After the most exciting and high quality NRLW season, just 4 teams remain as they battle it out for a spot in the Grand Final next week. Such is the development in the game, there is a genuine sense that each of the teams could be victorious in the remaining two weeks. Both games will take place on Sunday afternoon, in a back-to-back double header at different locations, highlighting the growth in the game.
BeforeYouBet is here to take a comprehensive look at both matches, with the aim of finishing your weekend off on a positive.
NRLW Semi-Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos
McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 24th September, 2:05pm (AEST)
The Knights earned the right to host this fixture with a strong 28-8 victory over the Tigers on the road. Expected to perform as the stronger of the two sides, they trailed at HT 8-6 but clicked into another gear in the second half, scoring 4 tries and keeping their opponents scoreless. This was amid a lesser share of possession (43%), and inferior completion rate (75%) and making fewer total metres. They managed to make 7 line breaks but still missed more tackles (35 vs 22). A winning effort given the circumstances is impressive to say the least. They will have to be better for this match, facing off against the 4th placed Broncos, who secured their spot in the Finals with a dominating 46-12 win over the Dragons on the road. The 9 try effort saw victory established in the first half, as they headed into the break ahead 22-6. This performance had a mixture of positive and negatives too. With 59% possession, they completed at just 62% yet made more metres. On top of that, they created 14 line breaks and missed just 22 tackles for the match.
As much as the Knights need to improve, the Broncos will require consistency in this game. These two sides met back in Round 5, with the Knights prevailing 22-20 courtesy of a converted try in the 67th minute. The odds ($1.53 vs $2.45) suggest that a similar outcome is ahead, with the line also short (4.5 points). The power of the Broncos attack is evident; they average 26ppg (vs Knights 24ppg) but have a vulnerability in defence. They concede 19ppg compared with the Knights 13ppg. Defence is where this game will be won and lost; the Knights have a strong structure and have the best defensive record of any team in the competition. As good as Brisbane have been recently, their improved performance has coincided with playing against weaker opponents. The Knights will offer a new challenge and while it’ll be tight, they should prevail by enough to cover the line.
Knights -4.5
$2 (2 Units)
Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 24th September, 4:15pm (AEST)
The Roosters bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Knights in Round 8 to power past the Cowboys 40-16. In a one-sided contest, the Roosters overcame a slow start to score 4 tries to one in the second half. Despite an inferior completion rate (69%), they had a greater share of possession (51%) and ran for significantly more metres. This allowed them to make 14 line breaks and make 430pcm’s. More impressive was limiting their opponents to just 8.1m per carry, while missing only 22 tackles. This victory set up a home ground advantage against the 3rd placed Titans. They won their way through to this game with a commanding 30-6 win over the Raiders at home. Expected to be a tight game, the Titans conceded little to their opponents and set a high standard; they jumped to a strong lead with 3 tries inside 12 minutes and never looked troubled. Even with a poor completion rate (69%), they had a 54% share of possession and dominated every area statistically. They have areas they will want to improve upon ahead of this game though, with the amount of line breaks conceded (4) and missed tackles (35) likely to be exploited by their opponents in this game.
These two sides met back in Round 5, with the Roosters outplaying the Titans considerably with a 30-8 victory. The Roosters were a stronger team on that occasion but will find it harder with key players returning from injury in time for this game. Their lack of match-fitness may take its toll over 70 minutes. Key inclusions of Boyle and Davis are at the top of the list, with Sergis named in the reserves and an outside chance to play. The odds ($1.24 vs $4) suggest that this will be a one-sided contest. The Titans have made a habit out of being underestimated this season and proving teams wrong. Season averages (Roosters – Attack 30ppg Defence 13ppg vs Titans – Attack 16ppg Defence 15ppg) indicate that the Roosters are deserving of favouritism, but their opponents cannot be underestimated. The line (10.5) in a Finals match should be used to your advantage. There is every chance that the returning players give the home team a boost, but something strong has been built within this Titans outfit and they should not be underestimated.
Titans +10.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
