The NRL Super Saturday sandwich game this week will be the match of the round, as the Roosters take on the Bulldogs in what should be a cracking contest. The Bulldogs are rocking an impressive three game winning streak and will come into this game full of confidence that they can take the Chooks all the way. We bring you our best bets for the match below!
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Industree Group Stadium, Saturday 22nd June, 5:30pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Roosters dip in form has coincided with the Origin period, so long term there shouldn’t be any grave concerns in Bondi, however in the short term I’m looking to fade the Roosters. Last week, they took on an Eels team that, despite looking better a week prior, were still languishing in 15th spot on the ladder. Despite this, and leading 16-0 inside half an hour, the Roosters allowed the Eels back in the contest, to where the Eels actually led the game 18-16 with just 15 minutes remaining. The Roosters got there in the end, winning 28-18, but the cracks are there right now.
The Bulldogs are off the bye, in a spot of good timing for the club, given they lost several players in their round 14 win over the Eels. It was a win full of grit from the Bulldogs, who lost Curran, Preston, and Hayward during the game, and trailed 18-10 with 15 minutes remaining. Connor Tracey was the catalyst for the Bulldogs, with the custodian creating three try assists, two line-break assists, whilst busting 6 tackles and breaking the line twice. Stephen Crichton also continued his stellar form, and right now seems the front runner as Dally M Captain of the Year.
Match Preview
The Roosters and Bulldogs met back in round 5 at Accor Stadium where the Roosters closed 10.5-point favourites on the road. The Bulldogs shot out of the gate, leading 26-0 at halftime, before allowing the Roosters back into the contest in the second half. The Dogs eventually got home 30-26, in a monumental upset. The total closed 43.5, and always looked low.
As for this week, the Roosters opened 12.5-point favourites at a neutral site venue in Gosford, before re-opening at the same number on Monday. These seemed like a huge number, and it seemed as though the market was predicting the Bulldogs were going to be without Matt Burton. Since Origin teams were announced, Bulldogs money has flooded the market, with the Roosters now 7.5/8.5-point favourites. This is exactly my number (8) if both teams were full strength, but the Roosters are far more affected by Origin, missing Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, and Lindsay Collins. Yes, the Dogs are without Stephen Crichton, but they are far closer to full strength than the Roosters. I see value still at 8.5, although the +12.5 at the start of the week would have been better.
As for the total, it opened 49.5 where it remains, however the over is juiced, indicating this total is heading north of 50. Both these teams played in round 13 (previous Origin affected round), and both games went well under the totals. I like the under here and would be happy to make the under a play here also (wait until the last minute though, with the total heading north).
So, I like both markets here, and even like the Bulldogs to cause an upset here at great odds. If you do want to go the Bulldogs, take them at 1-12 in margin betting, with the Roosters’ six losses this season all by 1-12. But I’ll stick with the spread here and take the Dogs +9.5.
Bulldogs +9.5
$1.91 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Under 49.5 points – As above, I like the under here.
D Tupou (1+ try) – Tupou will be attacking the weak right edge defence of the Bulldogs, which concedes a whopping 59% of all tries the Dogs have conceded this season.
B Wilson (1+ try) – I trust Wilson will be on the left, which is attacking the weak right edge of the Dogs. Wilson has shown he has a nose for the try line, and I like him to get across here.
SGM Odds: $10.64 at Neds
