The NRL action continues today with two intriguing matches to round out the weekend. The struggling Broncos will host the Sharks in the early game while the Wests Tigers take on the Rabbitohs in a must win game for both sides.
NRL Round 16 Sunday Betting Tips
Broncos vs Sharks
Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 2.00pm (AEST)
Cronulla will come into this match as one of the hottest sides in the competition as they chase their fifth straight win and look to remain in the top eight. The return of Shaun Johnson has been a massive factor in the improved form for Cronulla and they look a completely different team this last month than what we’ve seen for the majority of the season.
The Broncos will be looking to put some separation between them and the Bulldogs as the battle for the wooden spoon continues. The home side will be boosted by the return of Kotoni Staggs who will line up in the centres as he makes his long awaited return to NRL action.
Verdict
While the Sharks are heavy favourites and many expect them to continue on their winning ways, the Broncos have had a big week off the field with many key players told they can look for new clubs. You’d expect them to be fired up and looking to prove a point to the club who doesn’t want them. Kotoni Staggs is a massive in for the Broncos and his impact can’t be understated.
There’s no doubt the Sharks are flying at the moment and they will be aiming to win five straight matches for the first time since 2018. They held off a fast finishing Cowboys side last week after a thrilling one point win over the ladder leaders, the Panthers. Shaun Johnson has been brilliant since returning and will be keen to stamp his authority on this game once again as they aim to remain in the hunt for finals footy. The Broncos have leaked points all season and they will need to improve their defence if they want to be any hope here this afternoon.
I’m expecting the home side to put up a fight and this match might be a lot closer than many people are predicting.
Wests Tigers vs Rabbitohs
Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 4.05pm (AEST)
The Tigers come into this on the back of two demoralising defeats at the hands of Parramatta and Melbourne. They’ve conceded 106 points across those two games and their season is at breaking point as they slide down the competition ladder. Meanwhile the Bunnies continue their good form with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker continuing to star for the green and red.
Adam Doueihi returns for the home side while Benji Marshall comes back in for the Rabbitohs as he prepares to take on the club he had plenty of success with earlier in his career. All five origin players for the visitors have been named to play.
Verdict
It’s hard to see the Rabbitohs not coming out on top here as they look to string together their fourth straight win. They will fancy their chances against a Tigers side way down on confidence, and under serious pressure to turn their season around.
Latrell Mitchell continues to cause trouble for every opposition defence he has come up against recently while Alex Johnston is in hot try scoring form. The winger has scored a massive eight tries across his last three games and this matchup looks another ideal one for him.
The bunnies have had one of the most clinical attacks in the competition in recent weeks while the Tigers have been one of the poorest defending sides in a matchup which spells trouble for the home team. With the news of injured halves for NSW, both Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds could mount their case for selection for game three.
This match could easily get away from the Tigers if they don’t start well and I am expecting the visitors to make it five straight wins and cement their position in the top four.
Rabbitohs 13+/Over 52.5
$2.40
