After having to wait a whole week for a taste of NRL action, fans in Sydney are treated to two great games featuring 4 Sydney teams on Friday. The first heads to the shire, with the Sharks hosting the Bulldogs. A nice 7-day turnaround is welcomed for the home side following their road trip to New Zealand. They will be ready to build on a strong performance there. The Bulldogs have a point to prove following their disappointing loss to the Eels and will not want to give this match up easily.
As always, Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the match.
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
NRL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
PointsBet Stadium – Friday 15th March – 6pm (AEST)
Match preview
The Sharks delivered a strong performance to start the season, heading over to New Zealand and defeating the Warriors 16-12 in front of a sell-out crowd. Entitled to fold after trailing 12-nil inside 13 minutes, they stuck in for the fight and eventually dragged themselves back into the match. They spent the final 20 minutes of the match defending strongly and gave their opponents little opportunities to win the match. Most of their stats (46% possession, 76% completion rate & 34 missed tackles) suggest that they had no right contesting the result. It is a positive sign moving forward that they were so competitive.
The Bulldogs could’ve used a similar level of execution in their 26-8 defeat by the Eels. Trailing 14-nil at HT, they were made to wait until the 65th minute to cross for their first points; by this stage, the match was all but finished. With just 41% possession, a 72% completion rate and averaging just 7.6m per carry, it is no surprise they struggled. Pressure is already on this squad and an improved performance will be needed this week.
Match Prediction
The Sharks head into this game as favourites and rightly so given the performance of both sides last week. They also hold a superior record at this ground (57% vs 46%) and a strong recent record; the Bulldogs last win over the Sharks was back in Round 7, 2021, and they have 2 wins against them in the past 10 matches. The loss of JAC for the Bulldogs has been covered by Tracey (well known to his opponents), while the Sharks are close to full-strength for this game.
This current Bulldogs team needs a team-defining victory, and this fixture would offer the perfect setting. Yet, it appears as though they will be tested. The Sharks resolute defence will ensure their opponents opportunities are limited and when they are in positive field position, their attacking weapons will want their hands on the ball.
The tough game and recovery from a trip to NZ may takes its toll on the home side though, so rather than a completely comfortable win, expect this game to be decided by less than 2 converted tries; 2 out of the past 5 have ended this way.
Sharks 1-12
$3 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
They were two of the leading try scorers for the Sharks last season but failed to cross the line last week. This doesn’t mean their attacking flair should be forgotten, especially with Katoa likely to face a player out of position. Nikora is also dangerous close to the line as an option for their ball players.
Leg 1: Katoa to Score
Leg 2: Nikora to Score
SGM Odds: $5 at Neds
