NRL Round 20 North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers Preview

There comes a time during Monday when you're upset that you have to be back at work after the weekend and then you remember that there is Monday Night Footy waiting for you when you get home and you smile. This weeks instalment of MNF is going to be a great game as the Cowboys host the Tigers. It surely has a lot of excitement but will have to be an unbelievable game to make up for last weeks MNF. With all other games completed this week, this game now becomes more interesting than ever to the make up of the Top 8. Teams in the 8 this weekend suffered some surprising defeats and as teams fight for not only the Top 8 but the safety of the Top 4, each loss becomes even more dangerous. Both sides are in the Top 8 but had results gone as expected this week, it could have been a different story. The Cowboys are in 6th and are only two points ahead of the Tigers who are in 8th on 20 points. But it should be noted that a win here would take the Cowboys into 4th and a chance to have a "second shot" in the second week of the semis. But they have to be the consistent Cowboys team that had won a very tough game against the Storm at home. They have the class of player to get them over the line so what is holding them back? The Tigers on the other hand have played well for parts of the season but overall would be disappointed with their season to date. I have been saying it for a few weeks though, this is the part of the season where the Tigers really come together and starting producing week in and week out. It has all the making of a great clash and will be a good way to cope with Mondayitis.

North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys were very pleased with their performance against the Storm as it showed a lot of character and potential within their team. They must continue on playing like this. The team for this week see's Kalifa Faifai Loa replace Ashley Graham who looks as though he could be out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. That is a big loss as he was up near the top of the try scoring list for the season and was in some terrific form. Ray Thompson is also out and his spot is taken in the team by Michael Morgan. Luckily, the Cowboys retain exactly the same pack of forwards who will again want to be the dominant pack in this clash. There is a few changes to the extended bench that has Jason Taumalolo disappear and now include Cory Paterson. The Cowboys have all their SOO players present in this clash and there should be no excuse for under performing here.

Wests Tigers

The Tigers take a similar team into this game to the one that grounded out a tough victory against the Panthers last week. But this week they will be tested against a team with more quality. The one change that occurs, including the players on the bench, will be the omission of Keith Galloway from the starting side through injury. He is replaced by Adam Blair who moves up to the front row from the second row. In some fantastic news for the Tigers, Blair's position in the second row will be taken by Gareth Ellis. Ellis has been out for most of this season with a multitude of injuries but in his last season in the NRL, we will hopefully see him on the field until the Tigers are out of contention (maybe even the GF). The Tigers now possess one of the biggest and most mobile pack of forwards in the competition. Then they also have some fantastic fire power coming off the bench which is sure to gain plenty of attention from opposition coaches.

Recent History

Overall = Cowboys 11 - Tigers 14

Last 5 games = Cowboys 0 - Tigers 5

At Dairy Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 8 - Tigers 4

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.65 Tigers $2.30

Centrebet = Cowboys $1.65 Tigers $2.30

Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.65 Tigers $2.30

Betfair = Cowboys $1.66 Tigers $2.48

Verdict

So who has more to play for in this game? The that is in 8th place and with a win would still remain in 8th (unless they win by more that 30 points) or the team in 6th that would move into 4th. The Cowboys have the added advantage of being at home and although the Tigers are strengthened by the return of Ellis, you would still think that the Cowboys pack of forwards would be better suited given how their props can dominate games. That is one thing missing from the Tigers, a prop who is a mountain and can dominate. This game just tops off a weekend of tough games to pick (and subsequently a few upsets). But for what it is worth, I certainly believe that the prices offered on the Tigers are overs. This game is going to be closer than the bookies are suggesting.

Suggested Bet

Cowboys 1-12 @ $3

Winning specifically = Cowboys 1-6 @ $5.75 - It was mentioned above, this game will be closer than the bookies are suggesting. If it is going to be anything like last weeks game it should be a good profit for punters. I also think that Cowboys 7-12 @ $5.75 is also worth some thought but would be my second choice.

