of form, while Junior Paulo will also sit out ahead of Origin.
Despite sitting one spot above their rivals in eighth, the Sea Eagles will enter the match as $2.40 underdogs. Of course, they will be without Origin representatives Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic as former Eel Jake Arthur steps in as halfback. Anthony Seibold’s men returned from the bye-round with a 40-point demolition of the Dolphins and a treble from Reuben Garrick.
The Eels have the runs on the board of late, and with both sides missing key players due to Origin, we’re happy to stick with them at anything above $1.50.
Suggested Bet: Eels to win @ $1.55
Cowboys vs. Panthers
16th June 8:00pm
The first of five NRL games kicks off Friday night with the Cowboys returning from the bye against the in-form ladder leaders. Both teams have been decimated by Origin, with at least five starters from each sitting it out. It could be an unattractive game but expect Ivan Cleary to pull something out of his hat.
Suggested Bet: Panthers to win @ $1.66
Knights vs. Roosters
17th June 3:00pm
The Knights pushed the Broncos to within four points last week, while the Roosters gave up 20 points in the second half during their heavy loss to the Panthers. With their sole try scorer last week, James Tedesco, missing due to Origin, it’s hard to see the Roosters making any inroads on Newcastle’s home soil.
Suggested Bet: Knights to win @ $1.53
Tigers vs. Storm
17th June 7:35PM
The Storm will enter as short-priced favourites following their 44-point demolition of Cronulla. Still, they must navigate the loss of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates (Origin), and Christian Welch (suspension). Wests were no match for the Titans, but let’s not forget they went within one point of the Raiders at the same venue two weeks ago. Storm just.
Suggested Bet: Storm 1-12 @ $2.85
Sharks vs. Bulldogs
18th June 4:05PM
Who expected the Sharks’ capitulation against the Storm? We didn’t. Cronulla, who has fallen from second to fifth on the ladder, must bounce back after their performance in Melbourne. Still, Nicho Hynes’ availability will buoy them after he was left out of the NSW Origin team. With one win from their past five, this will likely be a long night for the Bulldogs against a Sharks outfit hellbent on redemption.
Suggested Bet: Sharks (-12.5) @ $1.91
