NRL Round 15 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm Preview

Just cast your mind back to this corresponding game last season...I don't think that I need to go into much more detail as we can all remember the brawl that took place (if you can't or want to check it out again click here). In the week of SOO 2, many people have overlooked the fact that this game is the first time that the two teams have met since. Obviously we won't see a complete repeat of what occurred but there is still a lot of animosity between the two teams. This game should be a great clash regardless. Both teams have been playing well this season and as a result find themselves firmly cemented within the Top 8 for now. It is interesting to watch however, that with the removal of Slater from their lineup for around 4-6 weeks due to injury, will they be able to play to the level that they have reached this season? One would suggest not, but it would take a brave man to write off Craig Bellamy and his Storm players. On the other hand you have the Sea Eagles, a team that I have suggested may have an attitude problem considering the teams which they have lost to this year have all been below them on the table. In saying that, they will have no problem switching on for this game. It is a shame that this game is not being played on a free-to-air channel, but you have Channel 9 to blame for that one. No doubt people would have wanted to watch this match more than any other this weekend. If you are lucky enough to have pay TV then enjoy what should be a great game. If not, try to get to a pub or club that does have it or switch on the radio to Triple M to hear it. This game should be a great!

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Eagles were lucky enough to have a week off last week and come into this game with a few stars returning from SOO duty. They all should play but will obviously be given right up until kick off to prove their  fitness. They have named an unchanged lineup (including Vic Mauro as 18th man) from the team that beat the Dragons in their last start. That game was not the most entertaining game of the season but Manly did what they had to do to get the win. At times this season, Manly have looked unstoppable and at others they have look diobolical. They will not want to lose this game at home considering how much their pride would take a whack if they did. Coach Geoff Toovey hasn't bought into the idea of a repeat of last year but they have plenty of players who can start a brawl so expect them to take it to the Storm team early and be very physical.

Melbourne Storm

Questions are beginning to raised about how the Storm can keep going now minus Billy Slater. He is a great player, one of the best that I have ever seen, and will be sorely missed. But as I mentioned earlier, Coach Bellamy will have his team ready for this game. One player that will be out to prove his worth in this game after two lacklustre performances in SOO, Cooper Cronk. It is hard to listen to people bag this bloke who is clearly just not playing well enough at the moment at representative level, but his club level has been OK. With a player of his class, I would expect him return to his high level of playing in this game. In terms of the team that will take the field, after SOO 1, Cameron Smith started the following club game on the bench but I don't think that it will be the case in this game. Team wise, Matt Duffie will move to fullback for Slater and they have said TBA for their winger. Maurice Blair would be favoured to come into the team as he was named on an extended bench. For what it is worth, Duffie was great at fullback against the Tigers and although he isn't Slater, he is surely up to the task.

Recent History

Overall = Manly 10 - Storm 11

Last 5 games = Manly 3 - Storm 2

At Brookvale Oval = Manly 7 - Storm 3

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Manly $1.55 Storm $2.50

Centrebet = Manly $1.47 Storm $2.47

Sportsbet = Manly $1.60 Storm $2.40

Verdict

Considering where Melbourne are on the table, it is strange to see them outsiders in this game. Obviously they are missing 3 key players, Slater, Chambers and Proctor, but they still are a quality team. But then you have to look at the Storms record at Brookvale and perhaps that gives you an insight into why they are outsiders. Manly have to get up for this game and show a different attitude than they have displayed against weaker opponents. But one is right to believe that because of the enormity of the clash, they will be firing on all cylinders. It looks like a tough game to choose and the more I think of it, the more the Storm seem as though they can win this match. But common sense tells me to take the Eagles. They are at home and have a good pack of forwards and their young halves have to stand up in this one.

Suggested Bet

Manly 1-12 @ $2.75

Storm Victory? = Melbourne +10.5 @ $1.42 - It should be a close game and it you are worried that the Storm might just get done, take a safe bet and have them with a large start. Need greater piece of mind and think that Manly will win by 1-12? They are also +12.5 @ $1.33.

