There are 3 huge games of rugby league this week on NRL Super Saturday. The first game heads to Kogarah, with the Dragons hosting their bitter rivals, the Sharks. Few games share the passion which this one delivers and there is plenty to play for. Clinging to a slim Finals chance, the Dragons need a victory. Meanwhile, the Sharks will want to solidify their spot in the Top 8. This exciting game could produce anything and Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at what possibly lies ahead.
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Dragons vs Sharks Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 23
A spirited upset
The Dragons had been getting close to a victory, and they finally produced one against the competition-leading Raiders. Locked at 10-all at HT and scoring the same number of tries (2) as their opponents, well taken penalty goals were the difference. They were improved on recent weeks also, having 56% possession and completion at 83%. This allowed them to make 8.8m per carry and dominate PCM’s. Their defensive was also strong, missing just 13 tackles. It was a gritty victory and one which must be replicated moving forward.
Another statement made
It was another strong display by the Sharks as they appear to be getting back to their best. This time, they easily disposed of the Cowboys at home 32-12. Jumping to a 26-nil HT lead, they dominated the first half and showed the gap between them and their opponents. In testing conditions, the victory was established with a greater share of possession (51%) and a superior completion rate (79%), allowing them to dominate total metres (8.8m per carry) and PCM’s which also lead to 7 line breaks. They will want to improve on the 38 missed tackles but the fact that their opponents only scored twice does count for something.
Stats that matter
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The Sharks defeated the Dragons 30-18 in Round 15 this season, extending their run to 11 straight victories over the Dragons. The last time the Dragons defeated the Sharks was Round 5, 2020.
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The Sharks have dominated the results too. Of the past 5 victories, their average margin is 23.6 points, with 3 victories of 28 points or more.
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The Sharks score slightly more points in attack compared to the Dragons (23ppg vs 22ppg) but the major difference is defensively. The Sharks concede 21ppg compared to the Dragons 25ppg.
An old rivalry, reignited
The Sharks have experienced a lot of success recently against the Dragons but there is something building within the home side which suggests they are capable of being competitive with their rivals. The Round 15 contest saw the Dragons in with a chance of winning, but they were unable to play to the same level for the entire 80 minutes. Questions related to that, as well as the Sharks dominance over their cross-town rivals, will cloud judgement on this contest. The visitors are not the complete, finished product that most believe after a few strong recent performances and the Dragons are more than a ‘punchers chance’ of winning this match. For that reason, the value in this contest lies within this game being decided by a narrow margin. The fact that you can double your investment with a 10-point range is very enticing and should strongly be considered. It will require you to overlook majority of the recent history between these sides, but the greater truth is within their recent performances; the Dragons past 5 games have all been decided within this range.
Either team by 10.5 points
$2.05 (2 units)
Dragons vs Sharks Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 46.5 – the average total in the past 5 matches is 48.5 points. The tally of each team this season suggests that this total will also be surpassed.
Leg 2 = Nikora to score – he is dynamite against the Dragons, scoring 5 tries in the past 5 matches, only going without a try in one. He has also scored 7 tries for the year and despite not scoring in his past 5 matches, his form has been superb.
Leg 3 = Mulitalo to score – leading the Sharks this season, his recent form has seen him cross the line in the past two matches. He has also score 4 tries in the past 4 matches against the Dragons and will again be a threat on the edge.
SGM Odds = $6.50 at Dabble
Dragons vs Sharks Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 9th August
Location: Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Time: 3pm (AEST)
Odds: Dragons $2.75 vs Sharks $1.46
Line: +6.5
Points: 46.5
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Where to Watch Dragons vs Sharks
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