The final City vs Country game will be played this Sunday and it should be an entertaining clash with both sides looking to finish the rivalry as winners. We preview the big game and give out betting tips below.
City vs Country (Sunday 4pm AEST)
The NRL bye round will wrap up on Sunday with the final City vs Country origin match. The two sides have relatively weak teams with not many NSW Origin stars on display in this one. However, there is one obvious exception to that with Paul Gallen starting in the front row for City. The former NSW captain has thrown his hat back in the ring to make a return to NSW, despite declaring that 2016 would be his last representative season. He will lead the way for a weak forward pack that only has one other strong name in James Tamaou. This will definitely be an area where the City team will struggle, with its go-forward. They have a strong backline but if they can’t get into the appropriate field advantage they won’t be able to capitalise.
*** CLICK HERE - PLAY FREE RUGBY PUNTING TOURNAMENT - PRIZES $$ ***
Their defence around the ruck could be an issue too. However, newly resigned premiership winning halfback Chad Townsend will be out to repeat his efforts from last year as he dominated the match as City came away with a victory and he will partner Bryce Carwright in the halves who also had a superb game last year which lead to many calling for him to be placed in the Origin side. However, he has had a poor start to the season after missing the majority of matches before returning in two losing efforts for the Panthers. The rest of the backline is made up of strong performers in Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, the Knights shining light Nathan Ross, Clint Gutherson and flyer Josh Addor-Carr. The City side can definitely score a lot of points if they are given the opportunity.
Meanwhile the Country side has a stronger forward pack but their backline is definitely weaker. Aging veteran Michael Gordan is at fullback while inform Titans halfback Tyrone Roberts will be halfback. He partners the exciting Cody Walker but the centres and wingers for Country aren’t notable players. The forward pack of Paul Vaugn, Dale Finucane and Jack De Bellin will muscle up for Country and they should win the battle in the middle of the field, however in a match that we are predicting to be an exciting and free flowing one, rather than a slug match, we believe the City side will come out on top.
TIP: City to win - $2.15 at 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!