NSW Origin Stars 1st try = B.Stewart @ $9 G.Stewart @ $26 & Watmough @ $21 - All played well on Wednesday night and they will look to take their form into this game. Brett Stewart took the first try on Wednesday too.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 15 Cronulla Sharks v NZ Warriors Preview

The Sharks definitely fought back from a bad loss to Parramatta two weeks ago to forge a win over the inform Titans minus their Origin players. It was certainly a great win considering what the consequences were had they lost. They would have been at the wrong end of the Top 8 and sliding fast. But instead they are firmly in the 8 and take some momentum into this game. The Warriors also played a good game against Penrith away from home. They did suffer a minor blip on the radar when the Panthers scored a few points before halftime and actually led the match. But then they kept the Panthers scoreless in the second half. Both teams have a win in their last match and take some positives going into this match. It should be a great contest but as per usual it'll be wet, cold and windy down at Shark Park!

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks obviously have players returning from SOO and they are the two key players in this game, Paul Gallen and Todd Carney. Gallen is in some doubt with a knee injury but I believe that he will probably play because of his ability to play through pain. They will relish Carney coming back into the lineup but luckily they did win without him last week. They did have a hole in their attack however that he will be able to patch up. If the Sharks played so well last week without their players, then perhaps they can only lift to another level this game.

NZ Warriors

As mentioned earlier, the Warriors fought back against the Panthers and clawed their way to victory. The conditions there were similar to what they will be in this one. They have named an unchanged lineup from MNF and perhaps this is because they have a very short turn around. Also, coaches are reluctant to name a team the day after a game as injuries have not yet been sorted out. They definitely have the potential to win this game, but something has been seriously missing from the Warriors this year and they haven't been the team that everyone had expected them to be. I still haven't figured out what they are missing but perhaps it could be that "killer instinct" that great teams display when they have teams up against the ropes.

Recent History

Overall = Sharks 13 - Warriors 14

Last 5 games = Sharks 1 - Warriors 4

At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 8 - Warriors 4

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $2.45 Warriors $1.55

Centrebet = Sharks $2.60 Warriors $1.52

Sportsbet = Sharks $2.45 Warriors $1.47

Verdict

I am going to take an upset here and go the Sharks. I have been guilty this year of believing that this Sharks team is like Sharks teams of recent years who have lost crucial games like this one. But they keep surprising with each performance. They are hard to go past in this game. I think it will be a close game however because of the weather conditions that are currently gripping Sydney. They may not have a good record against the Warriors in recent games but do hold a superior record at their home ground, the same ground where they beat the undefeated Storm a few weeks ago.

Suggested Bet

Sharks @ $2.60 (with Centrebet)

Line = Cronulla +3.5 @ $2.00 - Great value if it going to be a close game.

Margin = Cronulla 1-12 @ $3.65 - If is going to be a close game and I believe that the Sharks will win, then why not add a bit of value to your bet and take the margin?

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 15 North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos Preview

It does seem a little unfair that after Wednesday nights SOO camaraderie between Queenslanders, they are now put against one another in club level. The state now becomes divided as two of the most supported teams north of the boarder take on one another. It is always a clash that delivers on excitement with some epic contests fought out between the two teams. It will again be another contest that people look forward to but will be effected by players who are available following SOO duty. Both teams will be severely effected but what will be tested is their depth. This is something that the Broncos pride themselves on and it has long been a strong feature of their squad. They have a young team who is hungry to deliver a win and plays with a high level of confidence. The Cowboys are a team that, at the moment, is suffering from a horrible injury toll and with Thurston being under an injury cloud going into SOO 2, no one can be sure that he will take the field in this one. Tate also was a player that appear to be hampered throughout the game. The Broncos have their fair share of concerns as well, none more so than Corey Parker. Either way, there will be 34 players battling it out for a very important 2 points.

North Queensland Cowboys

All season the Cowboys have failed to be consistent. At times they have looked unbeatable and at other times that have looked like they will miss the 8. In their last game they were sliding at a rapid rate but that was due to a massive amount of possession in favour of the Titans. As mentioned earlier, they will have a host of players returning from SOO. I just spotted on the Cowboys Twitter feed that Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou will all play and are certain to start, but centre Brent Tate is still in some doubt. A decision on his availability will not be made until tomorrow right before kick off. I do think that they would want him there because he is vital to their defence out wide. They did name an extended bench and no doubt they can replace him, but it is definitely hard to replace the class and experience that Tate would bring to the lineup.

Brisbane Broncos

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin has not shied away from his policy of resting his Origin stars after a game, but he does give a little bit of flexibility again here. A few years ago under the rule of Wayne Bennett, you would question if this was just another ploy by the coach and include a few stars as late inclusions, but what you see with Griffin is what you get. In that case, captan Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges and Petro Civoniceva will be rest and Corey Parker will miss out as a result of injury in that game. Ben Hannant will line up in the starting team and Matt Gillett will start from the bench. But with Corey Parker not starting this game, I suspect that Gillett may start the game at lock. As stated earlier, the Broncos have a very exciting young team that could produce anything in this clash. They are confident and coming off a decent win over the Roosters away from home. The one thing that was worrying in that clash, they let in 22 points...but then again there were a few howling decisions that got the Roosters their points.

