The NRLW season rolled on last week and there were some exciting results, with several upsets turning this competition on its head. The quality of rugby league was high and so too was the excitement. It seems the timing of expansion, aimed at making the competition a success, was a measured decision.
A new round of exhilarating NRLW action awaits and so too is the opportunity to find a winner or two. BeforeYouBet is here to help guide you along the way. As always you can access the website for a preview of all sporting action from Australia and around the world.
NRLW Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Sydney Cricket Ground, Thursday 3rd August, 5:40pm (AEST)
The Roosters were upset on the road by the Raiders, defeated 24-16 after having several chances to gain momentum in the match. In the end, they were their own worst enemy with 32 missed tackles and 10 errors limiting their effectiveness. It was an uncharacteristic performance from a quality team, and they will be looking to bounce back here. The Dragons take winning momentum into this game after an 8-try display saw them defeat the Eels 38-12. They were clinical; dominating possession (55%) and carrying the ball strongly (9.8m per carry) to set up victory. The Roosters are in a strong position to bounce back from a loss last week. As hard as the Dragons will try, they appear outclassed in this match. They are strong favourites ($1.39 vs $3), and you must go searching in markets to find value. The Dragons have proven in their first two matches that they have no issue scoring points (average 27ppg) but the opponent last week inflated this further. The Roosters should combat this with a strong defensive structure, while also rediscovering their own attacking momentum, enough to cover the line.
SGM: Baxter & Sergis to Score – $5.25 (0.5 Units)
Roosters -7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 5th August, 12:50pm (AEST)
The Cowboys captured their first win for their club against the Knights in exciting fashion, scoring 4 tries in the final 14 minutes to win 31-20. They used their weight of possession (55%) and superior completion rate (78%) to break the Knights; 9 total line breaks demonstrated just how dangerous they were. They now need to go on with it against a Broncos team which is winless to start the season. In a tight contest against the Titans, they were defeated in Golden Point 17-16. Yet again, they were let down by their execution. An inferior completion rate (69%) meant they were unbale to control possession to their liking (47%) and trailed their opponents in every statistic. The fact that they only recorded 2 line breaks and missed 42 tackles demonstrates their struggle. The market on this game is close, with the Broncos listed as slight favourites ($2 vs $1.80). The quality of their squad suggests they are capable of winning but their first two performances to start the season creates doubt. Perhaps the value of opponent they have faced has limited their success. With that in mind, the ideal option in this game appears to be investing around this being a tight contest. There are more ideal games to invest in this weekend, so perhaps this game, which is high in uncertainty, is best avoided.
Either Team by 6.5 Points or Less
$2.25 (1 Unit)
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans
PointsBet Stadium, Saturday 5th August, 3:10pm (AEST)
The Sharks headed into their game against the Tigers as strong favourites but were outplayed in a grinding affair, defeated 10-nil. Measured in their play (82% completion rate), they were unable to create opportunities in positive field position. Their lack of attacking polish must be addressed moving forward. The Titans proved that they are a team which has poise under pressure, prevailing 17-16 against the Broncos in Golden Point. Strong in every area, the Titans produced one of their clubs’ best performances, outplaying the Broncos in every area and rewarded with a narrow victory on the scoreboard. They will again have a tough challenge on their hand but have been listed as slight favourites ($2 vs $1.80). The loss that the Sharks suffered last week should be put into perspective. The Tigers are proving to be a quality team and while not consistent in attack, they still managed to limit their opponents to just two tries. The Titans can prove inconsistent, so there is greater value in taking the Sharks to cover the line.
Prop Bet: Sharks 1-12 – $3.25 (0.5 Units)
Sharks +1.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights
CommBank Stadium, Sunday 6th August, 12pm (AEST)
The Eels were unable to compete with the Dragons in Round 2, outclassed and outplayed in their 38-12 defeat. Trailing 20-4 at HT, the Eels were rarely given an opportunity to build momentum. They trailed their opponents in every area and for the second week in a row, appeared to lack the talent to be competitive. The Knights were upset by the Cowboys, switching off with 15 minutes remaining and conceding 4 tries. It was a poor finish to a game where they displayed plenty of positives. Overall, they allowed too many opportunities, and their mistakes were punished. Missing 44 tackles and allowing 9 line breaks need to be an area immediately addressed. They will need to bounce back here with a strong performance and head into this game as strong favourites ($4 vs $1.20). This price reflects more how much the Eels are struggling rather than the potential of the Knights. The return of Hannah Southwell at lock is a key inclusion for the Knights, as is Georgia Roache at 5/8. Expect an improved effort from them, enough as to cover the line available in this game.
Knights 13+
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers
GIO Stadium, Sunday 6th August, 1:50pm (AEST)
The Raiders produced the upset of the round with a spirited 24-14 win over the Roosters. Given only a small chance of victory, the Raiders were tough and made their opponents pay for their mistakes. While better in most areas, they will need a more complete performance if they are to perform consistently well. The Tigers were victorious in a grinding affair 10-nil over the Sharks. That win has them sitting at the top of the competition ladder and playing with plenty of confidence. That victory was built on defence; they allowed just 2 line breaks and missed 30 tackles. In attack, they carried the ball strongly (9.5m per carry); there is a lot to like about this team. This game promises to be a tight contest and this is reflected in betting markets; the Raiders are listed at slight outsiders ($1.95 vs $1.85) but are not without a chance of winning. So far this year, the Tigers have proven themselves worthy on both sides of the ball. With the form line for this match going through the Sharks, the Tigers should account for the line and capture their 3 consecutive victory to start the season.
Tigers -1.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
