After an early start to Round 1, NRLW Round 2 action will begin on Saturday morning. A lot can be taken away from the opening weekend, but it would be wiser to keep investments low to see if the form displayed last week is a true indication of how a team is performing. The action was exciting in Round 1 and the stage is set for another big weekend of exhilarating rugby league. As always, Before You Bet is here to preview all of the NRLW matches ahead this weekend with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
2024 NRLW Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights
GIO Stadium – Saturday 3rd August – 11am (AEST)
The Raiders quietly went about their business with a commanding 32-12 road victory over the Tigers. Expected to be a tight contest, they dominated the opening stages of the match, jumping to a 28-nil lead inside 22 minutes. It was an impressive display of their attacking ability, and from that point onwards, their defence held strong to secure the result. They averaged 8.7m per carry, missed just 25 tackles and had 6 line breaks as part of their victory. The Knights were also successful in their opening match, defeating the Roosters 12-10 in a tight affair. Leading 10-nil at HT, the Knights were grinding out a win by doing the small things well. Making 8.7m per carry, they had 4 line breaks and missed only 28 tackles. They were effective at covering efforts in defence too.
The Raiders are boosted by the inclusion of representative winger Tungai to the side, while the Knights have chosen to hand White her debut match after staring in the U/19’s match at fullback for NSW. There is no doubt that the Raiders will be up for this contest, but they are still listed as outsiders ($3 vs $1.40). They have a decent record at home, but this is a case of a quality team traveling down and performing to a different standard. The Raiders will keep things tight early in this contest but the favourable conditions supporting an attacking style will aid the visitors enough to cover the line.
Knights -6.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers
Cbus Super Stadium – Saturday 3rd August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Titans travelled to Sydney to face the Dragons and showed their potential in capturing a gritty 18-10 win. Dominating possession (56%) and completing to a high standard (85%), the Titans lead every area and relied upon strong defence to pressure their opponents (missed just 25 tackles). It was a pleasing start to the season for a capable team. The Tigers were ambush at home by the Raiders, finding themselves behind 28-nil inside 22 minutes. Their 63% completion rate and 12 errors meant they were continually turning the ball over. Their defensive structure was also poor; several poor efforts in this area must be changed if they are to improve.
The Titans have been forced to make changes with Brown (winger) and Canfield (second row) suffering injuries last week. The West Tigers are unchanged for this match. The team line-ups have done little to alter thoughts ahead of this contest; the Titans are the stronger of the two sides and the Tigers have a lot to improve upon. The class which the Titans possess will make it difficult for their opponents. They know how to breakdown teams and will relish the opportunity to build on their opening round victory.
Titans -14.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
Allianz Stadium – Sunday 4th August – 12pm (AEST)
The Eels caused the upset of the round last week with a 22-10 win over the Broncos in Brisbane. Given little hope of capturing victory, the Eels built an impressive victory by controlling 62% of possession and completing at 89%. It was a fundamental approach which generated pressure; they took their chances, dominating metres made (263m more than their opponents) and showcasing strong defence (just 25 missed tackles). The Sharks were victorious over the Cowboys at home, grinding out a confidence building 14-nil win. Playing well in the first half, the Sharks led by that scoreline at HT and maintained it until the end. While they would’ve wanted more points to their tally, they will take the 2-competition points which were on offer. They must be better in key areas if they are to compete with the top teams; they had a poor 63% completion rate but did well making 9m per carry and significantly more PCM’s. Their defence was also strong, missing just 25 tackles and conceding 1 line break; their effort here also says a lot about the quality of opponent they were facing.
Injuries have forced key changes to the Eels, with the notable omission of Cherrington at hooker, replaced by Todhunter. The Sharks are unchanged from their Round 1 victory. Another week is needed to see whether the Eels performance against the Broncos is credible. At times, there was a lingering thought that a better team could’ve made them pay for their mistakes in key areas on the field. The Sharks have the talent and poise to do so. With the missing players for the Eels, the Sharks should be able to cover the line.
Sharks -4.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Allianz Stadium – Sunday 4th August – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Roosters travelled to face the Knights in the opening NRLW match for the season and were defeated 12-10. Despite trailing 10-nil at HT, they were much more composed in the second half and took their chances, narrowing the gap to give themselves a chance of stealing victory. There were positives in the effort; they carried the ball strongly (8.9m per carry) and made more PCM’s (526). They were let down defensively though, missing more tackles (29) con conceding 4 line breaks. It was a far worse story for the Broncos, upset by the Eels in front of their home fans. Opening the scoring in the 4th minute, positive early signs suggested it would be an easy result. That wasn’t the case as the game was dominated by the visitors; with just 38% possession they completed at 70%, missed 41 tackles and allowed 5 line breaks. It was an uncharacteristic performance, but they will need to rectify it as soon as possible if they wish to compete for the 2024 title.
A huge inclusion for the Roosters see’s Sam Bremner come out of retirement and slot back into the role of fullback. There are a host of changes for the Broncos due to suspension of key players; the strength of their forward pack and overall depth is set to be tested early in the season. This has the Roosters listed as strong favourites ($1.47 vs $2.70) with another week needed to assess the true form of the Broncos. They underachieved last week, and it has been a common theme creeping into their game over the past few seasons. It is hard to go past the quality of the Roosters and once their attacking weapons fire, they should be able to account for the line.
Roosters -5.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Sunday 4th August – 6:10pm (AEST)
The Cowboys travelled to Sydney to face the Sharks last week and went the entire match without scoring a point. They were outplayed in every area; they averaged just 7.4m per carry and made just 1 line break. Unable to build pressure was always going to be an issue. The Dragons were defeated at home 18-10 by the Titans in their opening game of the season. Outplayed in the first half and trailing 10-nil at HT, they were ineffective with just 44% possession and completing at 75%. Their defence was fragile too, missing 39 tackles for the match.
No key changes but a host of alterations for the Cowboys. They are still listed as favourites for this game, but it is somewhat surprising that they are yet to win at home; this could be their opportunity to reward their loyal fans. There needs to be more from either side before you can invest on them with confidence. For that reason, the suggestion will be to invest on either side winning this match. If there is a game to stay away from this weekend, this is also the one.
Either Team by 8 Points or Less
$1.85 (1 Unit)
Multi of the Week
Knights (H2H)
Roosters -5.5
NQL vs SGI – Either Team by 8 Points or Less
SGM Odds: $4.79 at Ladbrokes
