Round 1 of the brand new NRL season begins on Sunday with a double-header in Las Vegas! Second up on the schedule is the Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. NRL Expert, Scooby has a full match preview, best bet, plus prop bets below!
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 1 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Allegiant Stadium – Sunday 3rd March – 3:30pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The second game of the Las Vegas double-header has the Roosters up against the Broncos. The ‘home’ side scraped into the Finals in 2023 courtesy of a strong finish to the season. They progress to the second week of the Finals before their season ended at the hands of the Storm. Much has been made of the Broncos and their 2023 season, coming within a whisker of winning the competition, only to be undone from a brilliant finish by their opponents. They featured in a quiet off-season with headlines surrounding player behaviour causing some concerns; then again, much more hype was generated than what the situation was worth.
Both sides will head into this season with hopes of improving and that means they could be facing one another in 7 months’ time. A win against a potential rival at the business end of the season will mean a lot more than just 2 competition points. Strap yourself in, two blockbuster teams are set to show the USA just what this sport is all about.
Match Prediction
This game promises to be tighter than the odds are indicating. The Broncos are favourites ($1.62 vs $2.30) but the judgement on the Roosters is largely impacted by their shortcomings last season. The Broncos have every right to be in this position; their powerful forwards set a strong platform, with experience at halfback and speed in their outside backs, they are a dangerous team to combat. That is even before you look out the back and see Walsh roaming around.
The Roosters are a quality operation and anyone who thinks that they will not be a better team compared to 2023 doesn’t understand the ethos of this club. Coach Robinson would’ve spent the entire off-season analysing ways to improve his team. Recruitment in some positions has increased their strength and, more importantly, their defensive resolve. Should their forwards be able to match it with the might of Broncos pack, they will be in this contest for a long way.
History also suggests that this will be a low scoring total; one team can dominate but the total margin of 45.4 points in their past 5 matches indicates how games between these sides generally develops. Use that to your advantage and like the advice recommended in the earlier match, keep your investment low, taking a few weeks to find out what each club is offering before investing larger amounts with more confidence.
Total Points Under 39.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
The first two options speak for themselves after reading the ‘Verdict’. As for Arthars, he finds himself in a great position; Corey Oates has scored 5 tries in the past 3 matches but he occupies his position for this contest. He is a great finisher and may find himself the benefactor of some handy opportunities.
Leg 1: Either Team Under 8.5 points
Leg 2: Total Points Under 43.5
Leg 3: Arthars to score
SGM Odds: $7 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
