Couch Critic provides the betting tips for the NRL matches taking place on the 13th and 14th of June in this preview brought to you by @Olimp_SA
Let’s take a look at the weekend fixtures for Round 5 of the NRL.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS vs GOLD COAST TITANS – Sat 13 June @ 07:00, Bankwest Stadium
The Story thus far
The Bunnies have hardly looked like title contenders thus far in 2020 as they languish in 13th with only a solitary victory over the Sharks to show for their efforts. The Titans are in the same boat but have considerably less expectations around them compared to the Sydney side and they come into this one off the back of a surprise victory over the Tigers.
Key for the clash
The Rabbitohs welcome back James Roberts and Cody Walker which is great news for Rabbitohs fans. Anthony Don made an immediate impact returning for the Titans last week – few can handle the high ball quite like him.
Verdict
The Titans should have a pep in their step after Round 4 but the Bunnies are just too good a unit to be kept down for much longer. I don’t expect it to be vintage South Sydney just yet but I do see the home team getting back to winning ways.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS vs MELBOURNE STORM – Sat 13 June @ 09:30, Central Coast Stadium
The Story thus far
The Storm started the year as the bookies’ favourites yet have struggled to find fifth gear thus far in 2020. This week they face one of the surprise packages in the form of the Knights. Undefeated to date and sitting pretty at second on the log, Newcastle come into this clash off the back of a sound (and quite surprising) victory over the high-flying Raiders in Round 4. With an incredible 20 tries thus far there isn’t a more lethal attacking unit than the Knights in NRL at present.
Key for the clash
Melbourne have struggled to find their attacking flair but at the very least their defense has been rather solid. They will however be well tested on this front this week. Kalyn Ponga is the most lethal attacking threat in the competition and young gun Bradman Best has proven a powerhouse in midfield for Newcastle. The Mann-Peirce combo in the halves has worked a treat David Klemmer is the type of workhorse any team would want. For the Storm Cameron Munster has been the standout but they require more of their players to stick their hands up this week.
Verdict
This one promises to be a tight affair and is tough to call. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Melbourne escape with a scrappy, narrow win but from what we’ve seen thus far the Knights have to be in with a real shout of victory.
WEST TIGERS vs CANBERRA RAIDERS – Sat 13 June @ 11:35, Campbelltown Stadium
The Story thus far
The Tigers have blown somewhat hot and cold thus far. A decent outing against the Sharks was follow by a dismal effort against the struggling Titans last week. The Raiders looked to be going great guns until Newcastle caught them cold in Round 4.
Key for the clash
In a shock move legendary playmaker Benji Marshall has been dropped from the Tigers’ starting line-up. The ground eaten up by Josh Aloiai and Harry Grant around the tackle will be crucial for the Wests. The Raiders will look to their dynamic duo of Wighton and Williams to be back to their best after they failed to fire last time out.
Verdict
The Raiders will be out for redemption whilst dropping Benji could have a lasting negative impact within the Tigers squad. Canberra should have too much power up their sleeve for their opponents to handle.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Sun 14 June @ 07:05, Bankwest Stadium
The Story thus far
There would have been a huge sigh of relief for in Bulldogs country as they were finally able to break their winless streak. Unfortunately for Canterbury there is little time for reflection and celebration as they are now faced with the small matter of lining up against the Premiers. After stuttering out the blocks the Roosters fans are crowing loudly again following success against long-time rivals the Rabbitohs as well as a demolition of the Broncos in the past fortnight.
Key for the clash
It is surely just a question of “how far”? Will the Bulldogs be able to limit the damage or will they capitulate and leak a big score like the Broncos last week?
Verdict
Things could get ugly for the Bulldogs on Sunday. They are still far from the complete package and don’t have the fire power to go toe-to-toe with this Roosters outfit.
ST GOERGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS vs CRONULLA SHARKS – Sun 14 June @ 08:05, Campbelltown Stadium
The Story thus far
It was surprising to see the Dragons keep faith with coach McGregor as he kept his place in the hotseat at the helm of seriously struggling side. The Sharks were able to return to the winners’ circle as they beat the Cowboys in Round 4.
Verdict
There is still some class on this Dragons outfit, but they must be emotionally all over the place by now. The Sharks have some renewed confidence and should pile on the misery for this struggling Dragons team.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Knights vs Storm: Half Time / Full Time – Knights/Storm @ 6.58
Tigers vs Raiders: Additional Handicap – Raiders -13.5 @ 2.58
Tryscorers
Rabbitohs vs Titans
Knights vs Storm
Tigers vs Raiders
Bulldogs vs Roosters
Dragons vs Sharks
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