Target Utai = First Tries Kane Linnett or Antonio Winterstein both @ $9 - Utai can be a target for teams in attack and if you watch the video highlights from their win against the Storm, they were very potent on their left hand side attack, which will target Utai on the Tigers right.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters Preview

How on earth did this game reach "Match of the Day" status? Rugby League fans can fill robbed by this decision to show this game on free-to-air TV whilst other "more exciting" and more important games to the make up of the Top 8 go unwatched by many without access to Pay-TV. But there is still a chance to make some money off the match so lets try to make the most of a bad situation. This clash features 15th on the NRL table hosting 14th. Both sides lost in Round 19 but were not without a spirited performance. The Panthers took on the Wests Tigers and made them work for their win. They pushed them right up until the end and despite the allegations of unrest at the club, this would have actually given their fans some hope for next season and beyond. The Roosters on the other hand had 12 point scored against them in two minutes to go down in amazing circumstances to their bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs. It will be a game that many people will speak about as time goes on, but for the Roosters fans and players, they will want to quickly erase the memory with a win here. If there is anything to play for in this game, it would be to distance themselves from the dreaded wooden spoon. Penrith are now only 15th on points difference after an Eels win and whilst the Roosters are still 5 points away, they will not want to leave anything to chance. So maybe this game could actually produce a decent performance after all. But I wouldn't bet on it.

Penrith Panthers

The good thing for the Panthers running into this clash is that they have a relatively unchanged lineup, except for one forced change to the starting lineup through a return from injury. The Panthers welcome back Clint Newton to their starting team and Nigel Plum drops back to an extended bench. The same players there were named on the extended bench last week were again named here. There are no clues as to who will drop off the bench but final team selections will be posted on my twitter feed when they come to hand. Surely the Panthers will be filled with confidence after their performance against the Tigers and with Luke Lewis' future now settled, they can focus even more on what happens on the field. 

Sydney Roosters

As mentioned above, the Roosters will erase their nightmare finish to MNF with a good win here. But nothing will be made easy for them. Whilst he was named to face the Rabbitohs, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was rubbed out with a one game suspension. He was definitely missed in a very physical encounter against the Bunnies. The player that filled his place in that game was Lama Tasi and he moves back to the bench. That is the only change to the starting team for the Roosters but they have named an extended bench. This week that includes Nafe Seluini and Brad Takairangi, two players who were late inclusions last week. They played very well when they took the field, but it did appear as though the Roosters lost a little bit of spark when Jake Friend was taken off the field. He controls the ruck very well and makes a mountain of tackles in defence. But then again, coach Brian Smith may opt to leave him out there and shift him to lock like we have seen a few times this season.

Recent History

Overall = Pathers 29 - Draw 1 - Roosters 48

Last 5 games = Panthers 3 - Roosters 2

At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 16 - Roosters 23

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $1.88 Roosters $1.95

Centrebet = Panthers $1.88 Roosters $1.95

Sportsbet = Panthers $1.91 Roosters $1.93

Betfair = Panthers $1.93 Roosters $2.00

Verdict

Going by the bookies (see above), this game is going to be a very tough call. You think that would deter a regular punter away but I do see some value in the Roosters. They are away from home and suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Rabbitohs in Round 19. But they have a young side that is capable of producing anything on their day. In saying that though, now sitting in equal last will surely drive the Panthers to a win here. This game is going to be won and lost in the forwards with both teams possessing monster forward packs. The fact that the Roosters did fight back to post a "good" lead on Monday shows that they are capable of winning this one. 

Suggested Bet

Roosters 1-12 @ $3.25

Still not sure = Tri Bet Either team under 6.5 points @ $2.65 - If you cannot make up your mind on this game then perhaps this is the betting option for you. There is a bit of value offered and if it is going to be a close game, then why not consider this for a multi.

First Try Hookers = Jake Friend ($26) or Kevin Kingston ($26) - The game is going to be won and lost in the forwards and these two players control the ruck very well. If their side gets close to the line early that will be making sure that they try to cross the white line first. 

