Four rounds into the competition and the ladder is beginning to take shape. The better teams are playing with more consistency, while the lesser teams are struggling for quality. For majority of teams, it is no surprise where they are currently sitting on the competition ladder. There is another set of 5 matches this weekend. The quality of play has been high and the excitement this competition is generating will only get bigger.
Let’s take a look at each match ahead this weekend as we provide our NRLW betting tips below.
NRLW Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 19th August, 11:05pm (AEST)
The Cowboys grinded out a tough 16-12 win over the Wests Tigers at home last week, capturing their second win of the season. The 3 tries to 2 effort saw them overcome a 10-4 HT deficit, with a poor completion rate (67%) and inferior metres/post contact metres in the match. If they are to continue their momentum, they will need to address their shortcomings in this area. The Sharks were defeated 36-12 by the Roosters, outplayed in the match and still with the sole win from 4 matches. Scoring early and taking a 12-10 lead into HT, they were poor in the second half, conceding 5 tries in 35 minutes. Their defence was meagre, missing 34 tackles and allowing 7 line breaks. These two sides are too close to split, with each offering the odds of $1.90. The home ground advantage sways the contest in favour of the Cowboys, but the Sharks are still a team which is not playing to their potential. The chance that Taylor could miss out for the Sharks is a massive blow for their chances. Even if she was to play, it wouldn’t guarantee her side victory. Therefore, the preferred selection in this game is to invest on this match being tight from start to finish, with either side prevailing by less that 8 points.
Either team 8 points or less
$1.80 (2 Units)
Wests Tigers vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
CommBank Stadium, Saturday 19th August, 12:50pm (AEST)
The Tigers travelled to Townsville but couldn’t build on a 10-4 HT lead against the Cowboys, conceding 2 second half tries to lose the match. It was a disappointing outcome for a team who appeared to dominate majority of the contest. They made significantly more metres, the same number of line breaks (4), yet missed more tackles (36) and couldn’t build on positive moments of play. The Dragons were far improved on their form so far this season but were defeated 19-18 in Golden Point by the Raiders, after overcoming a 18-6 HT deficit. With less possession (47%), they had an inferior completion rate (75%) and trailed their opponents in every major area. Missing 39 total tackles is never supportive of a positive result. The Tigers find themselves as favourites for this game and will be boosted by the return of Vette-Welsh. The Dragons are not without a chance but appear hard-pressed to capture victory; the fact that coach Soward is continually changing this team is impacting their consistency. Fact is, the Dragons concede and average of 23ppg compared to the Tigers 13ppg. With a poor defensive structure, expect the Tigers to expose their opponents and easily account for the line.
Tigers -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters
Cbus Super Stadium, Saturday 19th August, 3:10pm (AEST)
The Titans suffered their first loss of the season last week, with a road loss to the Knights. Trailing 16-4 at HT, they were struggling to match the might of their opponents and were their own worst enemies. With just 43% possession, they completed at 63% and made fewer total metres and post-contact metres. These areas should be addressed ahead of this contest. The Roosters will be a difficult opponent, following their dominating 36-12 win over the Sharks. Even in majority of areas, the power of the Roosters was on display with their clinical execution capturing 5 tries in the second half and 7 for the match. Their ability to turn positive field position into points was impressive. The Roosters head into this game as overwhelming favourites ($3.80 vs $1.26). Despite only suffering their first loss of the season last week, the Titans have benefitted from playing lesser opponents; as well as they have gone, they still average 13ppg in both attack and defence. The line has been cleverly set at 10.5 points and with the Roosters averaging 29ppg in attack, they are well positioned to cover this.
Roosters -10.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos
McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 20th August, 12:03pm (AEST)
The Knights lept to equal first on the competition ladder, overcoming the undefeated Titans 22-10 in front of their home fans. Jumping to a 16-4 HT lead, they grinded out a tough second half, with few opportunities given to their opponents. They controlled possession well (57%) and had a superior completion rate (75%) meaning that they lead all attacking areas. The Broncos captured their second win of the season with an indifferent 22-12 win over the Eels. Expected to dominate the game, the did what was required to win but never completely sealed victory until time was up. Despite controlling possession (56%), they completed at just 62%. They dominated most areas but couldn’t turn their assertiveness into points. Nevertheless, winning form is key for them at this point. Defence is going to be crucial in this contest. The Knights have a superior record in this area; they concede just 15ppg compared with the Broncos 19ppg. Limiting their opponents’ points has been a cause for concern so far this season for the visitors and the attacking power of the Knights offers plenty of options. Take the Knights to cover the line, with the Prop Bet being they win by a comfortable margin based on the average points spread so far this season.
Same Game Multi:
Knights (H2H) & Knights 13+ @ $3.60 (0.5 Units) at TAB
Knights -4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels
GIO Stadium, Sunday 20th August, 1:45pm (AEST)
The Raiders prevailed 19-18 in Golden Point over the Dragons, failing to build on a 18-6 HT lead. Allowing their opponents back into the game through simple errors, the Raiders were always the better team but failed to execute in that manner. They will take the win, but they are conscious of giving their opponents similar opportunities in the future. The Eels currently sit at the bottom of the ladder and are winless from 4 matches. Despite competing with the Broncos in several areas, they were unable to turn their desire into points. They were the inferior team in every statistical area and need a dramatic change in numerous areas if they are to turn around their current fortunes. The form of both of both teams thus far supports the odds ($1.26 vs $3.80) which has the Raiders as strong favourites. There is minimal so far this season to suggest otherwise. In terms of an investment, the line looks well set but the point scoring issues of the Eels (average just 9ppg) mean that the Raiders should limit their opponents scoring and easily account for this option.
Raiders -10.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Multi of the Week
Tigers -5.5
Roosters -10.5
Raiders -10.5
Multi Odds: $7.03 at TAB (1 Unit)
