NRL Round 5 Preview and Tips; also included at the bottom is a Round preview featuring Tim Gilbert and Matthew Thomson – who give their views, prices and tips for the upcoming round:
Roosters ($2.52) v Broncos ($1.52) – Sure the Roosters have been inconsistent, but their defensive showing last week should give supports plenty of hope. The Broncos have still yet to prove they can win ugly. The Sydney side are great value and could be good enough to get an upset win here. Tip: Roosters in a tight one.
Eels ($2.50) v Dragons ($1.59) – Batton down the hatches, this could be a demolition. The Eels might be at home, but their enthusiasm and more importantly their forwards have been towelled up even in their wins so far in 2009. The Dragons on form should win comfortably. Tip: Dragons
Sharks ($1.98) v Raiders ($1.96) – This should be an interesting clash at Shark Park. Ricky’s boys were really exposed last week against the Dogs and injury, plus suspension have made them look even more wobbly this week. The Raiders have been good all year, but slightly unlucky. They had the Tigers and Eels beaten for sure, but just didn’t get a bounce of the ball. Tip: Raiders (Good Value Too)
Cowboys ($1.61) v Titans ($2.22) – The Cowboys have been a disappointment this year, leading coach Neil Henry was expected to have these guys firing big time. The Titans were outstanding defensively last week against Melbourne, but their double away fixture – this time Townsville, might prove too much. Cows should be primed at home and will do enough in this one. Tip: Cows
Storm ($1.34) v Panthers ($3.35) – A big ask for Penrith here, they may be finding their confidence of late – but this trip to Olympic Park will be a tall ask. Melbourne have had five-eighth issues, but Bellamy won’t want them dropping this game. Expect a seriously well prepared Storm side, should be too good in the precision grind for the Panthers who tend to play touch footy too often. Tip: Storm
Knights ($1.74) v Warriors ($2.06) – A hard one to call here, the Knights were dynamic in both attack and defence last week, growing some good combinations. The Warriors have been disjointed since being hit by injuries. The backrowers for Newcastle have been explosive, Houston and Patterson really setting the world on fire. The travel for the NZ side, coupled with a strong home crowd for the Knights – should get Newcastle home. Tip: Knights
Sea Eagles ($1.40) v Wests ($3.10) – The Tigers side are really up against it here, the Eagles are desperate to win and while Matai, Orford and Lyon are under injury clouds the return of Brett Stewart will help. This is one of those games that no matter what the Tigers do, they simply will not be able to stop the forces around Manly – it what is shaping as a Grand Final for the Eagles. Tip: Manly
Bulldogs ($1.92) v Rabbitohs ($1.89) – What a match up here on Monday Night Football. Both sides playing good footy. The Bulldogs have shown they are a serious contender in patches, but at times they tend to fall into the ebb and flow of a match. This will improve over the year, but at this early stage I think the Souths side have been playing together for longer and are more refind. The unpredictable attack of Souths might prove a problem for the Dogs here. Tip: Souths
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