So many crucial contests to come in the next 10 days, which of course all started last night with the Bulldogs failing to secure of top four spot and deny the Cowboys that very advantage. JT and co are in the box seat now, as are the Storm who can make sure of the minor premiership by beating the Broncos tonight. Cronulla is in a hole and need to do everything to hold off the fast finishing Raiders, while further down, the Titans can book a berth at the business end with a win over the Roosters.
Spoiler alert: punters are split on both of those contests.
THE BIG FIVE
- $30k – Titans -1.5 line (v Panthers) @ $1.92
- $11k – Eels -5.5 line (v Dragons) @ $1.92
- $7k – Sea Eagles +6 line (v Raiders) @ $1.92
- $5k – Knights +13.5 line (v Souths) @ $1.92
- $2k – Sea Eagles (v Raiders) @ $2.85
MULTI MAGIC
- $2k – Cowboys / Broncos / Raiders / Panthers / Warriors / Sharks / Rabbitohs @ $32.46
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
The Storm near on dropped 50 on the Broncos at Suncorp less than two months ago and have essentially swept all before them since. While the prices have barely moved, the money has been heading 70-30 in the home side’s favour as they look to snaffle their first minor premiership since 2011. The Storm are clearly the best backed side of the round, (a common theme when a class side plays Friday night) and with the knowledge a win tonight would allow some to rest from next week’s clash with Cronulla knowing nothing is on the line, expect Melbourne to make it count. I’d take the $1.45 about Melbourne and run … but I am previewing it through one eye.
SCENE STEALERS
The Sea Eagles are looking to steal more than just a few chips when they host the high flying Canberra Raiders tomorrow. While their late season good form didn’t result in a finals berth, they can help shape the eight and there are many punters who believe they can give Canberra a scare. With Blake Austin out for the green machine, Manly moved from $3 into $2.85 and the Raiders out from $1.38 to $1.45 but the line is where they have come for the Sea Eagles.
That’s been 8.5 into 6 with one big bet of $7k coming after it had been wound in.
FULL BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED
Jarryd Hayne will make his return to the full back position against the Panthers tomorrow night and, while his somewhat innocent quote comparing himself in a way to Jesus has drawn him criticism, punters who have shelled out some serious hard earned on his Titans will be rejoicing if he delivers.
Prices haven’t moved since we opened the book on Monday with the Titans $1.73 and the Panthers $2.10, but the big bets have all been for Gold Coast, including one monster of $30k at the -1.5 line.
If that lands, it’ll be reason to sing hallelujah from the stands.
CAN THE ROOSTERS CROW?
One large bet on the one time ladder leaders has swayed the money marginally in their favour but this has been the tightest betting game of the week with many punters predicting the Sharks form slump will continue and taking the bigger price about the Roosters.
They’ve been $2.80 into $2.40 with the Sharks $1.44 out to $1.57. The line on this one is 4.5.
BEST BACKED
- Melbourne Storm
FRIENDLESS
- Wests Tigers