Saturdays are always super with 3 NRL games back-to-back but there is an extra level of anticipation this week with all three fixtures on the same field. The action will kick off at 3pm with the Warriors up against the Panthers. These two sides are part of a group of 5 on 10 competition points; each will be desperate to move (up) away from this group. The second match has the second placed Sharks playing another team on 10-points Dolphins. The Sharks are the form team of the competition, but the Dolphins are always capable of a surprise. To conclude, the match of the round is saved for 7:45pm, with the Storm facing the Rabbitohs. Meeting for the second time this year, the Rabbitohs will want to make amends for their Round 5 loss.
We bring you all three previews and best bets for the Super Saturday slate below, but also make sure to check out our NRL Tips page for more Round 10 content!
NRL Round 8 Saturday Preview & Betting Tips
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 6th May, 3pm (AEST)
The 14-nil defeat to the Roosters suggests the Warriors were good; in reality, the Roosters dominated and controlled the match well in poor conditions. The Warriors were rarely given an opportunity (just 1 line break) and struggled for momentum. They can take pleasure in a strong defensive effort, but more will be needed in attack.
The Panthers head into this game trying to avoid their 3rd consecutive defeat following an upset loss to the Tigers in Round 9. Following a Round 8 defeat to the Rabbitohs, the Panthers were expected to be ruthless. Instead, they failed to adjust their game to the conditions, scoring just one try over 80 minutes. Despite injuries impacting their squad, they are a better team than that performance suggest; they were defeated statistically in just about every area. That loss also saw a drop down the NRL Power Rankings list and has questions being asked of their potential with the current squad of players. They receive a huge boost with the return of James Fisher-Harris to the team. His inclusion will offer more power up front. The Warriors also have several key players returning.
History suggests the Panthers will win this contest; they have won the past 6 against the Warriors. The past 3 have been by a 13+ margin, with the last two by 34-points in each match. There will be no repeat of those efforts; the Panthers attack has temporarily lost its momentum. On top of that, the Warriors have not been defeated by 13+ points this season. It is a tricky game, so play it safe with the Suggested Bet and use it as an anchor in a multi bet or a single investment with a larger stake.
Same Game Multi
Over 41.5 points, Crichton & Sorensen to score @ $9.50 – 0.5 units
Panthers -6.5
$1.60 (3 Units)
Cronulla Sharks vs The Dolphins
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 6th May, 5:35pm (AEST)
The Sharks turned in a dominant display against the Cowboys, giving little opportunities to their opponents in their 44-6 victory. Opening scoring in the first minute, there was no looking back in their 7 try display. They dominated possession (56%) and created plenty of attacking opportunities with their line breaks (7) and superior metres made. Their defence was also impressive, missing just 13 tackles.
The Dolphins faced the Raiders and were defeated 31-30 in Golden Point. They again allowed their opponents to score too many points and this time, it was too much for them to overcome. A lack of possession (42%) and allowing 9 line breaks and 814 post contact metres is rarely going to set a team up for victory.
You only have to look as far as the NRL Power Rankings to see why the Sharks are listed as favourites ($1.40 vs $3). They are the superior team and are boosted by the return of Finucane to their starting team. That is not to discount the Dolphins. They have proven their worth this season and are capable of scoring points. It is also a milestone game for Wayne Bennett, who brings up with 900th game as a coach. Ultimately, their defence may just let them down. The Sharks have tightened up this part of their game in the past few weeks and it will be a foundation for a positive performance here. That should be enough to cover the line, while also not ‘blowing out’ there opponents.
Same Game Multi
Sharks, Hynes & Mulitalo to score @ $6 – 0.5 units (TAB)
Sharks -8.5
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 6th May, 7:45pm (AEST)
The Storm enjoyed a week off last week following their ANZAC Day victory over the Warriors at home. They prevailed 30-22 in a tough contest, leaving some still unconvinced given the injuries suffered by the Warriors in the contest; the Storm were the superior team but only managed 1 more try in the match, with that coming with 5 minutes remaining. They set up their victory with strong ball carrying, averaging 10m per carry (Warriors 8.3m), having 612 post contact metres and creating 9 line breaks. This put them in positive field position to build pressure.
The Rabbitohs head into this game on the back of 2 impressive victories over the Panthers and Broncos, with the most recent making a statement against the leading team in the competition. Despite the Broncos missing some key players, the Rabbitohs were terrific in their 6-try display. They overcame an inferior completion rate (72%) to dominate metres in the middle (9.3m per carry and 670pcm’s) and create 6 line breaks. Again, they demonstrated patience and took their attacking opportunities when provided with them.
The bookies have the Rabbitohs as slight favourites ($1.95 vs $1.85), with a big chance given to the Storm on winning this game. Much of that has to do with their record over the Rabbitohs; the Storm have won 12 of the past 14 meetings between these two sides, including their Round 5 18-10 win. Trusting your eyes though, the Rabbitohs appear much improved on their last meeting with the Storm. Their forwards are fitter at this point of the season, while some of the Storm players are still early on in their return from injury. It will be close though; underestimating the Storm comes with a warning message. Nevertheless, the Rabbitohs appear well positioned to perform well and cover the line in this match.
Prop Bets
SGM1 – Rabbitohs 1-12, Walker & Graham to score @ $17 – 0.25 units (TAB)
SGM2 – Either team by 8.5 or less & Total points over 40.5 points @ $4.30 – 0.5 units (TAB)
Rabbitohs -1.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
