Three games return for Super Saturday this week, with action taking place in three vastly different locations. The first match heads across the Tasman to New Zealand, with the Warriors hosting the Dolphins. Unable to get a win last week when expected, the Warriors will want to show the Dolphins how difficult it is to win in NZ. The second match heads to the Gold Coast as the Titans look to get their season back on track against the Rabbitohs. It won’t be easy though, with the Rabbitohs on a 2-game losing streak and desperate for a victory. The ‘game of the round’ concludes Super Saturday action with a clash between two of the leading teams in the competition in the Sharks and Broncos. This blockbuster game could be an early preview of what lies ahead in September. Another exciting afternoon/night of NRL action awaits!
Check out our best bets for all Saturday fixtures below, and make sure to head over to our NRL Tips page for more Round 14 content!
NRL Round 14 Preview & Betting Tips
New Zealand Warriors vs The Dolphins
Saturday 3rd June, Go Media Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
The Warriors went into their game against an understrength Broncos team as favourites but failed to perform well after the Bye, defeated 26-22. Denied a late try by the video referee, the Warriors had plenty of opportunities prior to perform to a higher standard. Their completion rate was poor (70%), often halting their momentum at crucial stages; they dominated most other areas, especially metres made but failed to limit their opponents scoring. The Dolphins were successful against the Dragons in Round 13, overcoming an early deficit to prevail 26-12. Clearly the better side in the contest, they completed at 88% with 54% possession and dominated the middle with metres made. They find themselves as outsiders for this match ($1.43 vs $2.85) with this price impacted by the players named. The return of Egan at hooker is a massive boost for the Warriors; he provides stability and flair in equal measure; meanwhile, the Dolphins have chosen to rest both of their Origin players. This also leads to further confusion around selecting a winner. The Warriors are a capable team but demonstrated last week how they can let a match slip. The price on offer is somewhat disrespectful to the Dolphins too; they have shown that they are a better team than that this year. Keep your investment low in this game (or avoid if you really want to) and take the visitors with the line. Scoring stats over the season (Warriors 18ppg vs Dolphins 24ppg) suggest the Warriors will need a strong defensive effort to limit the Dolphins opportunities.
Same Game Multi
Either team by 10 points or less & Total points over 44.5 @ $4.60 – 0.5 units (TAB)
Dolphins +7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday 3rd June, Cbus Super Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
The Titans had a week off with the Bye last week to reflect on their poor 20-18 loss to the Bulldogs on the road. Yet again, they were in a winning position but failed to close out the match. Leading 14-nil at halftime, they allowed their opponents back into the match in the second half. This was all while dominating just about every area statistically. It was frustrating to watch this team implode. They face a motivated Rabbitohs team that is on a 2-game losing streak after a 33-26 loss to the Raiders last Saturday. Heading into the game as favourites, they too had a chance to win but missed the contribution of their Origin stars. This was most notable in defence, with the Raiders dominating the Rabbitohs pack and limiting their attacking opportunities. They are better than that performance suggests. The odds support this, as the Rabbitohs are strong favourites ($1.38 vs $3.10) and history is on their side. They won 15 out of 21 matches between these two sides, including 7 out of the past 8. The Titans have not defeated the Rabbitohs since 2016. The trip north only enhances their chances; the Rabbitohs have a 91% winning record at this ground compared to the Titans 45%. While that does say a lot, the injuries to the Rabbitohs team will count for something. Their Origin players are expected to back-up, as are the Titans (with Kieran Foran rested), but the visitor’s depth is to be further tested. The line has been well set at 8.5 points; this should be covered by the Rabbitohs on the fact that they average 16ppg in defence compared to the Titans 26ppg. The preferred option however is for the total points to be higher than expected, with each team having an attack which can deliver.
Same Game Multi
Rabbitohs -8.5, Graham and Walker to score @ $6 – 0.5 units (TAB)
Total Points Over 47.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos
Saturday 3rd June, PointsBet Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
The Sharks went into the Bye with plenty of positives following their 26-6 victory over the Knights. Never appearing to get out of second gear, the Sharks will undoubtedly want to be better in this game. With 55% possession, they completed at just 65%, throwing caution to the Knights with strong running metres (2,173m) and 7 line breaks. They limited their opponents’ opportunities as their defence was improve from their Round 10 & 11 efforts. It will need to be improved again if they are to compete with the Broncos, a team who is coming off a spirited 26-22 win over the Warriors. Missing a host of players through Origin selection, the Broncos put themselves in a winning position with an 80% completion rate. Despite trailing their opponents in most other areas, their hunger was evident, and they were well led by returning halfback, Adam Reynolds. He will again be crucial to their success in this game. The odds heavily favour the Sharks ($1.52 vs $2.55) with a large part of this match going to depend on who backs up from Origin on Wednesday. At the time of writing (Thursday evening) Hynes will certainly play for the Sharks. For the Broncos, Cobbo is expected to be out, with Walsh doubtful; Flegler, Haas and Carrigan are all expected to play. Assuming this is the case, the price of the Broncos would dramatically shorten. They deserve far greater respect than their price suggests.; recent history also supports this with the Broncos winning 8 of the past 10 meetings between these two sides. The Sharks have struggled at times this season to overcome teams with strong packs of forwards. They will need to be at their best here. Rather than invest on a winner, the preferred selection is to invest on this game being one which is decided by a narrow margin, with either team capable of winning.
Same Game Multi
Total Points Under 42.5 & Either Team by 12 points or less @ $3 – 0.5 units (TAB)
Either Team Under 8.5
$2.25 (2 Units)
