Couch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 1st and 2nd of August including best bets brought to you by @Olimp_SA
Let’s take a look at the weekend fixtures for Round 12 of the NRL.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS vs GOLD COAST TITANS – Sat 01 August @ 07:00, SCG Sydney
The Story thus far
A month ago the Roosters were flying high and seemingly cruising toward a third straight Premiership. But all of a sudden the Roosters have started to stutter. A Round 8 loss to the Storm was followed by defeat to the Raiders in Round 10 and they hardly convinced this past weekend against the Warriors. The Titans keep showing plenty of fight each week but are still down in 14th spot.
Verdict
The Roosters should have little trouble in securing the victory here but the Panthers saw in Round 11 that these Titans can’t be overlooked. Easts are also far from firing on all cylinders at present so this big handicap should sway punters in favour of Gold Coast side.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS vs CANBERRA RAIDERS – Sat 01 Aug @ 09:30, Townsville
The Story thus far
The Raiders have slipped up twice in the past five matches but 2 of those were narrow defeats to the Eels and the Storm. Whilst their opponents are fifth on the table the Cowboys find themselves in 12th spot and with only one victory from their last five outings.
Verdict
The Raiders have hardly been able to dish out a proper hiding to anyone in 2020 but I’s expecting the struggling Cowboys to offer them the opportunity to cut loose.
MANLY SEA EAGLES vs PENRITH PANTHERS – Sat 01 Aug @ 11:35, Lottoland Sydney
The Story thus far
Manly were able to halt the slide over the past fortnight with victory over the Eels and the Cowboys. They now potentially welcome back one of their stars in the form of Dylan Walker. The table topping Panthers weren’t at their sharpest against the Titans but are still the team to beat.
Verdict
Had Tommy Turbo been available this would probably have been a choice game. As things stand one has to favour Penrith to keep their winning form going.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS vs PARRAMATTA EELS – Sun 02 Aug @ 06:00, ANZ Sydney
The Story thus far
The cellar dwelling Bulldogs did the improbable by tripping up the Knights last week. This time around they will have to take it another step up when they take on the third placed Eels. Parramatta started the season restart with a bang but have stuttered a touch of late.
Verdict
The Bulldogs will take a lot of confidence from victory over the Knights whilst the Eels are hardly in vintage form at present. I expect Canterbury to put up a fight but eventually come up short against an Eels side that know how to get a result in the end but probably shouldn’t be backed to cover a handicap at this stage.
MELBOURNE STORM vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS – Sun 02 Aug @ 08:05, Sunshine Coast
Verdict
The Knights had a nightmare outing last week and are now tasked with having to bounce back against a strong Melbourne side. The Storm should be able to get the job done but I expect a fired up Newcastle to make them work for it.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Roosters vs Titans: Roosters to win by 1-12 points @ 4.40
Cowboys vs Raiders: HT/FT Margin – Raiders (1-8) / Raiders (13+) @ 8.50
Sea Eagles vs Panthers: Alternative Handicap Panthers -15.5 @ 4.19
Bulldogs vs Eels: Eels to win by 1-12 points @ 4.00
Storm vs Knights: Alternative Handicap Storm -22.5 @ 4.07
Tryscorers
Roosters vs Titans
Cowboys vs Raiders
Sea Eagles vs Panthers
Bulldogs vs Eels
Storm vs Knights
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
