The bad news continues for the Eels on Friday night, as they head to Allianz Stadium to take on the Roosters, the most explosive attack in the NRL. After going down in heartbreaking fashion last weekend to their western Sydney rivals, the Eels could be in for a rough night against a Roosters team looking to kick on towards the finals. Ben Bridge offers his full betting preview for the clash below!
NRL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Allianz Stadium, Friday 16th August, 8:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Roosters are off the bye this week, and it might be just what this team needed to reset after some below average performances over the past month. In their last game, the Roosters managed to sneak past the Dolphins in Perth, winning 40-34 in a game that exemplified the poor defensive attitude the Roosters have had lately. They seem to be a team that believes they can outscore anyone, and whilst it may be true, everyone knows that defence wins Premierships. Head Coach Trent Robinson knows this, and he will be determined to have his side in better shape defensively heading into September.
As mentioned, the Eels lost in heartbreaking fashion last weekend, going down 36-34 to the Panthers after leading 34-20 with just 7 minutes remaining. Conceding three tries in as many minutes just about sums up the entire season for the Eels, and one feels they played their Grand Final last weekend in that loss. Don’t be surprised at all to see several Eels’ players not show up this week and for the remainder of the season, with whispers growing louder that the broom is being swept through this team heading into season 2025.
Match Preview
The Eels and Roosters met back in round 15 at CommBank Stadium, with the Roosters running out 28-18 winners over a full-strength Eels outfit. The Roosters closed 7.5-point road favourites for the game, but it took them until the final five minutes to cover the spread. In fact, the Eels led the game 18-16 after 64 minutes, however the Roosters proved too good in the final 15 minutes. Statistically, it was a poor loss at home for the Eels, as they enjoyed more possession, ran for 300 extra metres, and were awarded 5 more penalties than the Roosters. The total closed 51.5, with the under looking good for the most part, despite two of the more ‘overs’ dominant teams in the NRL this season.
Prior to last weekend’s results, the Roosters opened massive 16.5-point favourites, however after the Eels’ spirited display against the Panthers, they re-opened just 15.5-point underdogs. Roosters money has come back in, pushing this back to 16.5/17.5, and I have a feeling the Eels are going to struggle to stay within this spread. I make the Roosters 18.5-point favourites and see solid value in the chooks this weekend.
The total opened 50.5, which is interesting considering their last matchup closed 51.5, and scoring is well up across the league over the past two months. What is more interesting is the fact the number hasn’t gone up, and despite slight rain expected during the game, I see the over as the bet here. I make a fair total 54.5, and unless the Roosters completely shut the Eels out of this game, this total is there for the taking.
Over 51.5 total points
$1.95 (2.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
D Young (2+ tries) – Dom Young v Jake Tago, I’ll take the big Roosters winger to bag at least two tries this weekend.
A Crichton (1+ try) – Crichton has 8 tries this season in what has been a tremendous career turnaround for the Roosters back rower. With points on offer against this poor Eels’ defence, expect Crichton to cross.
Roosters (-11.5) – As above, the Roosters should win this easily and I’d be incredibly surprised if they don’t win this one by two converted tries.
SGM Odds: $11 at Bet365
