Super Saturday in the NRL starts with a huge mismatch between the Warriors and Roosters. Then, the Sharks and Dragons reignite their rivalry at Jubilee Stadium. But the feature of Saturday’s action will be a fierce top 8 battle between the Raiders and Rabbitohs in Canberra.
NRL Round 11 Saturday Betting Tips
Warriors vs Roosters
(Sat, Jul 25 3:00pm)
The Warriors are back at Central Coast Stadium this week and they'll look to rebound after a 46-10 crushing loss to the Sharks. Unfortunately, we can't see much changing in Round 11 against a Roosters side that won't be happy after a shock loss. So we really fear for the Warriors defence if they don't show up. In team selections, Patrick Herbert is out in the centres and Adam Pompey will come into the side. Starting hooker Wayde Egan is out so Lawton will wear the #9 jersey and Tevaga will start at lock.
For the Roosters, they were upset by the undermanned Raiders last week at the SCG, 24-20. So this could be a perfect rebound opportunity for one of the league's premiership favourites. Especially considering the Roosters have won the last 2 meetings against NZ, 42-6 and 32-0. In team news, they will miss Angus Crichton in the second row but Mitch Aubusson is a solid replacement. They also get Nat Butcher back on the bench.
This clash is expected to be a blowout and we can't really disagree. The Sharks put up 46 points on the Warriors at this venue in day conditions last week and the Roosters could easily do the same and more. So we like the Roosters chances of running up the score and beating the 34.5 point total set at BetEasy.
Roosters Over 34.5 Points
$1.88
Sharks vs Dragons
(Sat, Jul 25 5:30pm)
In the last 2 weeks, the Sharks have lost 56-24 and beat the Warriors 46-10. So good luck predicting which Sharks side is going to turn up this week. But there should be extra motivation for Cronulla after losing to the Dragons in mid-June this year, 30-16. They will have a few injury issues coming into the clash. They're still without Anthony Fifita and now Briton Nikora will join him on the sidelines with suspension. As a result, Siosifa Talakai has been named to start and Toby Rudolf moves to lock.
Meanwhile, the Dragons can count themselves as very lucky after a comeback win over the dead last Bulldogs. After leading 10-0 in just 7 minutes, the Dragons fell behind 22-10 but then scored the last 18 points, highlighted by a Corey Norman match-winning try in the 78th minute from a Bulldogs error. In team news, they have lost Tariq Sims to suspension and Tyrell Fuimaono will start in the second row.
The Sharks and Dragons enjoy a fierce rivalry and with both sides just outside the top 8, this should be a close contest for the 80 minutes. However, we do like the Over considering last month's meeting totalled 46 points and either side can score (or concede) quick tries.
Raiders vs Rabbitohs
(Sat, Jul 25 7:35pm)
Canberra got their season back on track with a massive win over the Roosters last Thursday 24-20. Which also exacted some revenge for the 2019 Grand Final defeat. The key for the Raiders was an 85% completion rate and just 7 errors for the 80 minutes. So the 6th placed Green Machine will look to continue the momentum on Saturday night. In team changes, they have lost Michael Oldfield to a hamstring injury and Jordan Rapana will play in the centres.
South Sydney were slow starters against the Knights last Saturday and it ultimately cost them in a 20-18 defeat. They were sloppy with the ball and missed Latrell Mitchell at the back. But it was good to see Damien Cook back to his best with 2 tries and 56 tackles. In team selections, there's more bad news for Souths as they've lost James Roberts and Ethan Lowe to injury. So Campbell Graham will be welcomed back in the centres and Bayley Sironen gets his chance in the 2nd row.
Recent meetings between the Raiders and Rabbitohs would suggest Saturday night's clash will see points hard to come by. In last year's two meetings, the total failed to reach 30 points and with slick night conditions in Canberra making it hard to handle the footy, we like the chances of a low scoring affair.
