Friday Night NRL action begins with a tantalising fixture between two contending teams that were winless in Round 1. The Eels remain at home and host the Sharks, with both desperate to open their account for the season and climb up the ladder. This isn’t the only sport this weekend and wherever you look, the tipsters at Before You Bet will have you covered.
Let’s get stuck into our preview and best bet for the first NRL game on Friday night!
Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks Preview & Betting Tips
Friday 10th March, CommBank Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)
The Eels opened season 2023 with a home match against the Storm. Unfortunately for them, they were on the wrong end of a 16-12 score line. They never trailed in the match until Grant crossed for a try in Golden Point; there was always a sense that the Storm were going to run the Eels down, it was just a matter of when. While appearing good on the surface, they will need to improve in some areas including average metres per run (8.1m per carry vs Storm 9.7m), line breaks (3 vs 5) and errors (12 vs 11).
The Sharks were always going to struggle in their match against the Rabbitohs without Hynes in their team, but they gave themselves minimal opportunity with a 64% completion rate, 14 errors and 52 missed tackles. They are a better team than that, with their usually strong defence appearing vulnerable courtesy of some poor defensive reads. This area will again be tested by the Eels. With both team desperate to opening their winning account for the season, this match promise to be a great way to start your evening of viewing.
Hynes is still unavailable for the Sharks and his importance to them (and absence) is reflected in the odds. The Eels are listed as favourites ($1.50 vs $2.60) and will benefit from playing this game at home, where they have a 62% winning record compared to the Sharks 50%. These sides faced off in similar circumstances last year (Round 3 at CommBank) and it was the Eels who prevailed 28-4. The Sharks performance last week in defence will make them more competitive than 2021; they kept a confident and flowing Rabbitohs attack to just 4 tries and came up with some hits that set a strong standard in the middle. You can expect the same here, but the Eels also have the capability to score points. They will be better for the performance last week; however, they will need more input from Moses at halfback and their forwards (see above points).
The line (5.5) has been well set, tempting most punters into thinking that the Eels effort last week against the Storm highlighted some flaws. That is taking credit away from their opponents and there should be more confidence in the Eels, mainly because of Hynes’ omission for the second straight week. Take on this option but as it is still early in the season, do so with minimal damage to your long-term strategy.
Prop Bet
Eels -5.5/Under 40.5 $3.60 (0.5 Units)
Eels -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
