You’ve hopefully risen before dawn to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers, or even headed into a parade. Come the afternoon, the NRL action will feature two consecutive matches, both of which have become traditional fixtures on this day. The first will take place at the newly built Allianz Stadium for the first time as the Roosters host the Dragons. Both are on a 2-game losing streak and desperate for a victory. The second game heads south to Melbourne, with the Storm hosting the Warriors. A great way to finish off the day with a team out of Australia and New Zealand doing battle.
Check out our best bets for both NRL fixtures below and good luck if following!
NRL Round 8 Anzac Day Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Tuesday 25th April, Allianz Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
The Roosters were defeated by the Sharks 22-12 on the road last week, a game they were expected to win. It is consecutive road losses in matches that they were capable of winning. Discipline was again a key issue, with two players sent to the sin bin but so too was their ability to create attacking opportunities. Despite a high completion rate (88%), they created just 3 line breaks. Defence was also an issue, as they missed 46 tackles and conceded 8 line breaks.
The Dragons were also defeated for the second straight week, this time going down 20-14 to the Raiders on the road. In a dour match void of attacking creativity, the Dragons lead 4-nil at HT and were poor in building pressure. They completed at just 63%, committing 14 errors and missing 41 tackles. They are capable of better performances but were guilty of not taking their chances when it counted. If there is a positive, they made more metres, post-contact metres and line breaks. They just need to take the next step of turning such situations in points.
The Roosters dropped a selection bombshell this week when they dropped halfback Sam Walker. Keary moves to halfback, with Manu moving into 5/8 and Momirovski starting at centre. If there is a club you would back to do what is best for their young half and the prospects of the team, it is the Roosters. The move hasn’t done anything to shift confidence in them, they are strong favourites ($1.20 vs $4.50) to win this contest. Much of that has to do with the poor execution of the Dragons. Some of the tries they conceded last week were poor and attacking options when the game was on the line, were also puzzling. If there ever a time that they needed to make a statement and prove they want to play for their coach or are even a capable team, this is it. History does not favour them though; despite winning this match last year (14-12), the Roosters have won 8 out of the past 9 games against the Dragons. They appear to have a stronger set of forwards, boosted by the return of Crichton and Tupouniua; their halves and outside backs will benefit from this greatly. As for an investment, the option of the line (13.5 points) appears to be too large. If you do think the Dragons are a chance of winning, then take this option. Otherwise, invest on the game being a closer than expected match. You only must look at the fact that the Roosters average 17.7ppg in attack (the Dragons average 21.3); they have also only scored over 20 points once this season.
Same Game Multi
Roosters (H2H), Under 45.5, Suaalii & Crichton to score @ $17 – 0.5 units
Roosters 1-12
$3.20 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors
Tuesday 25th April, AAMI Park, 7pm (AEST)
The Storm were unable to back up their strong Round 6 victory over the Roosters, defeated 18-8 by the Sea Eagles on the road. In a tight contest, the Storm limited the Sea Eagles to just 2 tries but conceded 3 crucial penalties to give the Sea Eagles 6 points via penalty goals. Coach Bellamy didn’t miss in his assessment of this, calling his players ‘dumb’. Some reference could have also been to their execution; completing at just 71%, the Storm made significantly fewer metres, post contact metres and missed more than double (33) the number of tackles.
The Warriors will sense an opportunity. Their execution has been impressive to start the season, most recently defeating the Cowboys 22-14 at home. As highlighted in the NRL Power Rankings, this would have normally been a game that past Warriors teams would’ve lost. Rather, they overcame some tough obstacles too; they had an inferior share of possession (44%), inferior completion rate (77% vs 85%), made fewer metres and line breaks. For a positive, their defence was a highlight, missing just 16 tackles and building pressure on the Cowboys which forced wrong options. That victory has also seen them climb to 3rd on the competition ladder.
The head says the Storm will win this game, but the eyes tell a different story. The Storm won this fixture 70-10 last year, while the Warriors have defeated them only twice in their ANZAC Day fixture since 2009 (2011 & 2014). This, however, appears to be a vastly different Warriors and Storm team from previous seasons. The price offered ($1.23 vs $4.20) is disrespectful to the Warriors. They are sitting in 3rd on the competition ladder and while the only notable teams they have faced this season have been the Roosters and Sharks (who they defeated), they cannot be overlooked. The line (12.5 points) is too large and should be taken up, immediately! That is not to suggest the Storm will not win this game. The return of Meaney at fullback allows Munster to move back to 5/8 and Asofa-Solomona is also named to return from injury. They are two key inclusions to how the Storm aim to play their matches. They will be needed too; the Warriors play a direct game through the middle which tests opposition forward packs. There is something positive building in Auckland and it will be a great night of viewing to see where both teams are at once 80 minutes (or more) of action has concluded.
Same Game Multi
Either Team Under 10.5 points & Total Points Under 48.5 @ $3.20 – 1 unit
Warriors +12.5
$1.85 (2.5 Units)
