The second game on NRL Super Saturday heads to the northern beaches of Sydney with the Sea Eagles hosting the Cowboys. A strong squad of players is at the disposal of both sides this year and they will have high hopes of improving on their 2024 campaigns. In equal measure, doubt also surrounds their chances but a win would go a long way to building confidence. Before You Bet is here to preview an exciting NRL match which is sure to offer its share of exhilarating action.
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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys
Location: 4 Pines Park – Sydney
Date: Saturday, 8th March
Time: 7:35pm AEDT
Odds: Sea Eagles ($1.42) vs Cowboys ($2.90)
Line: Sea Eagles -7.5
Points: 47.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
It was a slow end to the hopes of the Sea Eagles in 2024, somehow over and underachieving in equal measure, depending on the area you were assessing. Now, with another preseason under Seibold, they are ready to push other teams. Keeping their key players fit and, on the park, will be crucial to their success. If that is the case, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
The Cowboys have always struggled with road trips to Sydney and this game will be no different. A new-look team in many ways, pressure is building on coach Payton to lift his team to perform consistently after falling short in previous campaigns. There is no doubting the talent of this team, but their poor defensive record let them down last season. They have a new opportunity this year to change that narrative, and the Sea Eagles will offer plenty of chances to prove that they are now capable in this area.
The Sea Eagles couldn’t wait to name this side as it signalled the return of some of their star players. While still missing Croker (hooker – injured), it is as close to full-strength as they have been for some time. It is a large reason why they have been named as favourites too ($1.44 vs $2.80). The Cowboys enter new territory with several key players departing the club at the end of last season. This has seen Duffy named at halfback in what is also his NRL debut. The visitors will struggle further without key forward Taumalolo, who is returning from injury and named among the reserves; if he travels with the team, you would think that it is likely he would play.
While it was mentioned above that the Cowboys struggle in Sydney, this is one ground which holds no fear for them. They have defeated the Sea Eagles 5 of the past 6 games here for a 62% record (same as the Sea Eagles). The Sea Eagles hold an edge by winning 3 of the past 5 matches between these two sides, with the past three decided by 11 points or less.
With a lot of uncertainty around each to start the season, the safer option is to invest on this game being a high scoring contest. The average in their past 5 matches sits at 50.5 points, with 3 being by 54 or more points. The same is expected with punters to take delight in a high-scoring contest, regardless of the winner.
Total Points Over 44.5
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
