NRLW Magic Round has been and gone for another season and now at the middle of the season, focus turns towards consistency and preparing themselves for a shot at the Finals. This years edition of the competition has produced some stunning rugby league action with fans desperate for more each week. There will be no shortage of exhilarating moments in Round 6 either and Before You Bet is here to look at each game ahead this weekend to help find you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
Check out our preview and NRLW Betting Tips for Round 6 below and good luck to everyone following along!
NRLW Round 6 Preview & Betting Tips
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys
Belmore Sports Ground – Saturday 8th August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Bulldogs were outplayed by the Broncos last week in their 34-4 defeat, failing to match the standard of their opponent in multiple areas. With just 46% possession, they completed at just 64%, seeing them make significantly fewer metres than their opponents. They also missed 32 tackles and allowed 11 line breaks. The Cowboys captured their first win for the season with a determined come-from-behind 18-16 victory over the Raiders. Trailing 16-nil with 22 minutes remaining, everything clicked for the Cowboys. They remained in the contest with a greater share of possession (53%) and a high completion rate (78%) that enabled them to make 8m per carry and create 5 line breaks. Their defence was also strong, missing just 22 tackles.
The Bulldogs rightly enter this game as favourites. Little is going right for the Cowboys at the moment, and they look set to face another tough task if they are to win this contest. The fact that the Bulldogs are unchanged for this contest indicates that confidence is high from both the coaching staff and players. The line (7.5) has been set at an interesting level; the average win (Bulldogs – 13 points) and loss (Cowboys – 31 points) suggests that is should be covered by the home team as the visitors fail to build on their positive performance last week.
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans
Ocean Protext Park – Saturday 8th August – 3:25pm (AEST)
The Sharks were upset 32-20 by the Tigers last week, out played by an opponent that were superior in their execution. They were their own worst enemy completing at just 61% with only 43% possession, which saw them barely run for more than 1,000m. Their PCM’s (322) were also low, and their opponents made them pay for their mistakes. The Titans started strongly against the Warriors but almost conceded a 12-nil HT lead to the Warriors to prevail 18-16. Despite having a slightly smaller share of possession (49%), they completed at 80% and ran for 8.2m per carry. Their rigid defence (22 missed tackles), along with their execution in allowed them to prevail.
The Titans are rightly listed as favourites for this game. Just when the Sharks were beginning to show promise, they were dealt a reality check. By their own admission, the Titans were not at their best last week, and an improved performance is expected here. They will be challenged by playing this game on the road; however, the Sharks have relinquished their home ground advantage recently. The line is set low (6.5 points) for a team with the quality attack of the Titans. They can continually dismantle teams in the middle. Expect the Sharks to put up a fight but it will only last so long, as the Titans pull away in this contest.
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
FMG Stadium – Saturday 8th August – 5:15pm (AEST)
It was a narrow 18-16 loss to the Titans last week for the Warriors, unable to close out the match when it mattered. It wasn’t through lack of effort though; with 51% possession, they completed at 82%, overcoming 7.6m per carry with 458 PCM’s and making 4 line breaks. Their defence was strong also, missing just 21 tackles. The Knights were at their dominant best in their 32-12 victory over the Eels. Starting strongly, their superior share of possession (54%) allowed them to overcome their horrendous completion rate (66%), which was well aided by 9.6m per carry. This was well support by 8 line breaks and 479 PCM’s, proving that this team is hitting their peak as the competition continues.
It is surprising to see the Warriors installed as favourites for this game. They have been far from convincing this season and while the same can be said for the Knights, they have managed longer passages of consistency to earn a closer contest than the odds are suggesting. The loss of Predebon means they will lack punch in the middle but what they lose with her, they can compensate for in other areas. On their day, the outside backs of the Knights are as talented as any team in the competition. With Dibb and Roche calling the shots, expect this game to be decided by a narrow margin and only late in the dying stages of the match.
