It’s rugby league in Vegas, BABY! It has been a long wait for rugby league fans to see the NRL season launched in America. Much has been talked about since the idea was first floated and come Sunday, the dream will become a reality. Given it is the gambling capital of the world, it would be rude to not look for a way to add to your viewing enjoyment, by finding a winner or two.
Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at all rugby league matches, as well as other sporting action from Australia and around the world.
Here, NRL expert Scooby provides his preview and best bet for the NRL season opener, which sees the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs!
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
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Allegiant Stadium – Sunday 3rd March – 1:30pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The first game of the double-header features two teams who missed the Finals in 2023 and will be out to start their season off with a victory. The Sea Eagles have strengthened their halves with the recruitment of Luke Brooks, but the same questions linger around their team: can they keep Tommy Turbo fit and can their younger players live up to the hype? The second year of coach Siebold also makes for interesting viewing. One would think that the pressure would begin to rise on him should unsuccessful performances mount.
The Rabbitohs are under their own pressure(s), but their coach has (almost) an identical challenge to that of his opponent here. They became the first team in the history of the competition to miss the Finals after leading at Round 11. Much has been made about the harmony within their playing roster; they have spent a lot of their off-season deflecting away from questions about this being the catalyst for poor performances. Nevertheless, a new season offers a range of opportunities for each team. The conflict started well before they boarded their flights to the States and tempers are set to be high to start NRL Season 2024.
Match Prediction
The Rabbitohs are missing key players which would’ve given them an edge in this contest. Their absence brings the Sea Eagles firmly into contention. They are still slight outsiders ($1.96 vs $1.86) with many believing that the stronger Rabbitohs pack can get the job done in the middle and cover for the defensive lapses by their outside backs. This is where the dimensions of the field are important. The field presented here is narrower by 5m and shorter by 6m. While it may not seem much, it does make rigid defences even tougher to penetrate. It would be rare to find a team with numbers on an edge; if either team is to win this contest, they will first need to dominate the middle of the field. The Rabbitohs appear to have an edge in this area. Names like Tatola, Arrow and Murray make a habit of playing fast and through the middle. Cook will seek opportunities off the back of this. The speed of their ruck will be crucial to their success. If the Sea Eagles can match them or slow them down, they can strike on the edges.
It must be noted that the Rabbitohs have won the past 7 against the Sea Eagles, with 3 of those victories coming by a 1-12 margin. This game is expected to be an arm wrestle-style contest so invest on a tight encounter, with either side prevailing. As it is early in the season, keep your investment low, taking a few weeks to find out what each club is offering before investing larger amounts with more confidence.
Either Team by 10.5 points
$1.80 (1.5 Units)
Player Prop Bet
Cody Walker to score a try – $3.50 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
Walker has scored 6 tries in the past 4 matches against the Sea Eagles. In 3 of those matches, he has also scored the first try (currently $19 here). He is a great support player and will also take the ball to the line, offering the chance to capitalise on a defensive error by an opponent.