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders Preview

The Sharks season is on a momentary slide and one that everyone thought would eventually occur. But I would hardly say that a loss to the Dragons where they were understrength is counted as a slide. They still have Paul Gallen out through injury but he has said that should they need him, he will play through the pain. No surprise there with the toughness of this bloke. Hopefully they won't need him. This week, they are facing a yo-yo team in the Raiders and you can never be sure which team will show up for them. One week they beat the Storm by 40 and then the next they're losing to the Titans at home after having 32 unanswered points put on them after 50 minutes. Obviously this is due to their season pretty much being over but some players are also playing for pride (apart from future contracts). It must be hard for coach David Furner to get his young side up for a game each week when they really having nothing to play for. This definitely is evident in their play on the field. While they are still suffering their some injury woes, they should still be playing better than they currently are. The Sharks will look to bury them early. If they do get behind on the scoreboard, the Raiders will probably just give up. Although they haven't done it in recent weeks (fought back against the Dragons) it took the Titans to completely switch off for them to score some points. But at "Shark Park" on a Sunday afternoon where they are predicting rain (yes rain...surprise surprise!), It will take a big effort for the Raiders to get a win here. Then again which side will show up for them. You can be sure that the Sharks will be ready for this game. They have just been knocked out of the Top 4 and will not want to disappoint their home fans.


Cronulla Sharks
The Cronulla Sharks are being told by a lot of people that they are now on a slide. But things can definitely turn around with a good performance here. Unfortunately, they will still be without their inspirational captain Paul Gallen, but they have lost nothing with stand in skipper Wade Graham. It has been there for all to see, this young bloke is playing some great football. I will go down as saying that he will play representative football within the next two years. Jeremey Smith could be a late inclusion, but I would pay attention to my twitter feed for final team information. There is only one change to the team that lost to the Dragons, with Andrew Fifita moved back to the bench and Anthony Tupou promoted to the starting team after a horror run of late with injury. The Sharks also have named an extended bench with the one player that is expected to drop off the bench being Jon Green. They will be home and will want to put on a good show for their home fans.

Canberra Raiders
No matter which player is named for the Raiders in this game, fans and punters must be wondering which Raiders team will turn up for this game. They looked strong favorites going into the Titans clash but were put away early and only fought back late once the Titans switched off. Don't be fooled by that scoreline, it completely flattered the Raiders. Interestingly, coach David Furner has named a relatively similar team with only Joel Thompson an inclusion to the starting side. The bench also requires one player to drop off prior to kick off and that looks as though it will be Jarra Kennedy. One positive for the Raiders will be that they will not have rumor about their coach being sacked in favour of Ricky Stuart after it was revealed overnight that he has in fact signed on for the Parramatta Eels. Does that put their mind at ease and allow them to play good attacking footy? With this Raiders team you can never be sure. 


Recent History
Overall = Sharks 31 - Raiders 26
Last 5 games = Sharks 3 - Raiders 2
At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 19 - Raiders 7


Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $1.45 Raiders $2.80
Centrebet = Sharks $1.45 Raiders $2.80
Sportsbet = Sharks $1.48 Raiders $2.70
Betfair = Sharks $1.47 Raiders $3.00


Verdict
It will be hard to go past the Sharks in this game simply because they have far and above been the greater football team this season. Not only that, they are playing with consistency. Something that the Raiders should look up the dictionary and try to understand the meaning of. Going by recent weeks, you can never be sure what Raiders team we will see today. It is also important that you are not deterred by the Sharks form of late either. With other results "going their way" in Round 20 already, a win here would move them into the Top 4, bust 1 point behind 3rd. They are also at home and would want to get a win in front of their fans who have stuck with them through the good and bad of their existence. It'll be a tough slog for the Sharks and they will be made to work for the win, but they should prevail having more to play for. 


Suggested Bet
Sharks -6.5 @ $1.90


Winning margin = Sharks 7-12 @ $5.00 - The Sharks should get the job done in this game and should cover the line. In terms of being specific on the winning margin, I would consider this option only because the Raiders could have the potential to score some late points, no matter how far they are down by with minimal minutes left on the clock.


First Try Scorer = Ben Pomeroy @ $9 - No surprise that everyone has jumped on board with the rate that Pomeroy can score tries each week. There will be no difference this weekend with the Sharks trying to get the ball to him at every chance they get. He is definitely a hard person to stop when in possession.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George-Illawarra Dragons Preview

