The 2016 NRL Finals series started off with a bang and a lot of controversy. Hopefully the referees and bunker have less of an impact this weekend! Continue reading for our NRL Finals Week 2 Preview and Betting Tips.
- - -
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos (Friday 7.55pm AEST)
A grand final rematch sees these two sides fighting for survival with the Broncos looking to earn appropriate revenge for their loss last year whilst the Cowboys want to push for back-to-back titles.
The Broncos can count themselves lucky after their performance against the Titans on Friday night. Although they ended up winning the match by 16-points, a try on the full time siren made the score favour them. There was critical and crucial decisions throughout the match and all of them went in favour of Brisbane. However, all of that a side and the Broncos are still a tough opponent for any team in the finals as they are capable of putting together impressive performances and defeating any side.
The Cowboys on the other hand played in a great, tough and gruelling contest against the Storm. The defending premiers struggled to find an answer against the Storms defence but they will be improved this weekend and the Broncos defence is not as strong as the Storms. The Broncos leaked 28-points against the Titans and that was with a dominant possession count. The Cowboys will also have the advantage of playing on their home soil where they have lost just once this season. The loss came when the Cowboys were without Johnathan Thurston and against the Storm, which shows how much a fortress the Cowboys have made their home ground.
One thing is for sure though, this will be a tight match with the two Queensland clubs having their last three matches settled by just one point. A field goal has been all that has been the deciding factor and it would be no surprise if it came down to the boot of Thurston or Anthony Milford this time around. The Broncos have had inconsistencies throughout the year and James Roberts might not be taking the field, which adds to the Broncos issues in depth in the outside backs. The Cowboys will be able to advance in a close contest.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12 @ $2.85 with CrownBet
UPDATE: Cowboys backrower Ethan Lowe has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a spinal chord injury. It is a big blow for the defending premiers, as he has been a consistent player for them for the last two seasons. They will now rely on youngster Coen Hess. However, the Broncos face a bigger loss with James Roberts being suspended and the side lacking depth in the outside backs.
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers (Saturday 7.45pm AEST)
The Green Machine has had a terrific season but it seems as if it won’t be there year as injuries look to derail their 2016 campaign. First it was Blake Austin and now Josh Hodgson has a serious ankle injury. The latter is in serious doubt of returning for this weekend whilst Austin is a slim chance to be back in the line up. The Raiders were leading the Sharks and the momentum was behind them when Hodgson was carried from the field. He will be a big loss this year as he has been arguably their best player this year and he is the Dally M favourite. The Raiders still have a lot of attacking weapons and have the ability to break a side open, regardless of Hodgson or Austin being in the side.
The Panthers are the dark horse team in the competition. They showed on Sunday their ability to score from anywhere on the park as their offloading ability is better than any other side in the competition. Nathan Cleary and Matt Moylan are the glue for the side as they steer them around the park and keep a cool head on the team whilst they have x-factor players all across the field. Josh Mansour starts their sets off on the front foot whilst the rest of their pack has a lot of size. Trent Merrin has been a solid performer all season.
The Raiders strength is out wide and I am certain that Ricky Stuart will be looking to attack Bryce Cartwright in defence. Cartwright is terrific in attack but his defence has always been questioned and it is worse at the five-eighth position. The Raiders will be able to get over the line on the back of playing on home soil and their forward pack being very dominant.
TIP: Raiders @ $1.83 with Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
