Can the Dolphins keep their maiden finals dream alive?
BetDeluxe dives into three mouthwatering match-ups this weekend.
Dolphins vs. Roosters
2nd August 8:00PM
Can the Dolphins bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Titans? Or will the Roosters inflict more pain on their maiden finals chances this Saturday.
Wayne Bennett’s men were left to rue missed opportunities last Sunday when they gave up a 14-point lead to the Gold Coast and slid to eighth spot on the ladder. With games against the Warriors, Bulldogs and Storm to come over the next month, they certainly have far more to play for than their more established opponents.
As for the Roosters, their run to finals receives a huge boost with the return of Joey Manu (hand). After going down to the Storm two weeks ago, the Tricolours punched home six tries against the Sea Eagles and continued the offensive onslaught they’ve shown throughout the season.
While the Roosters haven’t played in Perth since 1995, it’s hard to see them dropping this one to a Dolphins unit without the home crowd advantage.
TIP: Total points over (+49.5) @ $1.87
Titans vs. Broncos
3rd August 3:00pm
With short-priced favourites everywhere you look across the NRL fixture this weekend, the closest head-to-head match-up in the market will take place when the Titans host the Broncos on Saturday.
Sitting just one spot below the Broncos on the ladder, the Titans will enter this clash as $2.45 underdogs as they look to knock off last year’s grand finalists for the second time this year. They’ve won four of seven since upsetting the Broncos 36-34 at Suncorp Stadium, including an incredible come-from-behind victory over the Dolphins last week. AJ Brimson (groin) and Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral) are set to return to the Titans’ line-up in a massive boost for the home side.
It’s been a completely different tale for the Broncos since their loss to the Titans, having been defeated in five of their six games since. They’ve slumped to 13th spot on the ladder and will need to find a way to turn their form around without Selwyn Cobbo.
With three-straight wins against the Broncos on the table, the Titans might present the best value of any side this weekend.
TIP: Titans to win @ $2.45
Sharks vs. Rabbitohs
3rd August 7:35pm
Another one-sided affair in the market, Cronulla will be looking to hold onto a top-four spot when they face the 15th-placed Rabbitohs on Saturday night.
Heading into the match as $1.28 favourites, the Sharks will attempt to shake a form slump that’s resulted in six losses from their past eight outings. It certainly won’t be a walkover against the Bunnies, with Ronaldo Mulitalo ruled out via a knee injury and Tom Hazelton also missing due to a foot issue. The positive news is star fullback Will Kennedy is back from suspension.
There are equal amounts of pressure on the Rabbitohs this week as they try to keep their slim finals hopes alive. Sitting in 15th with a 7-11 record, Souths will welcome captain Cameron Murray back from suspension, but must find a replacement for star winger Alex Johnston.
Sione Katoa has scored six tries in five games against the Rabbitohs, and we’re counting on him having another night out in this one.
TIP: S. Katoa 2+ tries @ $2.85
