The NRL season continues this weekend with all the teams in action as we take a break from the bye rounds. Continue reading for this weeks NRL Round 13 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Brisbane Broncos vs Manly Sea Eagles (Friday 7.35pm AEDT)
The Broncos continued their dominance this season as they ran out winners in Canberra. Justin Hodges and Sam Thaiday return after being rested to bolster their squad whilst the Sea Eagles will also receive a massive boost as Daly Cherry Evans is set to return after missing last week with a shoulder injury.
This could be an interesting match as the Sea Eagles nearly upset the Cowboys over the weekend. However, the Broncos are firing all across the park and should be too strong, especially playing at home.
TIP: Broncos 1-12 @ $3.10 with Sportsbet
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans (Friday 7.35pm AEDT)
The Tigers have been dealt a massive blow after the injury to Robbie Farah in State of Origin. They will be without their captain and they struggled last start without him as they were held scoreless against the Cowboys who were minus their origin stars.
These two sides last met in round 1 and it had to be decided by a Pat Richards field goal in the final few seconds of play. The Titans are a much better side since then and despite losing their last three matches have shown plenty of good signs.
TIP: Titans @ $2.25 with Ladbrokes
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders (Saturday 3pm AEDT)
The Knights have been ravaged by injuries with Tyrone Roberts the latest to hit the rehab clinic. They were already without Jarrod Mullen and captain Kurt Gidley was absent in the side’s loss to the Warriors over the weekend.
The Raiders have lost their last two games but are still a side that has shown a lot of promise and improvement throughout the season. Jordan Rapana is likely to return from injury that will put Sisa Waqa back in the centres, which will see him get a lot more ball.
TIP: Raiders -1.5 @ $1.92 with Crownbet
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors (Saturday 5.30pm AEDT)
The Rabbitohs have won two in a row and it is mainly due to the play of John Sutton. He has been their saviour since his return from injury as he has been replacing injured halfback Adam Reynolds.
However, the Warriors pose a more difficult task this weekend as they have strung three wins in a row together as Shaun Johnson has started to find the form that saw him win the golden boot award. Sam Tomkins also made his return to the side last week, he was very quiet and made little impact in their win but he will be better for it and have a lot of confidence after getting a match under his belt.
TIP: Warriors 1-12 @ $3.65 with Luxbet
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
Just when the Panthers thought their injury woes were behind them, they were struck once again inside the opening 10 minutes in their loss to the Eels. This time it was their star fullback Matt Moylan and he is set to miss a couple of months of action which will force another reshuffle of their backline.
The Storm received a wake up call when they faced the Roosters but they shouldn’t worry too much as they were without Billy Slater and a couple of their other stars were backing up from Origin. Cameron Smith was clearly out on his feet and in the future I expect him to possibly be rested coming off of Origin games.
I expect the Panthers troubles to continue and for this to be a very close match with the Storm coming out on top.
TIP: Storm @ $2.00 with Ladbrokes
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters (Sunday 4pm AEDT)
The Sharks managed to pull off a massive upset earlier on in the season when they defeated the Roosters. The tri-colours will remember this and be out for revenge and unfortunately for the Sharks it comes at a time when the Roosters are beginning to look like full strength again. Blake Fergurson hasn’t been named but is likely to be a late inclusion in the side for the first time since round 4. The former bad boy was being considered for Origin at the start of the season as he was performing at a high level.
The Sharks won’t stand a chance this weekend and the scoreline could look more embarrassing then their recent 36 point loss to the Dragons.
TIP: Roosters -8.5 @ $1.92 with Crownbet
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragon (Monday 4pm AEDT)
The Dragons are one of the form teams of the competition and are sitting on the top of the table. Their defence is rock solid as teams struggle to break through the line and now their attack is starting to take shape as they have scored a total of 74 points over the past two games.
The Bulldogs are coming off of a bye and were victorious in their last start against the Raiders in Canberra. The dogs almost blew a 26 point lead as they were forced to snatch the game late. Their captain is named to return this weekend but they will still be without Brett Morris who is at least another week away.
The struggles between Hodkinson and Reynolds are likely to continue this weekend and their offence won’t be able to break the defensive line of the Dragons on enough occasions.
TIP: Dragons @ $2.00 with Ladbrokes
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys (Monday 7pm AEDT)
The last game of the weekend will see the Cowboys take on the Eels. The Cowboys have now won 9 in a row and will be looking to make easy work of the Eels before their star players head off to Origin camp again. The Cowboys are much improved side on the road this season and despite Parramatta’s good record at home, I expect the Cowboys streak to continue this weekend.
TIP: Cowboys -4.5 @ $1.92 with Crownbet