There is another blockbusting clash that will take place on Saturday night but will unfortunately not seen by every Rugby League fan, because of extremely poor planning by the free-to-air broadcaster. But fans will not be deterred. Both clubs have amazing support and their will be a great atmosphere out at ANZ Stadium, so if you're around, try to get there. The Rabbitohs are still flying high since their amazing Monday Night Football victory over their bitter rivals, the Roosters. But they now have a few tough issues to contend with. They are missing a few key players through either injury (suspected) and suspension so all of a sudden things are becoming tough for the Rabbits to maintain their Top 4 spot. But the Dragons haven't exactly been setting the world alight. They got home against the Sharks, who were down on strength, but they were missing a few players themselves. Jamie Soward was out of the clash with a hamstring injury and his replacement, Kyle Stanley was injured in the opening minutes and is now out for the remainder of the season. But this clash will be won and lost in the forwards. Both teams have monster forward packs who will want to assert their dominance over one another early and this could set us up for a very fiery game. But as the Dragons have been criticised in recent weeks for their lack of flair in attack and their dwindling defence, their coach Steve Price threw a verbal barrage at anyone who wanted to listen in the press conference after the win over the Sharks. More than anything, it sounded like a coach who was fed up with the comparisons that are made between him and his mentor Wayne Bennett, and just wanted his side to forget Bennett and listen to him. Instability within the sheds could be the undoing of the Saints but if they can get it right against a team who has a very short turn around, they could get two wins on the trot to keep their minimal semi final hopes alive. But they are also facing a team that is extremely high on confidence, believing in themselves and playing under a great structure set aside by rookie coach Michael Maguire. This game is going to be great viewing and could have a bigger impact than any other game this weekend on the makeup of the Top 8 come Monday Night.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs have named Isaac Luke, but after the outcome of the judiciary hearing on Wednesday night into his tackle on Shaun Kenny-Dowall, he has been ruled out for 3 weeks. Perhaps there is a few positives in this situation with it now meaning that Luke will be very fresh come the semis and he will also have minimal "carry over points". His place will probably be taken by Nathan Peats and there could be another utility added to the bench. Greg Inglis has also been named but there is definitely an injury cloud hanging over him after he appeared to injury it on MNF, but if you re-watch the last try in that game, he was one of the players who was near Luke when he threw the pass to Reynolds. Meaning that he would've covered around 100m to get there at a very quick pace. Bunnies fans will be hoping that he plays because he is definitely an enigma of the game. Scarily, he seems to be getting better with each game. The same can be said for Reynolds who appeared to injure his ankle. They're two key players that the Rabbits can ill-afford to lose in this game and if they're late withdrawals, it'll be posted on my twitter feed. Apart from that, as they have done all season where possible, the Rabbitohs have named a relatively unchanged lineup. But to cover for the possible changes this week they have named an extended bench that will required two players to be omitted prior to kickoff. 

St George-Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons have named the same starting team that took got a win over the Sharks, with the only changes coming to the bench. These changes include Jeremy Latimore dropping out of the side and Jack de Belin named to play. Two players have to be omitted from the extended bench but de Belin did play last week against the Sharks as a late inclusion. Having the same team will be great for the Dragons as it promotes consistency and then moving Soward back into 5/8 will also act for the good of the team. If they can get their forwards to win the battle up front, Soward and Hornby will look to get the ball out to their wingers who can finish. Coach Price has persisted with the move of Nightingale at fullback as he believe Morris is better suited to the wing and he may be right. Morris played a fantastic game for NSW and if the mail is true, the strong Dragons left side will be aiming to regain some form that saw them dominate the right hand side defences of a lot of opponents under Wayne Bennett.

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 5 - Dragons 14

Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 2 - Dragons 3

At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 1 - Dragons 4

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.60 Dragons $2.40
Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.60 Dragons $2.40
Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.60 Dragons $2.40
Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.67 Dragons $2.44

Verdict
This appears to be a very tough game to choose. If they Rabbitohs are at full strength (minus Isaac Luke), they'll be hard to stop. But if a few key players pull out prior to kick off, it could be the Saints who prevail in this clash. That makes tipping extremely hard for the punters. But you can only go on the information that you have and that is that Souths will only be missing Luke through suspension. The Saints will be desperate though yet they have failed to show anything that can have fans rushing to back them in this game.

Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $2.85


First Try Scorer = Nathan Merritt @ $8 - He is on the opposite side of Dragons defensive rock, Matt Cooper and he can find a try line. He is the best person to find the line in any game. So even consider last try ($8).


