The first NRL game Friday night heads to the northern beaches of Sydney with the Sea Eagles hosting the Raiders. The Sea Eagles currently sit in 4th place on the competition ladder and will want to improve on this standing. The NRL Power Rankings suggest that the Raiders might be outclassed given the strength of their opponents. Either way, the stage is set for some exciting NRL action and Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at what is ahead.
2024 NRL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders
4 Pines Park – Friday 3rd May – 6pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Sea Eagles were victorious over the Eels 32-18 but went about their task the hard way. An underwhelming first half highlighted by errors meant they were trailing 14-6 at HT. Whatever was said at the break appeared to work wonders, as they piled on 2 quick tries to swing momentum in their favour, finishing the stronger of the two sides. They dominated possession (55%) and while not high, had a superior completion rate (78%). They also made more total metres, pcm’s and 9 total line breaks. They are a dangerous team when they are playing with confidence.
The Raiders would like to harness some of that energy and use it in their matches. They come into this game following an embarrassing 40-nil loss to the Sharks at home. Heading into the game as outsiders, few expected the result which was delivered. The Raiders were powerless to stop their opponents and only made things challenging with poor execution. With just 48% possession, they completed at 72%, allowed 9.7m per carry, concede 9 line breaks and missed 64 tackles (competition high). As bad as that performance was, they are only outside the Top 8 on points difference and will take plenty of confidence from capturing their next victory.
Match Prediction
The Sea Eagles form this season, as well as the Raiders shortcomings, have seen the home side listed as overwhelming favourites ($1.24 vs $4.10). It is no surprise that this also coincides with the Raiders poor record at this ground (39%). Coach Stuart has decided to try and spark a reaction from his team by making a host of personnel changes, but none appear likely to stimulate a change in the outcome.
The game is effectively the Sea Eagles to lose; they were further boosted on Tuesday when DCE had his charge downgraded and is free to play in this contest. Their forwards will need to start faster than they have in previous weeks; they too have experienced their share of inconsistent efforts. Such performances could’ve easily swung momentum against them this season, but they have escaped. With such results comes a high level of confidence. Things are somewhat close in the season averages; the Raiders concede 22ppg while only scoring 20ppg, compared with the Sea Eagles 26ppg in attack and 21ppg in defence.
The recent history between these two sides suggests the margin of victory should be a comfortable one; 4 of the past 5 matches have been decided by a 13+ margin with the average sitting at 28.8 points. The investment option should be the same.
Sea Eagles 13+
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The first selection is justified above. The total points between these two sides in the past 5 matches sits at 44.4 points. There is every chance that, with the Sea Eagles recent performance whereby their total points have exceeded 50+, this game could also follow a similar outcome.
Sea Eagles -12.5
Total Points Over 42.5
SGM Odds: $3.10 at Ladbrokes
