Round 5 action kicks off with another blockbuster fixture in Sydney. For the third straight week, the Eels face a fresh team coming off a bye. This is a tough task for any side to handle but it is made harder given the quality of teams they have been facing. After a tough victory in Round 4, the Eels will want to make it consecutive wins. The Roosters will be ready to face what comes there way and the stage is set for an exciting encounter.
Let’s get stuck into our NRL Round 5 preview and tips for the Roosters vs Eels!
NRL Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Allianz Stadium, Thursday 30th March, 8pm (AEST)
The Roosters were victorious over their rivals, the Rabbitohs 20-18, in a hard-fought Round 3 encounter. In a bruising contest, they overcame a 10-point deficit to fight their way back into the contest. A late try to the Rabbitohs narrowed the margin of victory but the result was decided before that point. In a match riddled with mistakes, they were the better of the two sides; they completed at 76%, had 53% possession and made only 9 errors. It wasn’t all positive though; they carried the ball for less metres (and averaged less per carry), had fewer line breaks and fewer post contact metres. They are not yet at their peak.
The Eels captured their first win of the season in exciting fashion over the Panthers in Round 4. Desperate for a victory after losing each of their opening 3 matches by 4-points, they played extremely well. Completing at 95%, they strangled the Panthers with 53% possession, dominating total metres and post-contact metres. It is a sign just what they are capable of this season, and they should continue to climb the competition ladder with improved performances.
The odds have the Roosters as favourites ($1.53 vs $2.50) and this accurately reflects the distance between them on the NRL Power Rankings. The visitors will struggle without Paulo in the middle for them; the Roosters pack was essential in their victory over the Rabbitohs. The Roosters also lose Manu but have a capable replacement in Hutchinson. History is also important to consider; the Eels have won just twice in the past 8 meetings. Home ground advantage is also a factor with the home team winning 8 times in the past 12 meetings; at this ground, the Roosters have a 64% winning record compared to the Eels 44%.
As good as last week was for the Eels, it is hard to overlook the fact they have conceded 30+ points twice this season. The Roosters hardly need an invitation to score points and will take this opportunity. The 5.5 line is tempting and goes against the Eels margins so far this season. With confidence and combinations growing in the Roosters team, expect another strong performance here to further improve their 2023 credentials.
Prop Bets
SGM 1 – Roosters 1-12/Tedesco & Suualii to score @ $15 – 0.5 units
SGM 2 – Roosters 1-12/Total points over 40.5 @ $6.50 – 1 unit
Roosters -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
