We’ve got a cracking double header to round out yet another exciting round of NRL action. The Wests Tigers host the Cowboys in an anticipated return to Leichhardt while the high-flying Eels welcome the Dragons to Bankwest Stadium.
NRL Round 5 Sunday Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Cowboys
Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 4:05pm AEST
You can guarantee there will be a bumper crowd in attendance for this Tigers home game at Leichhardt Oval on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The home side comes into this off the back of a hard-fought loss to the Eels where the scoreline didn’t do justice for their performance. It was a much improved showing and something the players will take a lot of confidence from. They are still stuck on just the one win so far for the season but have had to go up against the Raiders, Roosters, Knights and Eels. They face their easiest match to date here today and look to be a massive chance and finding their second win of the season. The Cowboys have been woeful to put it nicely this season. They are winless through the first 4 matches and desperately need some spark to turn their form around.
Verdict
Can’t possibly look past the Tigers in this one as they have many factors which are in their favour today. They return to Leichhardt where they always play well and always enjoy a packed out, passionate home crowd. The Cowboys have been one of the worst sides in the competition so far and look the early favourites to take home the wooden spoon this year. The Tigers put in a good performance against the undefeated Eels and gave them a scare for the majority of the match. If they can repeat something similar to that here, they’ll run out comfortable winners. They’ll also be extra desperate to get the win in memory of Tommy Raudonokis as they pay tribute to him today by retiring the 7 jersey for the match and wearing the black and white colours of the Magpies. The Cowboys will be boosted by the return of Jason Taumalolo but they’re going to need more help than that after conceding 141 points across their 4 matches this season.
Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Bankwest Stadium, Sunday 6.15pm AEST
The Eels go in search of a fifth straight win to start the season and will look to join the Panthers in being the only two undefeated teams in the competition. They were 36-22 winners against the Wests Tigers last week but were tested throughout the match. They have made a habit of struggling to put away teams after starting strongly and will want to not give the Dragons any opportunity for that today. The Dragons have been in great form, winning their last three matches and look to have found their groove under Anthony Griffin. They’ll be boosted by the return of Jack Bird while the Eels welcome new recruit Bryce Cartwright to the side. This looks to be a close match with plenty of points scored.
Verdict
While I think the Eels probably should be winning this at their favoured Bankwest Stadium, they look under the odds in the current markets and I think the points line may be the way to play. Both these sides have been attacking well all season, and in turn their defence hasn’t been as strong. These two teams have been involved in some of the highest scoring matches of the season. 7 of the last 8 matches for the Dragons have gone over the total points line while the Eels haven’t scored less than 16 points in a match this season. On a dry Sunday evening with two sides who like to throw the footy around, the overs looks one of the safer bets of the match.