Recent History

Overall = Cowboys 6 - Draw 2 - Broncos 24

Last 5 = Cowboys 2 - Broncos 3

At Dairy Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 2 - Draw 1 - Broncos 14

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.75 Broncos $2.10

Centrebet = Cowboys $1.70 Broncos $2.20

Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.78 Broncos $2.08

Verdict

The Broncos scored a lot of points last week against a woeful Rooster, but the alarming thing is that they also let in 22. I mentioned earlier that a few were under contentious circumstances, but I also believe that the Broncos were lucky on some instances as well. They are still missing some key personel and will definitely find this one difficult, but in saying that, nothing is beyond this young team who is fantastically coached. For the sake of a bet though, I am going to take the Cowboys. They are very inconsistent and coming off a last start loss, but I believe that they will be too strong at home in this one. Many of their players played very well in SOO, all bar Thurston. Although he was under an injury cloud, expect him to put in a top notch performance in this game to make up for Wednesday.

Suggested Bet

Cowboys -4.5 @ $2.40 (Super Line Option)

Think about a margin... = Cowboys 13+ @ $4.25 - I will be chucking this leg into a few value multi's on Friday night. It is considerably over priced considering the potential that the Cowboys have as a team to put points on in a hurry. Factor that in with Brisbane conceding a few points the previous week and you could be onto something.

Firsty Try Scorer = Jonathan Thurston @ $21 - I said that Thurston was clearly not at his best on Wednesday and will be looking to make amends for that. There is one clear way he can and that is get involved early and assert his dominance on the game. If he is to do that then why not suggest that he can cross the line first at juicy odds?

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NB - Don't forget to check out my weekly POWER RANKINGS! They may just help you make up your mind for some tips!!!

NRL Round 15 St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Preview

After the "other" rugby league game this week is done, it is time to get back to NRL action as people turn their attention back towards cheering for their team. The rounds played after SOO always leave fans and more importantly, punters, wondering where they should invest their money. But before they place their bets, they're always going to speculate on which players will back up in each clash. You hear a number of different things from various people suggesting someone is in or out. I cannot distinctively say who will play and who won't, but pay attention to late team information. This clash is sure to be a great game. It kicks off another bumper round of NRL action as the Dragons are at home down in Wollongong taking on a top notch Bulldogs team. The Dragons will be very desperate to win this game. They have had a tough run of late. It's certainly not going to be easy thats for sure but after a dour loss to the Eagles, the Dragons will have to show considerable improvement if they are even to test the Bulldogs. Only three players will be returning from Origin so most players will be ready, rested and prepared after both teams had the bye in Round 14. Lets take a look at the one of the Friday Night Footy games which is hopefully a continuation on of the high intensity clash we saw on Wednesday.

St George Illawarra Dragons

As mentioned earlier, the Dragons are desperate at this point of their season. They sit in 10th place, two points out of the Top 8. They are a team that is in danger of falling out of contention for finals football. They haven't exactly been playing the most exciting football either. They have a tendency to drag teams down to their level (boring and dour) and then attempt to beat them there. They almost got Manly sucked into their game plan but were out muscled in the end. That isn't saying that the Dragons are a soft football team, they are just not able to win close games like they were under Wayne Bennett. Not too much has changed within the playing ranks so some players have to take the blame for their inability to get the two points. It is interesting to note that coach Steve Price has named an unchanged lineup to the team that went down a fortnight ago at Brookvale Oval. They also have an extended bench with Chase Stanely named. Obviously, they will have their fingers crossed that both Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh get through this game without injury and are able to take the field. It does work in the Dragons favor that both players will come off the bench for the Blues and shouldn't be too fatigued after Wednesday as they would be if they played their average NRL minutes.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are coming off a bye but are also riding high after a gallant victory over the Rabbitohs. I said in my preview of that game that it would be one of the best games seen this year...and it was! It was fantastic seeing two great teams fight it out in an epic battle right down until the final minute. In that game, there were a lot of mistakes at crucial times (Rabbitohs more than the Bulldogs) so they will have to put in a performance that is almost error free. As far as team news, they will be hoping that Josh Morris is OK to take the field after SOO 2. Tim Lafai makes way on the wing for Luke McDougall who went off injured a few weeks ago in what looked like a season ending injury. It would be some feat if he was back for this clash. On the bench, Trent Hodkinson drops off the bench and Martin Taupau comes into the 17. The Dogs have named an extended bench with Dale Finucane expected to drop off before kickoff.

