The first Round 5 NRL game on Friday night heads to Homebush with the Bulldogs hosting the Roosters. Both teams have experienced vastly different fortunes this season, but each will be aiming to bounce back to form following a loss in Round 4. The NRL season has proven that unpredictability will undoubtedly dominate most games and there is a high chance this one could follow a similar pattern.
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- Guide to Betting on the NRL
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2024 NRL Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Sydney Roosters
Accor Stadium – Friday 5th April – 6pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Bulldogs tried hard against the Rabbitohs last week but were ultimately unable to match them for 80 minutes, eventually defeated 20-16. Staying in the contest after an unpredictable first half, the Bulldogs lead 12-10 at HT. Unfortunately, they could only manage a 79th minute try in the second half. Despite have a larger share of possession (54%), they completed at just 77%. They conceded more line breaks and missed more tackles too.
The Roosters were also defeated in Round 4, upset by the Panthers at home. Expected to win against a team missing key players, they looked unable to compete with their opponents where it mattered. Trailing 14-6 at HT meant it was a tough second half and one which they were relying on defensive effort from their opponents which never eventuated. The fact that they averaged just 7.1m per carry and had only 485pcm’s indicates just how different the two sides were on the night. Missing 33 tackles didn’t help their cause either. They will need a remarkably better performance here and beyond if they want to be a contender this season.
Match Prediction
The Bulldogs are weakened this week with players absent through injury. JAC and Preston are notable absences. The Roosters are strengthened by the return of Collins to their pack, with only a few other positional changes altering things ahead of this game.
The Bulldogs have been listed as outsiders ($3.90 vs $1.26) and look hard-pressed to hold the momentum of their opponents. They will stay competitive in this match, but more will be needed, consistently, over 80 minutes. The recent history is another factor they will have to overcome. They have won just 1 of the past 9 meetings between these two sides. It is interesting to note that the average winning margin in the past 5 meetings also sits at 11 points, with a total of 39 match points in the same time.
This game should resemble a close contest, but the Roosters should prevail, appearing the stronger team in multiple areas. Their forwards are resolute in the middle and will aim to generate a fast ruck speed to allow their outside backs more room to attack with. Watch out for Roosters flyers to score multiple tries.
The Bulldogs have been defeated twice this year by 13+ margins (Sharks & Eels) and are able to hang in for a long part of their matches. However, given how much the Roosters defeated the Rabbitohs by in Round 2 and what they subsequently did against the Bulldogs, there is enough to suggest the Roosters can cover the line.
Roosters -10.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Prop Bet
Dom Young to Score 2+ Tries ($4 at Ladbrokes)
Young has been a dangerous threat for his team both on the ground and in the air this year. Despite being outplayed last week; he was a positive in a losing side. Expect him (and the Roosters playmakers) to take advantage of their opponents left edge and expose the hole left by JAC.
