Couch Critic provides the betting tips for the NRL matches taking place on 28th and 29th May in this preview brought to you by @Olimp_SA
BRISBANE BRONCOS vs PARAMATTA EELS – Thu 28 May @ 11:50, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos
Players:
Staggs, Isaako and Haas – Often don’t know who is a back and who a forward as they all have both pace and power. Croft & Milford are the clever creators to unleash those impact players. David Fafita and Pangai Jnr sitting out this round are big losses for the Broncos.
Thus far:
Beat Cowboys & Bunnies in very tight tussles.
Eels
Players:
Watch out for Mitch Moses creating the spark whilst Maika Sivo brings the heat (and power). Nathan Brown missing for Round three is troublesome for the Eels.
Thus Far:
Stuttered in opener vs Bulldogs but smashed the Titans in impressive fashion.
Verdict
Broncos were humiliated in the 2019 playoffs to the tune of 58 zip by the Eels and they will be keen for revenge. The Broncos might not have their home fans in attendance but should still enjoy the comforts of their home changeroom. As the betting suggests this one should be seriously tight, and I wouldn’t want to call a winner.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS vs GOLD COAST TITANS – Fri 29 May @ 10:00, Townsville
Cowboys
Players:
Jason Taumalolo is one of the biggest units in the game and Coen Hess is a complete package of pace and power. Valentine Holmes is not only back in the NRL but he’s back in his hometown and the fullback could be poised for a huge season with the Cowboys. Scott Drinkwater is the talented Stand-off tasked with pulling the right strings for the North Queenslanders.
Thus Far:
Narrow loss to Broncos and solid win over Bulldogs.
Titans
Players:
“The Don” Anthony Don has the size but he can’t do it all on his own for the Gold Coast.
Thus Far:
Suffered rather comprehensive beatings at the hands of the Raiders and Eels.
Verdict
Before the break the Cowboys just had a few too many soft moments in their matches. After fluffing their lines in their opening match at their brand-new Queensland Country Bank Stadium they should be up and running this time around against a Titans side which hasn’t offered much.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS – Fri 29 May @ 11:55, Bankwest Stadium
Roosters
Players:
In Dan Tupou and Joseph Manu the Roosters have players that can change a game on their own. Luke Keary is a lively playmaker in the No 6 jumper (who will be dead keen on getting the ball down as soon as he gets over the tryline from now on).
Thus far:
Cruised to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter over the Panthers in the opener but things have only gone South from there as they also lost to the Manly Sea Eagles.
Rabbitohs
Players:
Adam Reynolds is a superb decision-maker (watch out for his dangerous little grubbers). Latrell Mitchell – Hasn’t yet found his feet in Bunnies green but a dangerous outside back when firing and will be keen as mustard to shine against his old team mates. Cody Walker’ suspension disrupts their dual playmaking combination for the Bunnies.
Thus Far:
Didn’t quite put the Sharks away and almost got caught late. Came up just short against the Broncos.
Verdict
The biggest rivalry in Rugby League - these Sydney neighbours always leave their best for this bitter derby. This will probably be more physical and confrontational than pretty. Neither side have started the 2020 campaign like title contenders and the Tri-Colours in particular will want to show why pundits fancy them to defend their title.
BEST BETS
The Broncos have won by a four-point margin and a seven-point margin thus far. This really should be a coin flip in terms of the result, but the small margin of victory seems a near certainty – I’m leaning toward the Broncos but wouldn’t put anyone off going for the Eels in this same market.
The Brisbane boys have looked full of running but the Eels have only let in one try across two games thus far. This is the first game back after a long layoff and it’s expected to be extremely tight, so early penalties are likely to be taken at goal.
All the signs point to the Cowboys saddling up big time in Townsville and delivering a sound victory in this encounter.
As stated above, Holmes is a dynamic player whom I expect to have a sublime 2020 campaign. I reckon he is good value to dine out against the Titans.
The Roosters managed a meagre 22 points over two games before the break. Their arch rivals chalked up forty but I’m expecting a tight arm-wrestle which should see a low-scoring contest.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