Be specific = Souths 1-6 @ $5.25 - This could be a close game and if I am predicting it will be 1-12, then why not try to make a few more dollars off a specific margin. Just for note, 7-12 is also @ $5.25.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm Preview

The Melbourne Storm's performance has definitely "slipped" in recent weeks as they have suffered a host of losses, four of their last five to be exact. It has seen them brought back to the pack and level with the Bulldogs in first place. In a matter of weeks, the Storm are beginning to look vulnerable. Without Slater they seemed desperate at times and lacking potency once the ball is shifted from Cooper Cronk to the outside ball carrier (where Slater would generally pop up). Throw in a few more injuries sustained to players in the loss to the Cowboys. But they certainly have a "good" opponent to come up against to play themselves back into some form. Parramatta's performances seem to be sliding with each match they play. This is a team game and the team at the Eels have a host of problems that will not disappear overnight. Their season is definitely over and they should be focusing on building for next season but we have seen a reluctance from coach Stephen Kearny to give younger players a go in place of under performing players. The Eels players who are out there should be worrying not only about playing for pride and contracts, but also in honor of their retiring club legends, Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt. The Eels should be wary in this game as a team with the class of the Storm can get their season back on track in an instance. Maybe it is a post-SOO lul in proceedings for their stars or maybe the foot has been taken off the gas to regroup and build as much momentum as possible as they get closer to the finals. Only time will tell and the rest of the teams vying for the Top 8 will watch this game with intrigue. Maybe that could only be up until halftime if the Eels show up with the attitude that they have displayed for majority of the season.

Parramatta Eels

Unfortunately the Eels have lost 5/8 Luke Kelly due to injury and this is a blow to one of the young players who has been giving it his all each week. Ben Roberts was called into the side late for Matt Keating (also ruled out for the season) against the Dogs and you would think that he would be named at 5/8 to replace Kelly. He has played their for a fair amount of this season and is seemingly the best fit but Kearny has gone with back rower Joseph Paulo. Very surprising! As Ben Smith returns from injury he is promoted to the starting side and Matthew Ryan moves back to the extended bench. As to who will drop off, no one can be sure, but it will be posted on my twitter feed as soon as the information comes to hand. Nathan Smith who replaced Keating in the starting team was named to start at hooker and will probably play a full game. Fuifui Moimoi has been named but after he was knocked out in the first play of the game against the Dogs, he will certainly find it difficult to take the field under the NRL's new concussion rules. Perhaps that is where a player on the extended bench could get a start. Justin Poore is also named on the bench for Taniela Lasalo. A lot of forward replacements but you have to wonder if Nathan Hindmarsh will be taken off the field again in this game (see Power Rankings)...you only have to look where and when the tries are scored against them. No wonder Eels fans are desperate for answers.

Melbourne Storm

The team that was named last week for the Storm and the team that took the field were completely different in a number of ways. But for the sake of having people run mad, I will only focus on the changes heading into this weeks game. Sisa Waqa is in for the injured winger Matt Duffie and has some big boots to fill as Duffie has been fantastic at times this season. Rory Kostjasyn is named to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves and Maurice Blair drops out of the team altogether. Their forwards remain the same but the bench is reduced interestingly to just 4, all of whom played last week. Their forwards will be where the game is won and you can ensure that Cameron Smith will have them rolling forward over the advantage line and then it will be over to Cooper Cronk to come out of his post-SOO slumber to put them in a winning position. I don't think it will happen, but if the Storm lose this game it would be a major shot to their pride. As the top side in the competition, they shouldn't. Despite all of the injuries to players in their squad, they have a great quality of players across the board.

Recent History

Overall = Eels 10 - Storm 15

Last 5 games = Eels 2 - Storm 3

At Parramatta Stadium = Eels 6 - Storm 6

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Eels $4.50 Storm $1.22
Centrebet = Eels $5.15 Storm $1.18
Sportsbet = Eels $4.75 Storm $1.20
Betfair = Eels $5.20 Storm $1.23

Verdict

It would take a very brave person to back the Eels in this clash. While the Storm are not in the best vein of form at the moment, they are certainly going to aim to try and bounce back in this clash. They have the quality of player to get the win over Eels and whilst they probably will be made to work for their win, the Storm will want a dominating performance to gain back some of their early season momentum. But in the game of Rugby League, nothing comes easily. All signs point to the Storm in this one.


