THE BRIEF
You know what’s brief? This round. Only four games as we gear up for Origin 3, but none can be considered clear cut which makes it an excellent betting round, kicking off with the always unpredictable Eels, against the Roosters, who have the potential to turn it on.
THE BIG FIVE
- 5k Roosters (v Eels) @ $2.15
- 5k Roosters +2.5 (v Eels) @ $1.92
- 2k Sharks (v Panthers) @ $3.0
- 5k Raiders -9.5 (v Cowboys) @ $1.92
- 2k Tigers (v Bulldogs) @ $3.50
MULTI MAGIC
- $10k Bulldogs (v Tigers) into Raiders (v Cowboys) @ $1.63
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
It seems we have been sitting and waiting for the Eels to implode for some time now and while many around that club have done their best to ensure that happens, the week has not yet come. Punters feel this will be it. The Roosters have attracted plenty of support as underdogs, backed from $2.15 into $2.10 but with money coming for the tri-colours at a rate of 2-1.
The Eels have eased slightly and are still favourite, out from $1.67 to $1.77 but with very few friends.
The line has tightened a touch too, in to 2 from 2.5.
BARKING MAD
Money has been split straight down the middle on this one despite the Dogs being a clear favourite. At $1.20, one can understand the hesitance of a punter to take the short price on a team capable of anything, both good and bad. The Tigers seem a big risk in many ways but the outsider price is getting more and more attractive. Despite the even nature of wagers, the Dogs have firmed from $1.30 into that $1.20 quote, while the Tigers have blown out from $3.50 to $4.50 which isn’t great news for the punter who took the $3.50 for $2k. Although costing yourself a grand when collecting seven is still better than blowing two and having nothing.
STREAK OVER?
The more games you continue to win, the closer you are to a loss. Given the Sharks are without Origin stars and haven’t lost since round three, it’s no surprise punters fancy the Panthers in this one.
Penrith is $1.67 into $1.60 with the Sharks $2.15 out to $2.40 but still with their fair share of friends. The main issue of a loss here would be surrendering top spot but a top two finish looks assured and a loss wouldn’t be the worst thing. I’m on the Panthers all the way here.
MONDAY MAGIC
Origin selectors raided the North Queensland cupboard and Canberra is poised to take full advantage. Not that i would be rushing to back a team who needed a golden try to get over the Knights. Punters believe Canberra will be too much for the Cowboys team to bare, with the Green Machine the best backed team of the round and Cowboys absolutely friendless.
The Raiders are $1.30 into $1.25 with the Cowboys $3.50 out to $4.20 and getting almost zero interest.