Recent History
Overall = Dragons 10 - Bulldogs 13
Last 5 games = Dragons 4 - Bulldogs 1
At WIN Stadium = Dragons 1 - Bulldogs 4

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Dragons $2.25 Bulldogs $1.65
Centrebet = Dragons $2.27 Bulldogs $1.66
Sportsbet = Dragons $2.25 Bulldogs $1.65

Verdict
On recent form and going by the Power Rankings that I have put out for Round 15, it would be hard to go past the Bulldogs. They keep surprising me with their level of play and their forwards are working really hard up front. Not only are they working hard, but they are setting a great platform for their exciting back line to work off...and boy can they finish! The Dragons definitely have the players to win this game but they do lack firepower and creativity at crucial points of the game. It would be a brave person who take the Dragons on recent form. The Bulldogs also have the added advantage of a great record against the Dragons down at WIN Stadium (see above).

Suggested Bet
Bulldogs 1-12 @ $2.90


Morris try scorer = Josh Morris First Try Scorer @ $11 - The Morris twins go up against one another again in this game but with brother Brett going through a very dry patch at the moment scoring wise, I am expecting Josh to lift of the back of a decent SOO performance and grab first try.


Winning Margin = Bulldogs 1-6 @ $5.75 - I think that this will be a very close game but believe that the Bulldogs will still get the job done. I have mentioned Bulldogs 1-12 as my suggested bet, but if you are looking for a little more value then go this one.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 15 Power Rankings

ROUND 15

ROUND 15  - Special note must be made that last week I called the "Power Rankings" Round 13, but now I've thought that I must name it for the up coming Round. So I haven't missed a round here, just evening things out.

Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (2) West Tigers = Reluctant to have at the top of the ratings, but did beat Melbourne at home 10-6. Disappointing in parts but have now won 7 in a row.

2 (1) Melbourne Storm = Were minus their Big 3 against the Tigers but were still disappointing. As coach Bellamy said, they failed to complete their sets and gain good territory. Will welcome back their stars with open arms.

3 (3) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Had a week off but still hold onto third spot. They will have to assert their dominance over a Dragons team that will be desperate this weekend. 

4 (5) Brisbane Broncos = Bounced back well from an embarrassing loss to the Storm. Did concede a mountain of points but finished the last 20 minutes off superbly.


5 (9) NZ Warriors = Were able to finish the game strong against the Panthers when they were tested at crucial stages. Did keep them scoreless in the second half.

6 (8) Cronulla Sharks = Beat the Titans in a tough game and woeful conditions. Titans didn't have all of their stars but the Sharks definitely showed that they are not a team on the slide.

7 (4) Gold Coast Titans = Lost a game against the Sharks in bad conditions without 4 of their top players. Will have be up for a big test this week against a desperate Panthers team.

8 (6) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Didn't deserve to drop places without playing a game but other teams were perhaps lucky they played. Face a rematch against the Storm at Brookvale Oval...and we can all remember what happened in that game!

9 (7) South Sydney Rabbitohs = The Bunnies will be tested with a few injuries to key players, most notably, Sam Burgess. They also have to face an Eels side that will be full of confidence. Now this is a real test for them.

10 (10) North Queensland Cowboys = Enjoyed a week off and prepared themselves for a big match against the Broncos at home on Friday night. They can only hope that their Origin players will be available for them.

11 (11) St George Illawarra Dragons = Questions are starting to be raised about the potential of this squad, now they face a big test against the Bulldogs. Have had a week off and without many players in SOO, they will be prepared for this must-win game.

12 (12) Penrith Panthers = Struggled against the Warriors in certain parts of the game but were definitely in it for most of it. Are beginning to gain momentum but maybe not enough to keep their season alive.

13 (16) Canberra Raiders = Showed what they are capable of, now they must go on with this performance. Will be enjoying the bye week but perhaps didn't need it after having a win.

14 (13) Sydney Roosters = Were the victim of a few poor decisions, but they still had 42 points scored against them in woeful conditions. Defence cost them the game. Pressure is building on a young team and they need a win very soon.

