The NRL season as quickly reached Round 5 and I don’t think anyone would have predicted seeing the Newcastle Knights being the only undefeated side in the competition and leading the way on the top of the ladder. This weekend shapes up to be an interesting one with a lot of sides desperate for a victory. Continue reading to see our NRL Round 5 predictions and tips.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (Friday 4pm AEDT)
The Rabbitohs suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Eels and you would have to be able to see the future to predict that one. The Rabbitohs have come crashing down to Earth and I expect them to bounce back in a big way against the Bulldogs to make another statement to the rest of the competition. The Bulldogs overcame a 24-6 deficit to escape with a victory in golden point against the Tigers. It is always good for a side to show the mentality and ability to overcome the odds and fight back but unfortunately for the Bulldogs they are coming up against the Rabbits who will want to make up for last weeks loss. Josh Reynolds and Tim Lafai return for the Bulldogs but not having Brett Morris at the back will hurt them.
TIP: Rabbitohs -2 @$2.00 at Palmerbet
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos (Friday 8.35pm AEDT)
The Titans got their first win of the season last week and it is mainly due to the return of their stars that were suspended in the first two rounds because of the drug scandal. The players are starting to click and Holden Cup Player of the Year Kane Eglyey impressed in his first grade debut as he steered his club to victory. However, they are up against a Broncos side that has begun to hit form. Anthony Milford is struggling at five-eighth and he has received a whipping from coach Bennet. In the first four rounds Milford has failed to register a single try, try assist or line break. Milford will eventually adapt to the playing style of the Broncos and the position he has been moved to, however he was far more dominant at fullback for the Raiders.
TIP: Broncos 1-12 @ $3.00 at Sportsbet
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders (Saturday 5.05pm AEDT)
Both of these sides have struggled throughout the start of the season. If you take away the strong ten-minute period where the Sea Eagles scored three quick tries, which allowed them to hold on to a lead for their only victory of the season, then they could be winless. The Raiders have been very much the same, other than a strong 20 minutes against the Dragons they have been similar to last year. I expect this match to be close but the experience of Sea Eagles to get them over the line.
TIP: Sea Eagles – 4.5 @$1.94 at Ladbrokes
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons (Saturday 7.35pm AEDT)
The Newcastle Knights have proved over the last four weeks that they are contenders for a finals position. A win against the Dragons is a must if they are to continue their early finals push, as they can’t afford to lose the games they should definitely win. Their defence and attack has improved since last year and they have developed a more free-flowing game, which suits the Knights side better. The Dragons have won their last two games but the Raiders stopped playing after 20 minutes and Manly were the worst they have ben in years. Despite playing this game away from home the Dragons have a favourable record in Newcastle. They have won nine of the last 10 games at the venue but I think the Knights should get up here.
Tip: Knights -7.5 @$2.00 at Palmerbet
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks (Sunday 4pm AEDT)
The Roosters are flying high whilst the Sharks are struggling to get off of the ground. The tri-colours will be looking to continue their dominant start to the season despite losing new recruit and star centre Blake Fergurson for possibly four months. The loss will hurt but luckily the Roosters have a lot of depth in the squad and will be able to replace him relatively well. The Sharks have their backs against the wall and will have to pull of more than a miracle to come away with a win this weekend.
TIP: Roosters 13+ @$1.75 at Luxbet
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers (Monday 3pm AEDT)
The Eels may have pulled the upset of the season last weekend when they defeated a Rabbitohs side that had previously looked unstoppable. They are at home again this weekend and always seem to play better in front of a home crowd. They are up against the Tigers who let a big lead slip last week after looking very good against the Bulldogs. The Tigers are continuing to grow into a strong side, but with the majority of their players in key positions being young they will continue to struggle to close out games.
TIP: Eels @$1.82 at Sportsbet
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors (Monday 5pm AEDT)
The Storm was another side to let a lead slip last week. After a Cooper Cronk field goal put them up by seven with just as many minutes left it looked as if the Cowboys were down and out. However, a side with Johnathan Thurston in it is always dangerous and when he took over the match it was a different ball game. The Storm return home to Melbourne but they are facing their bogey side. The Warriors have a great record against the Storm and always seem to put their best performances on against Craig Bellamy’s side. However, without having Sam Tomkins at fullback, the Warriors will struggle again in attack.
Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys (Monday 7pm AEDT)
The Panthers Struggled last week for direction last week without Jamie Soward and James Segyaro in the sides to steer them around the park. However, Segyaro returns this week, which is a much needed boost for the Panthers as they have lost their last two matches. Despite the Cowboys pulling off the great escape against the Storm, they still failed to put on a good performance for the majority of the match. They will need to be much better against the Panthers this weekend and improve on their away performances.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12 @$3.75 at Sportsbet