Suggested Bet
Storm 13+ @ $1.90


Blow out? = Storm 19+ @ $2.60 - If you think that this game is going to get ugly, then perhaps this would be the best option. It is only another converted try from the 13+ option with a tad more value.


Tri bet = Storm Over 6.5 points @ $1.45 - I cannot believe that this option is offering so much value. If you cannot decide on the option to take then why not get the Storm to win by just over a converted try. A good thought for a multi.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 NZ Warriors v Newcastle Knights Preview

The Knights seem to be a team that is seemingly building towards next season with only a mathematical chance left for them to make the finals. And there is no tougher trip for them than one across the ditch to face the Warriors. The Warriors are now playing for their season and are fighting to push themselves into the Top 8. They are currently two points out of the 8 after being level with the Tigers going into Round 19. But things didn't go to plan as they were beaten by the Broncos in Brisbane. It was a game that was played in terrible conditions but they can hold their heads up high. They were a very good as a beaten side and actually can take a positive away from the game in that they scored more tries than the Broncos. Not to say that they were let down by their goal kicking, but they were let down by their inability to finish. They will be hoping that they can get back on track here as they do have a better points difference than the Tigers which they would like to improve on in this game. But the Warriors have the Knights in their way. Up in Newcastle in recent weeks they must be wondering how their team can take them through a whole raft of emotions with their performances. They were on a two game winning streak when about to face the Rabbitohs but were comprehensively beaten. Then they came out and surprised everyone by handing a pounding to Manly. It was definitely the performance their loyal home fans deserved and winning games takes the heat of the coach Wayne Bennett and his under performing players. It was said after the game that the team was beginning to come together, shame it could be too late. Time will tell whether or not they are improving by the end of this clash.

NZ Warriors

The Warriors welcome back their young, monstrous centre, Konrad Hurrell to the starting side. As a result, Lewis Brown moves from starting in the centres to the bench. Omar Slaimankhel is subsequently pushed from the bench back to 18th man (on and extended bench) and he will probably be the man to drop off. Apart from that, the Warriors are the same team that took on the Broncos, including the beast, Manu Vatuvei who made his return to the wing last week with a try. They certainly possess the strong forwards and are well lead around the park by Nathan Friend at hooker, which sets their halves up to build from. When their forwards dominate, so do their halves. And James Maloney and Shaun Johnson will be hoping that this is the case because they also have a great back line to get the ball to when it is needed. They sure can finish.

Newcastle Knights

James McManus has unfortunately succumbed to an injury has been ruled out for this clash and probably the rest of the season. Kevin Naiqama comes onto the wing for him and is only one of two changes to the starting team. Zeb Taia has shifted back to the bench whilst Zane Tevevano has moved from the bench into the starting team to replace Taia. The Knights have also named an extended bench that now includes Robbie Rochow, as well as others from the win over Manly. As mentioned above, this is a very tough road trip, especially for the Knights. If they are to win, their forwards must dominate the Warriors from the opening minutes. Otherwise, their halves will have plenty of pressure on them and traffic directed their way in defence. 

Recent History

Overall = Warriors 13 - Draw 1 - Knights 14

Last 5 games = Warriors 5 - Knights 0

At Mt Smart Stadium = Warriors 7 - Draw 1 - Knights 7

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Warriors $1.26 Knights $4.00
Centrebet = Warriors $1.28 Knights $3.85
Sportsbet = Warriors $1.30 Knights $3.60
Betfair = Warriors $1.30 Knights $4.10

Verdict
The Warriors are a team that is playing to keep their season alive and can only control their own performances. Throw that in with one of the toughest road trips in the game across to NZ and the Knights have an uphill battle. The Warriors put in a very spirited performance last week and are a team that is beginning to find some consistency. When they do, everyone else should look out because they can return to the team that saw them make the grand final in 2011. Their forwards will also look to dominate the Knights in this clash. They have a very strong bench to call along when needed.

Suggested Bet
Warriors 13+ @ $2


Power house back = Konrad Hurrell First ($9) and/or Last ($9) - Take one or the other...or even both. He is returning from injury and will be looking to get back into some form as soon as possible. He is also one of the most damaging ball runners in the competition and is sure to be a handful for anyone.


