Couch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 20th and 21st of August including best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA
NRL ROUND 15 – THURSDAY & FRIDAY MATCHES
It was a bit of a horror show for me in Round 14 as the Rabbitohs and Eels dropped the ball badly to sink my two best bets of the weekend. There was also little to smile about with the tryscorers and alternative plays but we go again in Week 15!
PARANATTA EELS vs MELBOURNE STORM – Thu 20 Aug @ 11:50, Bankwest Sydney
The Story thus far
Second and third do battle in this humdinger between genuine title contenders. The Storm are now on an eight-match winning streak whilst the Eels seem to have hit a bit of a speed wobble after a strong first half of the season. Paramatta come into this clash of the back of a disappointing loss to the Dragons in Round 14.
Verdict
The Eels sprinted out of the gate in 2020 but appear to be running out of steam at the worst possible time. In their last three outings the Eels haven’t been able to add more than 18 points to the scoreboard. By contrast the men from Melbourne are performing at their peak at present and are even able to keep their standards without the two influential Cameron’s. Dale Finucane, Jahrome Hughes and Vanivalu are all out this week yet I still feel the Storm are the team to back on the cap in Round 15.
PENRITH PANTHERS vs CRONULLA SHARKS – Fri 21 Aug @ 10:00, Penrith
The Story thus far
The all-conquering, table topping Panthers host the impressive Sharks in this one on Friday. Cronulla have shown a decent up-turn in form but will need to show they go transfer some impressive showings against lower placed opponents into results against the top dogs (or cats in this case).
Verdict
Penrith have pretty much been cruising at the top of the boards for a number of weeks now yet haven’t always dished out hidings – last week they merely did what was needed to get past a spirited Warriors side. They shouldn’t have too much difficulty in staying in pole position after this clash but the hosts might not streak too far clear against a Shark side who certainly know their way to the tryline.
BRISBANE BRONCOS vs DRAGONS – Fri 21 Aug @ 11:55, Suncorp Brisbane
The Story thus far
The one team has to be wondering where their next win is going to be coming from whilst the other will be coming into this one off the high of upsetting a top 3 team. It was yet another second half collapse from Brisbane that saw them slump to a heavy loss against the Raiders last week.
Verdict
It’s not often a 11th placed team with a new interim coach will be favoured to beat an opponent by more than 10 points but one can understand why the line is where it is. It’s difficult to see how the Broncos can dust themselves off after defeats like these and fight for an entire 8o minutes to get a much needed “W”. This week they lose Payne Haas again.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Eels vs Storm: Under 36.5 points @ 1.82
Panthers vs Sharks: HT/FT Margin – Sharks (1-8) / Panthers (1-12) @ 12.50
Broncos vs Dragons: Alternative Cap Dragons -22.5 @ 4.13
Tryscorers
Panthers vs Sharks
Katoa is the leading tryscorer in the comp and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Sharks start fast but the Panthers to get the job done in the end.
Broncos vs Dragons
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Anytime Tryscorers – Matt Dufty @ 1.87
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To score two or more tries – Mikaele Ravalawa @ 4.70
I would be incredibly surprised if Dufty didn’t find his way onto the scoresheet against this fragile Broncos defence. Big man Ravalawa will be licking his lips at the prospect of causing havoc on the wing.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
