The traditional Easter Monday clash sees the Wests Tigers host the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium. With one win between them, these teams are stuck at the bottom of the ladder, and are obviously in need of the win here. Two desperate teams, a stand-alone Public Holiday game, hopefully this game is fireworks.
Below, we’ll analyse and preview the game and try and point you in the right direction for a nice little bonus to close out the Easter long weekend.
NRL Round 6 Preview & Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels
Accor Stadium, Monday 10th April, 4:00pm (AEST)
The Tigers hit a new low last week, as they were blown away by the Broncos 46-12 on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the loss making it 5 for 5 on the season, this was a low-point for the Tigers, as in their previous 4 losses they had at least been somewhat competitive. Was this rock bottom for the Tigers, or is there still a ways to go?
The Eels lost their 4th game of the year last week against the Roosters, and despite the scoreline ending 28-20, this match wasn’t overly competitive. The Roosters led 28-8 with 4 minutes left, with the Eels scoring two late tries to flatter the scorers. The Eels’ defence continued to look as bad as just about any in the NRL, leaking 1700 metres and 7 line-breaks. Can they sure it up this week against the worst attack in the NRL?
The Eels opened 10.5-point favourites on the look ahead, before re-opening 12.5-point favourites after the completion of round 5. The Eels have had an unbelievably rough draw to start the season, outlined by the fact this is only the second match of the season they’ve been favourites. This, despite the fact they are coming off a grand final appearance last season, says everything you need to know.
The Tigers, meanwhile, have struggled covering spreads all season, despite being rated as one of, if not the worst team in the league. They were favoured at home in their opening two games at home, before losing outright to the Titans and Knights. Their attack has been horrible, appearing disjointed and unorganised. They have managed to look solid in the forwards, managing to be almost break-even when it comes to metres and post contact metres made vs conceded. It’s that final 20 at both ends of the field where they’ve struggled.
As for the total, the trend league-wide over the past 4 weeks has been higher scoring (minus round 4), and I’m confident points will be on offer on Monday. These sides have met on 10 occasions since 2017, and in all 10 the total has been 41 points or more, with an average total of 49.4 points per game. With two poor defences leaking points weekly, I’ll gladly take the over.
The Tigers should be up for this game. They have been obliterated by the media for weeks, and they tend to get up for the Eels. Whilst I don’t think they’ll win, I can see them covering and staying within two converted tries. Not big staking, as I can’t trust the Tigers right now, but I prefer them as the side in this one.
Other Bet
Wests Tigers (+12.5) - $1.95 @ Bet365 (1u)
Over 44.5 Points
$1.90 (2 Units)
