Parramatta Eels winger Blake Ferguson

NRL round 25 best bets and predictions

This article contains some of the best bets of round 25 of the NRL. The lines, odds and totals listed may change as we get closer to the weekend.

Eels vs Sea Eagles

Round 24 was one Manly may wish never happened.

They were embarrassed by the Melbourne Storm at home and lost star player Tom Trbojevic to a torn pec, ruling him out for the rest of the 2019 season.

Trbojevic has been a transcendent talent for Manly over this season. From making game changing plays, to also being a key piece in the bulk of their attacking pieces, his loss will heavily affect Manly’s finals hopes.

Manly will, as a result, have to re-shuffle their team and game plan. Brendan Elliot will move to fullback and Corey Waddell from the bench, into the starting side.

The Storm were able to expose Moses Suli and Brad Parker on the right edge in their encounter last week.
Josh Addo Carr and Justin Olam combining for three tries attacking that side of the field.

I expect for the Parramatta Eels to take full advantage of this and they will shift the ball a lot more and attack Manly’s weak edge defence.

The Parramatta attack has improved with the late season addition of Waqa Blake.

Blake Ferguson and Blake played their first game together last round against the Broncos.

The centre/wing combination have had a full week training and a game together so any issues of cohesion we saw should be ironed out.

The Eels did have a small hot streak after stringing together three victories in a row against the Titans, Knights and Dragons.

Heading into this week though, they are coming off close losses to both the Bulldogs and the Broncos.

The Eels will want to regather the momentum they had and build some confidence heading into the first week of finals.

Best bet– Parramatta Eels -4 $1.90 (Bet Easy) Parramatta Eels HT/FT $2.10 (TAB)

Value- Parramatta Eels 13+ $3.15 (Bet Easy)

Try scorer– Michael Jennings $3.00 (Bet Easy)


Titans vs Dragons

Two people are watching this game: those on super coach, or degenerate gamblers like myself.

However, there is still money to be made.

Both teams have had significant changes to their team. Notably, Cameron McInnes, who is out with a broken leg.

The Dragons will miss his presence in and around the ruck as McInnes leads the NRL in tackles at 1,146, and has the 3rd most dummy half runs in the NRL.

St George Illawarra Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes

He has been the Dragons’ best player in 2019 despite going un-noticed because of his team’s disappointing season.

Honestly, I have no idea who will win this game.

Both teams are playing plenty of new and young talent with the hopes of them gaining some experience heading into 2020.

I can see, as a result, this game being high scoring. The last time these teams met, remember, there were 68 points on the board!

With both teams playing for nothing besides pride, they will play an open style and won’t be afraid to shift the ball and play some footy.

Best bet– Over 43.5 $1.88 (Neds)


West Tigers Vs Sharks

Sudden death.

Nervous tension will fill the air at Leichardt on Sunday afternoon, as when the final siren blows, one team will be moving into finals and the other will be preparing their mad Monday outfit.

The Tigers are coming off two convincing wins which highlighted their ability in attack but also their strong defence.

Michael Maguire is a defensive minded coach, who likes his teams playing physical and tough.

This can be seen through the Tigers 598 missed tackles – one of the best in the NRL.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire

The Sharks had a disappointing loss, leading the Raiders by twelve points at half time, and losing in golden point 14-13… I can’t bet the Sharks this week.

That golden point stuff is against my gambling morals. Once a team loses like that, I can’t back them.

With my bias is in play, I can’t bet against the Tigers at Leichardt on a Sunday arvo.

The Sharks are too inconsistent and make crucial mistakes as they lead the comp in errors at 273.

The Tigers are a team who will be able to take advantage of any slip-ups while also clamping the Sharks on defence.

Best Bets– Tigers Win $2.10 (TAB) Tigers +2 $1.91 (Points Bet) Under 40.5 1.90 (Points Bet)

Value– Tigers 1-12 $3.30 (TAB)


 

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