With NRL Round 2 approaching, Scrappy Coco runs his eye over the form to see where the value bets are for this weekends Rugby League.
Dragons vs Bulldogs
The Dragons $1.53 host the Bulldogs $2.55 in what should be a juicy matchup. However, after such perfection with possession in Round 1 – it’s hard to go past the Saints. The Bulldogs will no doubt be amped up after losing in Round 1, but speculation that Ben Hannant is homesick and the recent sacking of Lee Tamaari may have some impact on the Belmore boys. St George Illawarra look to be in a good early rhythm and will win here.
Souths vs Gold Coast Titans
The Bunnies at $1.70 are surprisingly favourites here against the Titans at $2.15 – hence, there is good value in backing the Coast. The Titans are quite as rock solid away from home, but after winning ugly in Round 1 – expect even bigger things from them. Souths will improve, but you get the feeling they lack control in the halves to dominate for long periods.
NZ Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks
The Warriors $1.45 are much fancied over the hapless Sharks at $2.65 over the ditch for this game. Simon Mannering returns for the Warriors and his presence will help them no doubt, the free flowing footy the NZ side plays should prove too much for the traveling Sharks. Cronulla were solid last week in their loss to the Storm, but need a tonne of improvement before they’ll win a game. Odds aren’t great on the Warriors, so not too much value for the win. Maybe look at taking the 13+ for $2.70
Knights vs Storm
This will be a real test for the successful Knights $2.25, they jumped the major hurdle in Round 1 and won-through despite intense media scrutiny. A tougher ask against the Storm $1.65 however at $2.25 the Knights are decent value here. They are always strong at home and they should put in a good showing here on the back of confidence from last week. This could be the upset of the Round – the Knights to just pip the stuttering Storm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Panthers
A real tricky one to pick here. Penrith $2.20 look to have an exciting squad this year – Burns in the halves up against his old side will be great to watch. While he will be heavily involved, his short fuse is a worry here and may cost his side penalties. The Cowboys $1.67 are favourites here, no doubt after getting jumped by the baby Broncos last week – they’ll want to bounce right back. Very hard to tip here, as Penrith can be unpredictable. However, lean towards the Cowboys at home. For those who like better odds and a little risk – consider the Panthers for 13+ as if they do get an early jump, they can turn on the points and it’s paying $5.50
Parramatta Eels vs Manly
The traditional rivals meet at Parramatta to a sold out stadium. The Eels $1.35 didn’t do too much wrong in Round 1, however big expectations will have them ready for this game. Manly $3.05 are in some trouble with injuries and suspension and will find it tough at Parramatta Stadium. It’s a day game, and the Eels tend to prefer the night matches – however, you’d be mad not to look at the home side for 13+ here paying $2.35
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
The match of the Round looks to be a classic, with the much improved Roosters $2.15 up against the fast finishing Tigers $1.70. When you look at both their first Rounds, the Roosters won well but would have been really revved up for the first round clash against traditional rivals Souths – however repeating it twice is a different story. Everything went the Chooks way in week one and this is probably why the Tigers are classed as favourites. Wests had a tough game in Round 1 but still got out of jail. For value betting, try the Wests Tigers by a 1-12 margin paying $3.10. Yes, the Tigers do score plenty of points – but the defence of the Roosters was commendable in Round 1 and I can’t see this blowing up too much.
Canberra vs Broncos
The Green Machine at home on a Monday Night is always an attractive bet. However, Canberra at $1.65 are a little too short for a value pick. The Broncos are $2.25 and still an unknown in 2010 given their baby faced lineup. While Canberra at home is the safe bet, if you want to throw the dice and go for longer odds – the Broncos by 13+ paying $5.50 is a very attractive bet.