NRL Magic Round has arrived, and fans are salivating at the thought of an exciting weekend of rugby league action. The usual Thursday night start is abandoned, with action beginning on Friday this week. The opening match is an intriguing contest between the Sharks and Eels. With all eyes on the showpiece in Brisbane, both teams will be keen to make a statement with a strong performance. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels
Location: Suncorp Stadium
Date: Friday, 2nd May
Time: 6:00pm (AEST)
Odds: Sharks $1.48 vs Eels $2.65
Line: Sharks -5.5
Points: 46.5
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 flat effort from the Sharks last week who let a weaker, yet hungrier side, capture victory. The Tigers dictated the terms of the match, but the Sharks still had their chances, going down 20-18 in Golden Point. It was always going to be hard with just 47% possession and a 76% completion rate, leading to fewer total metres and PCM’s. They usually rigid defence also looked fragile at times, especially through the middle.
The Eels enjoyed a week off following a strong 38-22 victory over the Tigers in Round 7. An improved attacking display (7 tries) coincided with the return of Moses to their team. It was an impressive second half after the scores were locked at 10-all at the break; 3 tries in 6 minutes to begin the second half set the standard. Minimal errors (87% completion rate) and more possession (52%) meant they were able to make more metres and PCM’s, as well as more line breaks.
The form line through the Tigers should be overlooked. The Eels benefitted from facing their opponents at the end of a week of turmoil, whereas the Sharks faced them at their spiritual home ground on the cusp of redemption. On paper, the Sharks are the superior team, but this weekend can throw up amazing factors. Suddenly, the Eels look like a capable team; the return of Iro to the centres will boost the Sharks on both sides of the ball.
The forwards is where this game will be won. This is why the Sharks are the preferred side. As good as the Eels were against the Tigers, the Sharks were very poor and took their opponents to Golden Point. They are the preferred selection by a narrow margin; the average margin of victory in their past 5 games is 8.8 points and another tight contest looms.
Sharks 1-12
$2.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Leg 1: Sharks to win – read above. In a game where there is uncertainty, this will add value to a simple investment.
Leg 2: Under 47.5 points – the average total in their past 5 matches is 40.8 points. Low scoring contests are expected from two gritty teams. The only concerns is the Eels ability to leak points compared to their opponents (18ppg vs 32ppg).
Leg 3: Iro to score – he returns from injury this week and was at his peak before that. Hiroti benefitted from slotting in on his edge, scoring in each of his past 3 matches. Expect Iro to be put in the same attacking positions this week.
SGM Odds: $7.50 at BoomBet
