The first NRL game on Friday night heads across to New Zealand as the Warriors host the Bulldogs. It is the last time they will have this season to play in front of their home fans; this comes with a large responsibility, including the farewell of Shaun Johnson. The Bulldogs will be out to disrupt the party which is set to take place but may find it difficult. Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action ahead, with the aim of finding you a winner or two, to start your weekend off on a positive note.
NRL Round 25 Preview & Betting Tips
New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Go Media Stadium – Friday 23rd August – 6pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Warriors travelled to Manly last week and tried hard but were ultimately defeated 24-10. A tight first half saw the teams locked at 10-all at HT. They fought their way back into the game twice in the first half but couldn’t manage to score more points in the second half. They struggled at times with just 47% possession and a 75% completion rate. Averaging 9m per carry and making more PCM’s (539), they only made 3 line breaks; they will need to find a way to turn this into points if they are to be victorious in upcoming matches.
The Bulldogs took a home game to Bundaberg against the Dolphins and, in a tricky contest, performed outstandingly well. Justifying their standing on the competition ladder, they were every bit of the team which has also rocketed up the NRL Power Rankings. Leading 16-10 at HT, they kicked into another gear in the second half, with their defence tightening and keeping their opponents scoreless. They controlled all areas of the game, with 55% possession, they completed at 81%, averaged 9.9m per carry, had 605 PCM’s and had 6 line breaks. They were strong defensively, missing just 20 total tackles.
Match Prediction
Emotion will be high for the Warriors for a variety of reasons but none more so that the final home game for Shaun Johnson. A great servant for this club, they will want to send their halfback out as a winner. If this game goes true to form, the Bulldogs will be able to spoil the party. That is why they are listed as favourites ($2.60 vs $1.50), and they will be relying on their defence to get them through this match.
The teams are even when it comes to attack (Warriors 21ppg vs Bulldogs 22ppg), but the Bulldogs have proven this year that they can limit even the best attacking sides; going into this round, they have the best defensive record of any team in the competition (Warriors 23ppg vs Bulldogs 16ppg). Now that their attack is starting to come together, they are looking like a complete side. This should mean they are well placed to not only absorb the emotion but overcome a poor 35% record at this ground (Warriors 57%). Given the challenging nature of this road trip, it is advised that punters invest wisely. Games such as this one can often catch people out. Keep your stake low in this game, there are better options this weekend.
Bulldogs -5.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
These options are based on previous history. In the past 5 games, the average total points is 37. Only one game has gone beyond 36 points. For margins; the Bulldogs won the Round 18 by 1-point and the average is 10.4 points in the past 5 matches played between these two sides. Only twice has it gone beyond 12 points also.
Total Points Under 43.5
Either Team by 1-12
SGM Odds: $3.30 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