15 (15) Parramatta Eels = Had the bye and will now be tested against a Rabbitohs team that has something to prove. Many suggest they can now get back on track and make a run for the semis...they must start now.

16 (14) Newcastle Knights = Lost to a Canberra team that were thrashed the week before 40-nil. Now it seems like the Knights have become the worst team in the competition. Enjoy a week off and will need it. Coach Wayne Bennett definitely has his work cut out for him now.

State of Origin 2 Betting Preview

Most Rugby League fans have been waiting for this game since the siren went in Origin 1 after it was declared a terrible decision cost NSW the victory. Well after much debate over this issue I think it is best that most people just move past this issue and look forward to what should be a great game of Rugby League. For the record, the rules state that it was a try, but to the naked eye (and a rugby league fan), it didn't look like a try. Nonetheless, that is all that needs to be said on the issue. If NSW were to win the game, they would have to be the better team for the entire game. Not just parts of it. Crucial mistakes did cost them, as did a lack of pressure on the QLD forwards up the middle throughout the entire game. NSW looked at their best early on when they were working over the QLD forwards in the middle of the field. It is the first time in a number of years that the QLD has look tired in defence and had NSW converted their early pressure into points, then we could very well be talking up a NSW series victory in this game. I'm sure that is how coach Ricky Stuart will be aiming to play this game. As for the Maroons, they are a class team. They have a group of players that know how to win with class. They were pressured at times by the NSW team but hung in their long enough to wreak havoc once they gained a decent amount of possession. Similar to my first preview, I will just be providing a few guides for you to make up your mind on what you would like to take and what takes your fancy. Hopefully they help!

First Try Scorers = For NSW, I cannot go past Robbie Farrah ($21), Todd Carney ($15) or Mitchell Pearce ($26). All are great players who like to play through the middle of the field. Now I understand that NSW's first try in game 1 was Uate on the right hand side of the field off a kick, but this is just a recommendation. I remain that this is the way to go. Personally, to narrow the three NSW players down I would either go Carney or Farrah. Farrah almost got one out of hooker close to the line in game 1 and Carney has to come out with a point to prove after being quiet in Origin 1. I won't buy into the rubbish that he isn't up to the occasion. Give him another chance and lets see how he goes in this one. He will also look to get involved in this game earlier than he did the last. As far as QLD go, I think there is still value in either Darius Boyd ($11) or Brent Tate ($13) to score the first try. Uate was found wanting out wide twice (lead to two QLD tries) and Jennings and Hayne were also caught out several times coming off the wing to make a tackle. I also like the fact that Dave Taylor ($26) will be starting the game and no doubt he will be running out wide at Jennings with a full head of steam up, so keep him in mind also.

Margin Double = I've said it before and I'll say it again, when I believe that Origin will be a close game, I take the first try scorer/margin double. Why not? Take two first try scorers for either team and then both teams 1-12 within it.

Farrah/NSW 1-12 ($86) Farrah/QLD 1-12 ($112)

Carney/NSW 1-12 ($31) Carney/QLD 1-12 ($41)

Boyd/NSW 1-12 ($31) Boyd/QLD 1-12 ($26)

Tate/NSW 1-12 ($41) Tate/QLD 1-12 ($31)

Taylor/NSW 1-12 ($61) Taylor/QLD 1-12 ($46)

Halftime/Fulltime Double = Lets look at this one practically. NSW will have to lead from start to finish...well that's what I said in the first game if they were to win, but now I am beginning to think that in wet and damp conditions that they can perhaps claw their way back from a small deficit. If this is going to be a close game and a tough contest like everyone is suggesting then why not take Draw/NSW($13) or Draw/QLD ($15)?

Winning Margin = I've said it all the way through, I believe that this game will be a very close game. It is very damp and wet conditions and either team 1-6 points is paying $5.75. Not a bad idea to chuck that into a multi which would include either NBA, Socceroos or NHL...or all 4 altogether! 

Line/OverUnder Double = Well if I have suggested that this game will be a close one, then why not take the team you think will win the match +1.5/under 35.5? For NSW its paying $3 and QLD $3.50. Again, this could be another great bet that you chuck into a multi of your choice.

Keep it a mystery... = I am a big believer in putting a few mystery "pick-the-score" tickets on. They only cost $1 to put on and does leave things exciting all the way until the end. I definitely must say that you must not look at the tickets until the end of the match, but then again everyone is different. If you want to check them out before the game just to know what you are cheering for, then by all means, go ahead.