Super line v Winning Margin = Warriors -20.5 @ $3.25 v Warriors 19+ @ $2.75 - If you think that this game will be a blowout, then you have to look at these two options. But if you were weighing them up, surely the "Super line" offers greater value.


Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 20 Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos Preview

It is big brother versus little brother up at Skilled Park on Friday night as the Titans host the Broncos to keep their semi final hopes alive...by a thread. The equation is simple, just win. The Broncos on the other hand are concerned with nailing down a place in the Top 4. There isn't much between them but a position up the top is vital as they would gain home field advantage and a second bite of the cherry (if needed). Both teams are choc-full of SOO players and it is surely going to be a high quality game. Both teams are also last start winners, the Titans got a great win against the Raiders away, whilst the Broncos grounded out a tough win against the Warriors in poor conditions. The Broncos on form should win this game and with majority of their players back from injuries and representative duties, it is theirs to lose. But there is no such thing in rugby league as a sure thing and this clash is always a good one. It is desperate stages for the Titans as they are playing for their season but also a little bit of pride. They do have a few injuries to contend with but if they were to not feature in the Top 8 you can conclude that they've under performed. This game won't be shown live into NSW but fans of other Top 8 teams will watch with interest. That is what this great game delivers us. But this is sure to be a top game regardless as it is a "local" (for QLD) derby.

Gold Coast Titans

The Titans welcome back one of their two injuried SOO players in Ashley Harrison. He will start at lock and Nate Myles will shift into the second row to partner Mark Minichello. Ben Ridge is omitted from the team altogether and he was the player that start last week with Minichello in the second row. Dominique Peyroux is also dropped from the team as David Mead returns to the starting team and Steve Michaels shifts back into the centres. The Titans have also named an extended bench with one to be omitted. There were a few players who picked up a knock or two in the dominating win against the Raiders and were kept off the field late in the game. But coach John Cartwright was quoted as saying that it was precautionary rather than any major concern. Of those players who did stay off Myles seemed the worst but there was also a level of concern with Aiden Sezer, the teams young 5/8. Luckily they had a hooker on the bench to cover. That will no doubt play in the mind of Cartwright in the lead up to this game. The one thing working against the Titans is their defensive play in the back line. It is something that they will have to improve before this game as it is probably one of the Broncos strong points.

Brisbane Broncos
There was a bad situation in the Broncos game last week as Dale Copely went down injuried with what appears to be a broken leg similar to what Jack Reed obtain two weeks ago. Coming into the team for him this week is Lachlan Maranta who is definitely capable given how he has played this season when included in the starting side. Apart from that, the Broncos have named exactly the same team as they had against the Warriors, including the naming of Dunamis Lui as 18th man. The Broncos are a team that is definitely being overlooked by some as a genuine premiership contender and a win here would perhaps keep them again under wraps. But there is plenty of positives in this situations as they are in 3rd place and will be strong with each week that goes on. Coach Anthony Griffin is also being rewarded with his policy of resting his SOO throughout the season as they are all fit and firing!


Recent History
Overall = Titans 3 - Broncos 9
Last 5 games = Titans 0 - Broncos 5
At Skilled Park = Titans 2 - Broncos 3

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Titans $2.80 Broncos $1.45
Centrebet = Titans $2.67 Broncos $1.50
Sportsbet = Titans $2.70 Broncos $1.48
Betfair = Titans $2.74 Broncos $1.52

Verdict
The Broncos are the stronger team on paper and have the form on the board to get the win in this game. If you do look at a form line, the Titans lost in Round 18 to the Warriors and the Broncos beat them in Round 19. But there were other factors in the Titans game that weren't mentioned in the final score including the players that were missing. But you can only play what is infront of you. The Broncos should be able to outclass the Titans players, especially in the backs where several of their players can get caught out very easily in defence. But being a local derby...this may be closer than people think.

Suggested Bet
Broncos @ $1.52 (with Betfair)


Margin call = Broncos 1-12 @ $3.00 - As mentioned above, it is a local derby and the Titans are at home, so perhaps this game will be a lot closer than most people think.


Closer call? = Broncos 1-6 @ $6.00 - Great value if this is going to be a "traditional" local derby. Also consider 7-12 @ $5.50 if you think that the Broncos will cover the line of -6.5.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips