Round 12 of the NRL season is this weekend and we will see how teams deal with the post Origin hangover as players will attempt to slip back into their respective teams and deal with the short turn around. Continue reading for this weeks Round 12 preview and betting tips.
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Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels (Friday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Panthers are a side that will benefit throughout the Origin period as they have no players representing either Queensland or New South Wales. They are also getting closer to full strength with Peter Wallace and Josh Mansour returning to the side along with other key players in recent weeks. The Eels will have Will Hopoate backing up and they also see Chris Sandow move back to halfback after being dropped two weeks ago and being recalled at fullback last week. The move should improve the Eels attack that has been struggling in recent weeks but the Panthers will be too strong as their spine is back in tact.
TIP: Panthers 13+ @ $2.40 with Sportsbet
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (Saturday 3pm AEDT)
The Rabbitohs earned themselves a victory last week for the first time this season without Adam Reynolds but it was far from impressive. Greg Inglis is likely to play but he is still battling tonsillitis, while Nate Myles will back up for the Titans and Aiden Seizer is likely to overcome a hamstring injury. Despite these inclusions the Titans have lost their way recently and will struggle against a fired up Rabbitohs side that is beginning to play itself back into form.
TIP: Rabbitohs -5.5 @ $1.92 with Palmerbet
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos (Saturday 5.30pm AEDT)
The Raiders missed out on a perfect opportunity over the weekend to cement themselves in the top 8. A loss at home to a side missing seven players should never happen if you have plans to play in the finals. The Raiders themselves lost Jack Wighton before kick off which is a massive blow but to allow the Bulldogs to score 26 unanswered points in the opening 30 minutes before chasing it down and tying the scores only to lose is just the inconsistency that we expect from the Raiders. They have another opportunity this weekend as they are up against the Broncos who have six players backing up from the Origin on Wednesday night. They will need to capitalise on this opportunity, however I expect the Broncos to be ready for this match. Anthony Milford had his best performance of the season and he returns to Canberra for the first time since his move to Brisbane. He will look to be putting on a great performance against his old team.
TIP: Broncos 1-12 @ $3.35 with Luxbet
Cowboys vs Sea Eagles (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The Cowboys pulled off an impressive win last week that no one thought they could manage. They were without their Origin stars and have previously struggled to win without the key players in their side. They will welcome back those players this weekend but Matt Scott won’t be returning as he received an injury during the Origin match. Kieran Foran returns for the Sea Eagles but unfortunately for them they lose Daly Cherry Evans. They will struggle without him controlling the play and will lose but we suggest to stay clear of this match with the Cowboys at such a short price.
TIP: No bet
Warriors vs Knights (Sunday 2pm AEDT)
These two two sides meet for the first since the opening round of the season. The Knights were victorious in that one but it is highly unlikely they will be able to manage the same result. The Warriors can be hot when they are on but they still have errors in their game. A fortnight ago it looked as if they could run away with the match against the Eels but they let them back into the game and it took them until golden point before they sealed the win. They should win against the Knights but I can see it being closer than expected.
TIP: Warriors 1-12 @ $3.15 with Crownbet
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks (Sunday 4pm AEDT)
The Dragons are likely to include Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin in their sides as they will back up from Origin. They will bolster the attack and defence of the Dragons as they look to keep up with the pace on the top of the table against the Sharks who are struggling outside of the top 8. There are rumours Paul Gallen will return this weekend but it is more likely for him to take an extra week off and be right for the Roosters next weekend. The Cronulla side has cooled off since the impact Jack Bird made since making his debut. The Dragons defence should be up to the task of keeping the Sharks at bay.
TIP: Dragons -6.5 @ $1.92 with Palmerbet
Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm (Monday 7pm AEDT)
The best has been left for last this weekend with the top of the table Storm taking on the premiership favourites the Sydney Roosters. Both sides will have their fair share of players backing up from Origin with Billy Slater likely to take the field for the Storm. The Roosters will be favourites in this one but the Storm spine will be confident after performing at such a high level for Queensland during the week. They also will be well rested for the match as they are benefited with the five days of rest.
TIP: Storm +4.5 @ $1.92 with Crownbet
