The opening match of NRL Round 8 heads over to New Zealand with the Warriors finally hosting an ANZAC Day match on home soil. This will also kick off a bumper afternoon of NRL action. The Titans travel across the Tasman and are still searching for their first win on the season. It has been a long time coming too but the Warriors will not want to be their first victims. This promises to be an exciting match. Before You Bet will assist with a comprehensive look at this game and where a winner can be found.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
Go Media Stadium – Thursday 25th April – 2pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Warriors took a step backwards last week with a disappointing 30-12 defeat by the Dragons on the road. Heading into the game as favourites, they were outplayed over 80 minutes; they appeared the inferior team for the entire contest. Despite having a greater share of possession (51%), they completed at just 78% and made more errors (10). They were ineffective with the ball averaging 8.4m per carry and had just 3 line breaks. Their defence was poor also; they allowed 9.2m per carry to their opponents and missed 35 tackles. It was a rare poor showing from a talented team and they will need to bounce back here.
The Titans are still winless to start the 2024 season but were close to getting their opening victory for the second week in a row. Despite leading 24-22 at HT, they conceded 2 second half tries to the Sea Eagles and could only produce one of their own, eventually defeated 34-30. They were arguably the better of the two teams, completing at 81%, making more total metres, and missing fewer tackles (17). Unfortunately, they were missing poise and attacking measure when it mattered most.
Match Prediction
The Warriors are overwhelming favourites ($1.23 vs $4.20) to win this contest. It is not surprising considering the Titans not only have a 31% win record at this ground (Warriors 57%) but they have also won just 2 of the past 11 games in New Zealand since 2011. To make it further complicated, the visitors average just 15ppg in attack and concede 30ppg in defence. This is not good enough for any team, let alone one which is trying to travel and defeat a superior opponent. For what it’s worth, the Warriors average 20ppg in attack and concede 17ppg in defence. Despite what last week suggests, they are a capable defensive team. They know how to limit their opponents’ attacking options and will benefit from regaining confidence against a team like the Titans. That doesn’t mean the visitors are completely out of this game; they have demonstrated in recent weeks that they are getting closer to a victory. This could be the week, but reality says that it is unlikely.
The worst thing which could’ve happened for the Titans ahead of this game was the Warriors losing last week in the way they did. In terms of a result, the averages so far this season suggest that the well-set line (12.5) should be considered. The Warriors have a knack of piling on points in bunches and their defence, should remain strong enough, meaning they should win by more than 2 converted tries.
Warriors -12.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The average total points in the past 5 matches between these two sides is 41.2; 1 outlier of 25 skews this total as three of them have totalled 44 or more. DWZ is his team’s leading try scorer with 5 and will again be a threat on the edge. AFB is a powerhouse in the middle and will single-handedly take responsibility of his team winning this contest through the middle; he has already crossed twice this season.
Total Points Over 44.5
DWZ to Score
AFB to Score
SGM Odds: $8 at Ladbrokes
