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Penrith Panthers Vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Two teams who are on opposite ends of the spectrum, Penrith are coming of a comeback win from 12-0 against the reigning premiers, and then the Dragons losing by 10 to the Tigers.

This game for the Dragons has been a microcosm for how they have played in the past few seasons,  very mediocre.  However, round one is round one, and its early days.

The Dragons still have key players injured, but will see Matt Duffy return moving Zac Lomax to the wing and Tyrell Fuimaono will replace the suspended Tariq Sims.

St George Illawarra Dragons utility Tyrell Fuimaono

For some reason, Ivan decided to start Kikau on the bench, I know puzzling.

He will start this round and will face Tyson Frizell on the left edge which will be a good clash.

The addition of Api Koroisau has immediately improved  the attack and also Nathan Cleary’s play.

Penrith’s spine could develop into one of the best in the NRL and its going to be exciting to watch.

Penrith Panthers hooker Api Koroisau

The Dragons couldn’t put away the Tigers, and when presented with attacking opportunities on the goal line, they were unable to piece together any effective set pieces.

This round, I expect the Dragons to prioritise their attack especially in the redzone and score points.

Penrith should continue their momentum from round one and come out hot, ready to blowout the Dragons. This should be a high scoring affair.

Over 38.5 (Bet-Easy)


Wests Tigers Vs Newcastle Knights

Both of these teams are going into round two 1-0.

The Tigers faced an early deficit and fought their way out to win comfortably against the Dragons and the Knights shutout the Warriors 20-0..

No injuries from either teams, just Michael Chee Kam being replaced by Paul Momirovski and Sione Mata’utia for the Knights has been named in reserves coming back from a knee injury.

Wests Tigers back-rower Luciano Leilua

I think both sides were disappointing in round one.

The Tigers missed Luke Brooks in attack and looked clunky especially in set pieces.

Benji Marshall carried the Tigers attack, and had his hand in most of the Tigers points against the Dragons.

I don’t expect Marshall to be able to maintain this level of play round to round.

The Knights won easily against a bad Warriors team, however the Knights missed a lot of opportunities and probably could have beat the Warriors by 40.

Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga

With that said, a win is win, but you shouldn’t judge the Knights on  a below average win against the worst team in the NRL.

I like the Knights here, just because I think the Tigers look incomplete on attack and they won’t be playing in front of their fans at Leichhardt.

I am  more confident that this game will be low scoring and points will be a rare commodity.

Under 41.5 (Points Bet)

Knights Win


Rabbitohs Vs Broncos

One of the best coaching battles in the NRL, Anthony Seibold vs Wayne Bennett.

This has been a rivalry that has been brewing in the past years and is a key talking point heading into this game.

Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold

The angst between both coaching is reflected in the play, as both teams want to win for their coach.

Bennett has the upper hand on Seibold as the Rabbitohs were able to beat the Broncos in both match ups.

Broncos were victorious in the Queensland derby against the Cowboys, and the Rabbitohs beat the Sharks by eight points.

Both of these teams played well in round one, showing that they are both going to be hard for teams to handle.

The Rabbitohs have no changes to their team for round two.

The Broncos will be out without Tevita Pangai facing a four week suspension, and Alex Glenn is expected to miss one more round with a hamstring injury.

Brisbane Broncos halfback Brodie Croft

The Broncos have seen key players like Lodge and Bird fall victim to injury in the off-season.

While these are big losses, it doesn’t affect them as much as it would other teams because of the large amount of talent and depth within the Broncos.

Brodie Croft has been a good addition and has taken allot of the important decisions out of Milford’s hands, which will give the Broncos a greater chance of winning.

They have more composure  on attack and an effective kicking game.

Having  a cool, calm and collected player like Croft brings more structure in attack and direction in the tail end of games.

Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Anthony Milford

This has been the Broncos weakness, and this addition has helped to address this.

The Broncos strengths are in the middle, and I expect this game to be won in the forwards.

For the Rabbitohs to win, they will need players like Liam Knight and Tevita Tatola to be able to contain the young and strong Broncos pack.

Bennett can always get his players up for big games, especially against his nemesis.

The Rabbitohs forwards will be eager to step up and take it to the Broncos forwards.

This game will be played in the middle and between both twenties. Its going to be all about possession and mistakes.

 

Which team can be composed and cool headed in high pressure situations?

The Rabbitohs have more experience in their halves  and in a close game this will be a difference maker.

I also believe that Wayne Bennett is better then Seibold schematically and in motivating his players.

Rabbitohs win 

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