The NRLW competition is growing in excitement as the Finals approach and the quality of rugby league is at its peak. This has left fans on the edge of their seats after most games as each team brings their own unique style to a game. With new teams also emerging as possible Finals contenders, the landscape of this competition has shifted. It can be challenging to select a winner each week and Before You Bet is here to assist with a look at each match ahead this weekend.
Check out our preview and NRLW Betting Tips for Round 9 below and good luck to everyone following along!
NRLW Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders
Cbus Super Stadium – Saturday 29th August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Titans moved into 2nd place on the ladder courtesy of a determined 28-20 home victory over the Broncos. Dictating the terms of the contest, they were strong throughout. In the end, they completed at 85% with 52% possession, never allowing their more fancied opponent to gather momentum. Averaging 9.9m per carry and making 8 line breaks, the power this team creates was impressive to watch. The Raiders also made a statement in their 48-4 road win over the Bulldogs. Considered the strong team, the Raiders executed to a relentlessly high level that their opponents failed to match. They overcame a poor completion rate (69%) by controlling possession (59%), running for 10.2m per carry, and creating 8 line breaks. Their defence was also strong, missing just 10 tackles and allowing 932 total metres with just 1 line break.
This is a blockbuster contest, and the Titans have been handed favouritism; you cannot sleep on the Raiders. The forced change to their forward pack (Basham – Out) does weaken them somewhat but this is a team which possesses a high level of belief. In equal measure, the Titans are performing well for a reason. They dismantled a strong Broncos team and should do the same to the Raiders. As good as the visitors have been, they have had moments in games which they are guilty of not being at their best. They can ill afford that here and it should see the Titans cover the line by pulling away late in this match.
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks
Allianz Stadium – Saturday 29th August – 3:15pm (AEST)
Just when you thought the Roosters couldn’t get any better, they deliver the Warriors a 66-8 thumping. Relentless with their attack, they scored a total of 12 tries for the match, benefitting from 65% possession which allowed them to complete at 78% and run for 8.7m per carry. As good at their attack was, their defence is to be admired; they missed just 11 tackles and conceded only 2 line breaks. The Sharks again failed to deliver, outclassed 42-16 at home. Considered favourites, the home team struggled for the entire contest. With just 39% share of possession and 70% completion rate, they were their own worst enemy. The poor attitude of this team can be summed up by their 45 missed tackles for the match.
The hardest selection in this game is finding value in the Roosters winning this match. There is no doubt that this is the likely outcome, and it is reflected in the odds (Roosters $1.01). The Roosters have stability on their side, while the Sharks are in chaos with multiple players shifting position prior to this game. The large win of the Roosters last week has many believing that it can be replicated. Given the Sharks have an averaging losing margin of 12.9 points this season, it seems unlikely that the line will be covered.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Saturday 29th August – 5:15pm (AEST)
A spirited Cowboys team demonstrated fight and resilience in their 32-28 road victory over the Dragons. In a tricky contest, they almost conceded a 22-10 HT lead but managed to close out the contest strongly. With an equal share of possession, they completed at 82% and took their chances when presented to them. Amazingly, they also overcame the 11 line breaks conceded to prevail. The Knights suffered an agonising 27-26 loss at home to the Tigers, fighting back from a 20-6 HT deficit to almost steal victory. With 52% possession and an 80% completion rate, they made 8.3m per carry and had 5 line breaks. Unfortunately, they ran out of time at the end of the contest.
The Cowboys are outsiders for this contest but remaining at home and carrying an unchanged team into this contest gives them a platform to perform strongly. If the Knights want to hold onto their hopes of playing in the Finals, they must win this game. The return of White at fullback is positive but that also suggests instability. This gives the Cowboys a chance. On face value, the Knights should be too strong. With the line set quite low, the Knights should be strong enough to return to winning form and cover the margin offered.
New Zealand Warriors vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Go Media Stadium – Sunday 30th August – 11:50am (AEST)
The Warriors were handed a reality check with their 66-8 road loss to the Roosters. Outclassed in every area, they failed to halt the scoring of their opponents, missing 39 tackles and conceding 12 line breaks on the way to allowing 12 tries. They were severely impacted by completing at just 60% with only 35% possession but only have themselves to blame. The Dragons also suffered a loss, going down 32-28 at home to the Cowboys. Expected to perform to a higher standard, they fought back from a 22-10 HT deficit. Unfortunately, their lack of defensive pressure hurt their cause. Most would say that they should’ve also score more points considering they had 11 line breaks and made 9.4m per carry.
Confidence in this contest is low. Both teams have a host of changes which will disrupt their cohesion. The Warriors have their 3rd fullback in as many weeks, while welcoming back a few other stars. The Dragons have similar issues but have the benefit of seeing Southwell shift back to lock. The Warriors need a strong performance in this game and playing at home, where they’ve lost just once this season, will give them the boost to get through this game. Rather than picking a winner – of which the Warriors should account for their opponents – the better option is to invest on the total points. The Dragons struggle at the best of times and the Warriors, while better, can improve their defence enough to limit their opponents attack and keep the total below what is offered.
Total points under 48.5
$1.90
Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos
CommBank Stadium – Sunday 30th August – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Eels caused an upset on the road last week against the Sharks, storming to a 42-16 victory with terrific execution. A dominant first half set them up for victory, which saw them complete at 79% with 61% possession. Running strongly and averaging 9.9m per carry, they cause havoc in the middle. Their defence was also improved, missing just 21 tackles. The Broncos 28-20 road loss to the Titans extended their losing streak to 3 games, after falling short in several key areas. With just 48% possession, they completed at 81%, averaged 9.1m per carry, and made 8 line breaks. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be turned into points on the scoreboard.
The Broncos receive a huge boost with Brigginshaw returning to the halves for the Broncos. Hoping to stop their losing streak, it is the perfect timing as they have fallen agonisingly short in recent weeks. Her return will increase the confidence of others in the team, and this should coincide with a Broncos victory. As it’s been a while since they performed to their early season standard, you could be forgiven for forgetting just how talented they are in attack. It won’t take long for it to return and without discrediting the chances of the Eels, the Broncos should cover the line by the end of this match.
Wests Tigers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Campbelltown Sports Stadium – Sunday 30th August – 6:15pm (AEST)
The Tigers captured a spirited 27-26 road victory over the Knights last week, closing out the game late following a dominant first half. With 48% possession, they completed at 85%, ran for 9.3m per carry, and creating 5 line breaks. Interestingly, their resilience allowed them to overcome 38 missed tackles. The Bulldogs were completely outclassed at home 48-4 by the Bulldogs. Never in the contest, the contest was all but over at HT as they trailed 28-nil. In the end, they were no chance with a 41% share of possession and a 68% completion rate. This meant they made fewer that 1,000m, had just 1 line break, and missed 30 tackles.
There is a lot to like about the way the Tigers go about their performances. Their execution should give them the skills to combat what their opponents throw at them. The Bulldogs can compete for small periods during matches but that only takes them so far. With consistency eluding them over 70 minutes, the Tigers will capitalise and use it to their advantage, closing out the game comfortably and covering the line on offer.
