Couch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 29th and 30th of August including best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA
Let’s take a look at the weekend fixtures for Round 16 of the NRL.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS – Sat 29 August @ 07:00, Tamworth
Rarely has one team dominated another to such a degree without converting it into a significant advantage as the Knights did in their second half effort against the Cowboys. Newcastle can either come into this clash confident that they dominated to such a degree in Week 16 that they will surely enjoy better dividends this time around were the same to happen or they could lose the plot completely due to lack of confidence from not being able to find the knockout blows last week. I see the aforementioned being the more likely result against a Warriors team who surely have to start feeling the effects of a long, challenging season.
CRONULLA SHARKS vs NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS – Sat 29 Aug @ 09:30, Sydney
Cronulla were chopped back down to size by the Panthers at the last time of asking but a loss to the table toppers is hardly something to be overly concerned about. Shaun Johnson is back this week and that has me backing the home side. The Cowboys showed some bottle in defense last week but still don’t have enough up their sleeve to bother their hosts, especially not without their big man Taumalolo.
PENRITH PANTHERS vs WEST TIGERS – Sat 29 Aug @ 11:35, Penrith
Whilst the Panthers are starting to eye out a double-digit number of successive victories their opponents have only managed one win from their past five encounters (which was a one-point escape over the Bulldogs). Penrith miss big players in Kikau and Koroisau for this clash whilst the Wests get Harry Grant back in their midst. It should be Panthers all day long here but the cap does have me a touch concerned.
MELBOURNE STORM vs MANLY SEA EAGLES – Sun 30 Aug @ 08:05, Sunshine Coast
The Storm were completely shutout out by the Eels last week (and I did my money as a result). This week they welcome back three crucial players in Cameron Smith, Cam Munster and Jahrome Hughes. The Melbourne boys may have shot blanks in Round 15 but are still four from five in the past month or so whilst the free-falling Sea Eagles have the opposite record over the same period. Walker and Tommy T are also still missing for Manly which means I am firmly in the camp of the Storm to bounce back emphatically on Sunday.
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs CANTERBURY BULLDOGS – Sun 30 Aug @ 10:30, Canbera
The Raiders have opened the taps over the past two weeks and they should fancy their chances of a repeat dose when they square off against the lowly Dogs. Canberra have all the confidence whilst Canterbury must want 2020 to end already.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Warriors vs Knights: HT/FT Margin – Warriors (1-8) / Knights (1-12) @ 12.00
Sharks vs Cowboys: Alternative Handicap Sharks -17.5 @ 2.49
Panthers vs Tigers: Points under 43.5 @ 1.91
Storm vs Sea Eagles: Alternative Handicap Storm -19.5 @ 2.54
Raiders vs Bulldogs: HT/FT Margin – Raiders (9+) / Raiders (13+) @ 2.20
Tryscorers
Warriors vs Knights
Sharks vs Cowboys
Panthers vs Tigers
Storm vs Sea Eagles
Raiders vs Bulldogs
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
