The final game on NRL Super Saturday is a blockbuster fixture between the Broncos and the Sharks. With both teams sitting inside the Top 8 and dominating others, this game promises to be an exhilarating clash. Even with Origin players potentially missing, these two teams still possess a strong set of players that will be wary of the importance that win could deliver over a potential opponent late in September.
Before You Bet is here to assess each side and delve deeper into the contest with the aim of finding which team will prevail at the end of 80 minutes.
2024 NRL Round 14 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks
Suncorp Stadium – Saturday 8th June – 7:35pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Broncos have had a week off to lament their 2-point loss to the Titans at Suncorp. Hopes were high that they were going to handle their opponents with ease and leading 24-16 at HT, that outcome appeared likely. Unfortunately, they went on to concede 4 tries in the second half, unable to stop to the momentum of the Titans the longer the match proceeded. They were their own worst enemy too; with just 42% possession, they completed at just 69%, while also missing 40 tackles over 80 minutes. That performance was a stark contrast to how they had performed for majority of 2024. It will hopefully be a game which they learn from and are better for moving forward.
The Sharks had their 7-game winning streak halted in Round 12 and they suffered their second consecutive loss in Round 13, defeated 34-22 by the Eels. Missing key players to Origin, the Sharks headed into the match as outsiders but were more competitive than most thought. Trailing 16-10 at HT gave them some hope too, but they were unable to limit their opponents scoring in the second half, conceding 3 more tries. Much like the Broncos, the weight of possession (46%) impacted their chances. They completed strongly (89%) but still conceded over 2,100m in defence, allowed 600+ PCM’s and missed 42 tackles. If the Sharks want to return to winning form, this is an area of their game which they must improve upon.
Match Prediction
These two sides enjoy a history of close matches; their past 5 have been decided by an average of 8.6 points while since 2013, only 2 of the 15 games between them have been decided by a 13+ margin. The season averages in both attack (25ppg each) and defence (21ppg Broncos vs 19ppg Sharks) also suggests this game will be close. The odds however have the Broncos as stronger favourites ($1.62 vs $2.30) suggesting that the home ground advantage (59% Broncos vs 33% Sharks) will be a factor.
The Sharks have a point to prove and will be desperate to halt their losing streak. Their chances of winning became a little easier when Walsh was ruled out after suffering a heavy concussion on Wednesday night, with Cobbo named to play fullback; that is balanced out somewhat by Hynes’ omission, with Trindall to play again at 7. The forwards will be impacted by players backing up also and if the Broncos have Carrigan and Haas at their disposal, they are a greater chance of winning. The Sharks chances are also impact by McInnes inclusion but not to the level of the Broncos and their stars. If forced to land on a selection, it is hard to go past the Broncos at home. They will want to bounce back from their most recent lost, which was also at home, but they face a resilient Sharks team who has their own motivating factors.
The preferred selection is to invest on this match being a close contest; a winner may only emerge late in this contest, and it would be foolish to invest on this occurring when there are other, more desirable options, available.
Either Team by 8.5 Points or less
$2.25 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
You only have to read the ‘Verdict’ to see why the 1-12 margin bet is included in this SGM to increase its value. The total points in their past 5 matches sits at 38.2 points, with just one game being over 44 points. Mam is third on the try scoring list for his club and after a week away with the Origin squad, expect him to come back with experience and desire to perform well at club level.
Total Points Under 46.5
Either Team By 1-12
Mam to Score
SGM Odds: $9.50 at Neds (0.5 Units)
