Couch Critic previews the NRL Round 8 matches taking place from the 29th April to 2nd May including his best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA
NRL ROUND 8
There is no rest for the wicked as we jump straight into Round 8 looking for some betting value whilst watching these gladiators do battle Down Under.
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS – Thu 29 Apr @ 11:50, Canberra
The Rabbitohs have had to dig deep for victories over the past few weeks but this time they face an opponent who hasn't been able to find fifth gear in 2021. You would be hopping mad to oppose the Bunnies against an out-of-form Canberra.
MELBOURNE STORM vs CRONULLA SHARKS – Fri 30 Apr @ 10:00, Melbourne
The Sharks somehow tripped up against the Bulldogs last week and now stumbled their way into a date from hell as they head to Melbourne to face the clinical Storm. Good luck Doggies!
BRISBANE BRONCOS vs GOLD COAST TITANS – Fri 30 Apr @ 11:55, Brisbane
The Broncos were well and truly cut back to size by the Eels in Round 7. This week they host the Titans in a Queensland derby. The Titans have been a bit up and down and find themselves mid-table. Both team are in desperate need to start moving North rather than South at this stage of the comp. The Broncos still have class in their ranks whilst one struggles to get past the hammering the Titans took a fortnight ago. I have trouble picking the right play in this one and will rather just focus my attention on the big David Fifita return which should be great to watch.
PENRITH PANTHERS vs MANLY SEA EAGLES – Sat 01 May @ 07:00, Bathurst
Since their Round 4 defeat to the self-same Panthers the side from Manly have gone on a three-match winning spree. Whilst the Warriors, Titans and Tigers aren't nearly of the same caliber as Penrith the Sea Eagles are still a side soaring high at present whilst the men in black have struggled to put sides away.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS vs PARRAMATTA EELS – Sat 01 May @ 09:30, Sydney
Defeat to the Dragons a few weeks back kicked the Eels into action. The Bulldogs are fresh off their first win of the season but they will find the visitors from Parramatta a slippery customer to contain.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Sat 01 May @ 11:35, Newcastle
Off the back of young Walker stepping up to the plate the Roosters have been able to stay in championship contention. I still feel they lack experience and quality in their ranks and will be well tested by a Knights outfit who have plenty of quality now back in their setup - think Ponga, Mann, Best, Fitzgibbon and Blake Green.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS vs QUEENSLAND COWBOYS – Sun 02 May @ 06:00, Gosford
The Cowboys have somehow stumbled to two straight victories but the Warriors remain the better team in my opinion despite a solid loss to the Storm last week.
ST GEORGE DRAGONS vs WEST TIGERS – Sun 02 May @ 08:05, Wollongong
The Dragons have lost some of their firepower the past two weeks weeks but get the opportunity to find their fire-breathing voice again in Round 8 when they host the men from the West. A fortnight ago the Tigers made the Bunnies sweat but Round 7 saw a more familiar fail from them. I see the Dragons firing on all cylinders on Sunday in what should be an entertaining encounter.
BETOLIMP BETS
Double: Rabbitohs to beat Raiders onto Knights + 12.5 @ 1.99 (Best Bet)
Double: Warriors to beat Cowboys onto Sea Eagles +20.5 @ 2.25
Round 8 Exotics:
Storm vs Sharks
Anytime Tryscorer: Harry Grant @ 2.65
Broncos vs Titans
Xavier Coates to score the first try and Titans to win @ 16.66
Anytime Tryscorer: David Fifita @ 1.73
HF/FT Margin: Broncos (1-8) / Titans (13+) @ 20.58
Panthers vs Sea Eagles
Anytime Tryscorer: Tom Trbojevic @ 3.19
Bulldogs vs Eels
Last Tryscorer: Ryan Matterson @ 14.70
Maika Sivo to score 3 or more tries @ 9.80
Knights vs Roosters
Brett Morris to score the first try and Knights to win the game @ 25.48
Anytime Tryscorer: Kalyn Ponga @ 2.74
Dragons vs Tigers
Note, all odds quoted are subject to change
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