After five rounds, only four points separates first and ninth place in the competition. It is a tight competition and the on-field action each week is exciting. With just four rounds remaining until the Finals, teams must play with consistency if they are to extend the length of their season.
As always, BeforeYouBet is here to look at every NRLW fixture this weekend with the aim to lead you into a winner (or two).
NRLW Round 6 Preview & Betting Tips
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Saturday 26th August, 11:05am (AEST)
The Eels travelled down to Canberra to face the Raiders but were unsuccessful, still winless in 2023. Despite trying hard, they were outclassed and unable to execute when it mattered most. This was all while dominating possession (53%) and having a higher completion rate (84%). The Cowboys were also defeated last week, hammered 40-12 by the Sharks at home. If the Eels were outplayed, the Cowboys were outclassed; they never got close to their opponents and the match was basically decided at HT as they trailed 24-6. Allowing 10 line breaks and missing 36 tackles was always going to be difficult for them to overcome. The Cowboys are named as favourites in this match ($2.40 vs $1.55) but if there was ever an opportunity for the Eels to grab their first win of the season, this is it. They are boosted by the return of Fonua, who has not played since Round 1. There is a temptation to take them in a H2H market, but the safer option is to use the line to your advantage, albeit with a lower investment given the unpredictability of this contest.
Eels +4.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Saturday 26th August, 1:15pm (AEST)
The Dragons captured their second win of the season with an upset 20-16 win over the Tigers on the road. Trailing 16-6 at HT, they were gritty in the second half and managed to keep their opponents scoreless in this period. A 56% share of possession with an 83% completion rate was a great foundation, complemented by their dominance in metres gained. The Titans were on the receiving end of a clinic by the Roosters, defeated 30-8 by the Roosters. Despite a competitive start, they were unable to limit the scoring of their opponents when it mattered most. Allowing 7 line breaks and missing 31 tackles was a catalyst for this. They are still a capable team and should have what it takes to handle what the Dragons throw at them. The line (2.5 points) doesn’t appear as though it will be enough to for the Dragons. The Titans are strengthened by the return of Chapman in the centres and with a superior defensive record (21ppg vs 16ppg), they should be able to account for this.
Titans -2.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 26th August, 3:10pm (AEST)
The Roosters showcased their quality with a strong 30-8 win over the Titans on the road. Even with an inferior completion rate (73%) and lesser share of possession (48%), they dominated metres made, building on this with 7 line breaks. They are a dangerous attacking team, highlighted by this 6-try performance. The Tigers were upset by the Dragons, giving up a 16-6 lead to go down 20-16. Starved of possession (44%), they were their own worst enemy with a 70% completion rate and committing 12 errors. If they have the same level of execution here, they will be punished further for it. You must go searching for value in this contest, with the Roosters listed as strong favourites ($1.11 vs $5.80). The Tigers have a new halfback in Lutu, who returns from injury to replace Curtain, who has her own injury concerns. The instability this creates undoubtedly increases the price for the Tigers but so too does the power of the Roosters. They are a quality team who are dangerous in numerous attacking positions. The Tigers will need to rely on their rigid defence to keep them in this contest because the Roosters have no issues scoring points. The average points difference of the Roosters (29ppg in attack & 12ppg in defence) compared to the Tigers (19ppg in attack & 14ppg in defence) suggests that the ideal option in this game is for them to win by more than two converted tries, with an increased invest on this option.
Roosters 13+
$1.65 (2.5 Units)
Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders
Totally Workwear Stadium, Sunday 27th August, 12:03pm (AEST)
The Broncos headed to Newcastle and were defeated 22-20 in a tight match. Leading 10-4 at HT, they gave too many opportunities which their opponents capitalised on. The two teams were fairly even in most areas, except they allowed the Knights to make 11m per carry, missed 42 tackles and conceded 10 line breaks. Their defence must improve if they are to be competitive moving forward. The Raiders were victorious 28-22 over the Eels, grinding out a tough second half after leading 18-6 at the break. The fact that they overcame a 47% share of possession and a 62% completion rate to win, says a lot about the resilience of this team. Their inability to completely shut out their opponents last week has likely led to the Broncos being listed as favourites ($1.42 vs $2.80). The return of Robinson on the wing and Clark at prop is a major boost for the home side. They have been slowly building to this point and should deliver their best performance of the year in this match. The season averages suggest it will be tight though; each team is only separated by 1 point in both attack and defence. A lot of that has to do with the teams that they have played but you should also use this to your advantage and take the Broncos to win by less than 2 converted tries.
Broncos 1-12
$2.70 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks
McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 27th August, 1:45pm (AEST)
The Knights were strong against the Broncos, fighting back from a 16-4 deficit to prevail 22-20. Overcoming a poor completion rate (69%), they carried the ball strongly, averaging 11m per carry and built on this with 10 line breaks. If they want to maintain their equal top standing on the competition ladder, they will need to be more consistent in their matches. The Sharks were also victorious, dominating the Cowboys 40-12 on the road. Their 7 try performance saw the Sharks at their best, keeping them in touch with the Top 4. They dominated possession (55%) and completed at 74%, carrying the ball strongly (10.6m per carry) and making 10 line breaks. The breakout performance could be a sign of what lies ahead. They have named the same 17 players who took the field last week and that bodes well in terms of developing consistency. In equal measure, the Knights are boosted by the return of Hannah Southwell who strengthens their pack. They are a strong team in all areas and appear difficult to defeat. The Sharks must produce a perfect performance if they are to cause an upset. While that is possible, the preferred option in this match is to take the home side to cover the line (4.5 points) and with a reduced investment.
Knights -4.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
