Get ready for an action-packed NRL weekend despite a reduced round of fixtures, as State of Origin Game 3 takes centre stage on Wednesday. After a series of lopsided matchups last week, fans are eagerly awaiting a round filled with close encounters and thrilling moments. Kicking off the weekend is the highly anticipated clash between the Wets Tigers and Cronulla Sharks, set to unfold at the iconic CommBank Stadium, one of the Tigers’ many formidable home grounds. With the Tigers seeking redemption from their previous performance, this showdown promises to be a riveting spectacle.
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NRL Round 19 Preview & Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks
Thursday 6th July, CommBank Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
The less said about the Tigers’ performance last week, the better. They travelled to Townsville and after defeating the Cowboys 66-18 only a few weeks ago, hopes were high that it could be a close clash. The opening stages were just that, but that was quickly overturned, as the Cowboys scored a 74-nil victory in 66 minutes. The13-try performance saw a hopeless Tigers outfit almost give up with poor defensive efforts; missing just 54 tackles and allowing 13 line breaks was just the start of it. In attack, they had just 37% possession and completed at just 52%. How this squad finishes the season is anyone’s guess.
Last weekend was a different story for the Sharks in their 52-16 victory over the Dragons. Despite conceding a try in the opening minutes of play, they remained composed and controlled every aspect of the match. With 61% possession, they completed at 88%, dominated metres and post-contact metres made, had 9 line breaks and missed just 21 tackles. There are still questions about their ability to defeat teams in the Top 8 but you cannot knock winning performances like that, one which could easily be repeated again this week.
The difference between these two sides doesn’t just exist on the competition ladder or the NRL Power Rankings, the odds for this fixture heavily favour the Sharks ($1.06 vs $9) and the price on offer for the Tigers appears short. Every factor is working against them. They have a 33% winning record at this ground (Sharks 53%). In attack, they average just 15ppg compared with the Sharks 28ppg and defence isn’t much better. The Sharks are slightly high for a team which holds Finals aspirations (20ppg) but the Tigers allow more with 26ppg. The recent history is also against the Tigers; they’ve won just 1 out of the past 10 meetings with the Sharks dating back to 2015. Interestingly, their sole victory was at this ground in Round 3, 2020. The past 4 Sharks victories have been by 13+ margins at an average of 24.3 points. Unfortunately, that trend looks set to continue.
The Sharks are close to full-strength for this game and will pose a host of issues for the Tigers defensive line. A better effort is expected than last week, but the Sharks will still have enough quality across the field to relentlessly place their opponents under pressure. It is difficult to find value in this game too. Everything points towards a dominant Sharks victory and that should also mean they cover the line (and then some). This will also relate to the fact that the Tigers will struggle to score points in the same way they cannot halt their opponent’s momentum.
Sharks -22.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Sharks 13+ – The sharks should be far too good here.
Total Points Over 49.5 – Expecting the Sharks to put up a big score which should see the overs hit.
Mulitalo 2+ tries – Mulitalo is the leading Sharks try scorer this season with 15 and should get plenty of opportunities.
Nikora & Kennedy to score – Kennedy is second at the Sharks with 13 and Nikora is equal third (with Ramien) with 7. These players are confident and in form too.
SGM Odds: $15 at Picklebet (0.5 Units)