Either team by 10.5 points
$1.80
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos
GIO Stadium – Sunday 9th August – 11:35am (AEST)
For the second consecutive week, the Raiders suffered an upset loss to an opponent who was winless. This time, it was the Cowboys who were successful as the Raiders conceded a 16-nil lead with 22mins remaining to be defeated 18-16. In the end, they only have themselves to blame; with 47% possession they completed at just 65%. They failed to capitalise on their 8.9m per carry and 500 PCM’s. It was as if the fight had disappeared within this team. There were no such issues for the Broncos in their commanding 34-4 victory over the Bulldogs. Starting strongly with a try in the opening minute, it was one way traffic for the entire match. With 54% possession they completed at 71%, made 8.8m per carry that lead to 11 line breaks. They were too strong in all areas with relentless pressure capped off with some smart ball movement from their halves.
The suspension of Brigginshaw to suspension forces a reshuffle in the Broncos team and it will be interesting to see how they adjust. Bartlett will partner Southwell in the halves but having a less dominant player calling the shots will draw the attention of the Raiders to one area. The home side is boosted by the return of Preston, and her inclusion will add some power on an edge. The Raiders still need plenty to go their way should they be competitive in this match; unfortunately, they do not possess the same consistent power as their opponents. The line is set high (16.5) for a team that is undergoing a transformation in their attack. The Raiders can be poor on their day but rather than entertain this option, play is safe with a smaller margin of victory and allow the Broncos to work their craft over 70 minutes.
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers
St Georges Venues Jubilee Stadium – Sunday 9th August – 1:35pm (AEST)
The Dragons enjoyed a competitive first half against the Roosters (trailed 14-4 at HT) but eventually, their lack of possession (44%) and poor completion rate (65%) got the better of them. There was no doubt that there was a stark contrast between the quality of each team. Running for 8m per carry, the Dragons could only manage 272 PCM’s and failed to build pressure when it mattered. They also missed 40 tackles and conceded 6 line breaks to further hurt their cause. The Tigers had no such issues in their stunning 32-20 upset victory over the Sharks. Locked at 10-all at HT, they kicked into another gear in the 2nd half. Their victory was built on possession (57%) and poise (73% completion rate) which enabled them to create pressure on their opponents. On top of dominating all areas in attack, they also missed just 22 tackles.
Talented on their day, it is hard to see the Dragons winning this contest. They have failed to play consistently for a full 70 minutes this season and while they are at home, it is unknown as to whether it will occur here. The Tigers are a spirited team; their performance last week indicates that they are not only a team which is improving, but one which relishes the challenge each week. They will not be without a few more this week; the Dragons are a difficult team to defeat at home, and this will be no different. Bruised from a tough game last week, fatigue will eventually catch up with them, and the Tigers will win by more than 2 converted tries.
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Polytec Stadium – Sunday 9th August – 6:15pm (AEST)
In another commanding rugby league display, the Roosters disposed of the Dragons 34-4 last week. Stronger in every area, they kicked clear in the second half courtesy of a greater share of possession (56%) and a higher completion rate (76%) that enable them to run 8.2m per carry and 469 PCM’s. Their defence was also strong, missing just 20 tackles across the match. The Eels were not as fortunate as they were on the receiving end of facing a superior team, defeated 32-12 by the Knights. With just 44% possession they completed at 71%, unable to build genuine pressure on their opponents when it mattered. They were good in averaging 9.1m per carry but failed to convert this into points. They also gave too many opportunities to their opponents by conceding 8 line breaks.
With their being only one likely outcome in this contest – a Roosters victory – the challenging is finding value in a winner. The line (33.5 points) is set very high; it is worth noting that the Roosters average win margin is 19.6 points and the Eels average losing margin is 17.2 points. Unfortunately for the visitors, they only average 12 points in attack while conceding an average of 29.2. Neither their defence nor attack will be competitive enough in this game to keep the line in their favour. That is even before you see that the Roosters welcome back their regular halfback, Aiken, to their team. This one could get very ugly.