I hope that this preview has been helpful and does win you some money. If anything else, make sure you enjoy the game for what it is. It is a great spectacle with the best players going around and battling it out!

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 14 Penrith Panthers v NZ Warriors Preview

As the long weekend rounds up, we are surprised on a few fronts tonight with Monday Night Footy. Firstly punters, don't be fooled as the kick-off time for this game is 5:30pm! Secondly, with the weather that has pounded Sydney in the past few days, I would be much more confident if either team named Noah or James Magnussen in their squad for the game. They players will be playing in conditions that not many of them would have seen before and one is left to wonder how much of an effect this will have on the result. We saw yesterday in appalling conditions, 64 points scored in the Roosters-Broncos match. Will this one take the same path? I should hope not! In such poor conditions you like to play very direct and tough football, up through the middle of the park. It also must be mentioned that after the week of tipping I've had (1 from 4), you would be inclined to tell me to shut up and just watch the game. Well I will be watching, but having not invested any money in games since Friday night, I think that I will be tempted into having a dabble in this game. Oh and yes....this will be the last game before SOO 2 on Wednesday night so many league fans will be looking to this clash as a warm up for the game on Wednesday. But before we get to that point, we must watch Coach Ivan Cleary take on his old team. This should be interesting as many were left shocked when Cleary chose to depart at the end of last season and take up a favourable role under the watchful eye of Phil Gould. The Warriors sit higher than the Panthers on the ladder but it is still on early days.

Penrith Panthers

Penrith momentarily got their season back on track with a last start win over Manly at home. It was a great victory for them and they really did work hard through the middle and really wanted the victory more than Manly. Obviously they have three players out to SOO duty, but really it should only be recognised as two, as Michael Jennings has not played for the club since being dropped to play for Windsor Wolves before SOO 1. But the forwards they lose will certainly cause a weakness to occur in the middle of the field. Workhorse Luke Lewis is replaced by Ryan Simpkins and mammoth prop Tim Grant's sport is taken by Dane Weston. The Panthers will definitely hope that halfback Luke Walsh can again steer the team around the park and hooker Kevin Kingston is as dynamic as ever out of acting half. They will certainly have their work cut out for them in this one as their opposition take the field with a monster pack of forwards and some excitement machines out wide.

NZ Warriors

The Warriors have been the typical Warriors team that we have seen in recent years. Although they were getting rid of the inconsistent tag which followed them under Ivan Cleary's guidance, but it has crept back in of late. They lead the Storm last week at home 12-0 but eventually let in 22 unanswered points to go down 22-12. They did take the game to the Storm early (like they did the Tigers a few weeks back), but have failed to finish teams off at crucial points. They also have the habit of making a few mistakes at crucial points of the game which is where they can often give possession away in key areas of the field. They are lucky to have no players away on SOO duty but they do still have a few players out due to injury. It is good to see exciting fullback Kevin Locke back into the lineup and they also have a 5 man bench with one to be omitted. 

Recent History

Overall = Panthers 14 - Draw 1 - Warriors 13

Last 5 games = Panthers 1 - Draw 1 - Warriors 3

At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 7 - Draw 1 - Warriors 6

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $2.85 Warriors $1.45

Centrebet = Panthers $2.80 Warriors $1.46

Sportsbet = Panthers $2.92 Warriors $1.43

Verdict

Before you have a bet, maybe weigh up the possibilities here. SOO 2 is on Wednesday night...is it worth waiting and holding your money to invest on that much? Well that is up to you. If you want to know what I'll be doing, I'll be having a first try scorer from either team and then maybe a few "pick-the-scores" but then saving my money until Wednesday. As far as this game goes, I find it very hard to go past the Warriors on their form line. They have played well in recent weeks and have gone down to some quality teams. This is the chance and time for the real NZ Warriors to stand up and claim a dominating victory against an opponent who is still aiming to find some momentum this season.

Suggested Bet

Save your money for Origin!

Panthers first try scorer = Kevin Kingston @ $26 - He will be looking to get over the line from dummy half and did so a few weeks ago against the Dragons on MNF (I do believe it was the second try of the game).

Warriors first try scorer = Feleti Mateo @ $21 - No surprise that I have gone a forward for either team. Thats where I believe the game will be played, so why not go one for the Warriors as well. Mateo does carry the ball in one hand and can be prone to make a mistake but will be taking the ball to score a try close to the Panthers line.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips