This has been the most exciting NRLW season to date, with the quality of action ensuring that each match is a hard-fought contest. There have been some exhilarating tries scored, with other games dominated by fierce defence. Now, just two teams remain as they attempt to capture the 2024 Premiership. The quality of the Top 4 was high, so with the Roosters facing off against the Sharks, another exciting match is expected.
With all the rugby league world’s attention on this game, Before You Bet is here to help with a comprehensive preview, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
NRLW Grand Final Preview. & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks
Accor Stadium – Sunday 6th October – 4:55pm (AEST)
Match Prediction
The Roosters powered their way through to the decider with a comprehensive first half display which set them up for victory. Scoring first, they manage 4 first half tries to lead 22-4 at HT. Their defence was strong throughout, and despite allowing 3 tries, 2 were only in the final 10 minutes of play. Their defence missed just 24 tackles for the match. When it came to attack, they completed at 75% with a 50% share of possession, made more metres and PCM’s; this put them in a strong position to create 6 line breaks also.
The Sharks caused an upset with their 14-nil victory over the Broncos to progress through to this week’s decider. Given little hope of winning, they returned to their successful early season formula of defending strongly. They allowed the Broncos to make just 1 line break for the entire contest. It was evident that they believed that they could match their opponents in this area, with statistics evenly spread between the two sides. This meant for the Sharks that they could lead the metres made, as well as the PCM’s, and then build on that with 5 line breaks. It is two vastly different styles of play, and it will be an interesting watch to see who prevails on top and lifts the trophy.
Match Prediction
The odds suggest that the Roosters are going win this match easily; they unusually strong favourites for a Grand Final match ($1.32 vs $3.35). A lot of this will have to do with their 40-nil thrashing over the Sharks back in Round 8. The Roosters are a team that has the right formula when they are ‘on’. There have been some instances this season of that not being the case, but they are few and far between.
The biggest limitation for the Sharks is their inability to score points. This is a strength of the Roosters and if they skip away to a lead, the Sharks are unlikely to run them down. This is highlighted by the season averages in attack (Roosters 24ppg vs Sharks 16ppg); both sides concede an average of 12ppg. This suggests that the line (8.5) may not be enough for the Sharks. They will be tight for majority of this match, and it is a risky play to invest on a larger line market with two teams that have strong defensive records.
Despite this, there is something about this Roosters team which is special; they have a strong set of forwards who create momentum for their outside backs to capitalise on. Keep the stake lower though. NRLW games are unpredictable at times, and you do not want to be caught out.
Roosters -8.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
