The second NRL fixture on Friday night is an old-fashioned rivalry between the Sea Eagles and the Eels on the northern beaches of Sydney. After several positive weeks across all sports, this NRL Betting Preview will aim to add to your bank balance.
It will be a quieter build up for the Sea Eagles this week, with fans hopeful that they can put last week’s drama (and performance) behind them to keep their Finals hopes alive. The inconsistent Eels have plenty of momentum after handing the competition leading Panthers their second loss of the season. They will want to solidify their standing in the Top 8 and a win appears their only option. This isn’t the only option this weekend, so stay tuned to Before You Bet for previews across a range of sports.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels Betting Tips
Friday 5th August, 4 Pines Park, 7:55pm (AEST)
Squads
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Martin Taupau 17. Morgan Boyle 18. Josh Schuster
Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maila Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jake Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Ofahiki Ogden
Match Preview
All things considered, it was a respectable performance from the Sea Eagles last week in their 20-10 loss to the Roosters. There is no need to go into any further details on that effort other than to say that, with a spot in the Finals in the balance, an improved effort should be expected.
The Eels upset the Panthers last week, with their task made easier with the 17th minute sending off of Nathan Cleary. Leading 12-4 at that stage, they already had plenty of momentum building. Their performance only lifted from this point onwards. This effort further confuses punters as this was the same Eels team which was defeated by the Broncos, Rabbitohs and Bulldogs since Round 14. Focussing on the positive, they are a capable team on their day and should not drop a game to a team which is 6-points behind them on the competition ladder. Their task of winning was made more difficult with the injury to halfback Mitchell Moses. His kicking game will be sorely missed and Manly may capitalise on his absence. Not only does he get his side good field position, but he also makes it difficult for opponents outside backs coming off their line.
Somewhat surprisingly, the odds favour the home side ($1.77 vs $2.05). Many are expecting a return to form for them, but you cannot be certain. As much as Moses’ impact will be missed, they still have a strong forward pack and regular starters in their spine. If anything, control of the game will be given to Brown, who has been playing extremely well this year. Expect the Eels to perform well. The Round 11 fixture between these two sides saw a narrow victory (22-20) to the Eels. While the same result is possible, the value lies in the margin and investing on this game being a tight affair.
Prop: Total Points Under 42.5 - $1.85 at Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Either Team by 8.5 Points or Less
$1.95 (2 Units)
