nrl.logoCouch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 3rd and 4th of September including best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

NRL ROUND 17 – THURSDAY & FRIDAY MATCHES

Our two best plays of the weekend came off but a dismal effort from the Knights saw us start Round 16 poorly. A special mention to Raymond Faitala-Mariner for keeping us in the black with that crucial meat pie at a lovely price – credit to the legend that is Swampy (@sidelinecomment) for that tip. We have only four more rounds left in the regular season and business is about to pick up…

 

BRISBANE BRONCOS vs PENRITH PANTHERS – Thu 03 Sep @ 11:50, Suncorp Brisbane

 

The Story thus far

The Broncos have let in a mammoth 532 points, more than 100 points worse off than the Cowboys and Titans who are second and third in the most points conceded stakes (with 414 and 413 respectively). Off the back of this dismal situation they run into the table topping Panthers this week.

 

Verdict

How big a cap is big enough against these bumbling Broncos? It will take a brave man to put money on Brisbane delivering in any way, shape or form, especially against the team of 2020.

 

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS VS CRONULLA SHARKS – Fri 04 Sep @ 10:00, Newcastle

 

The Story thus far

The mercurial Newcastle have struggled for consistency. Their last half dozen efforts have included a loss to the Bulldogs, the narrowest of escapes against a struggling Manly, a stuttering result over the lowly Cowboys and 36-6 thumping at the hands of the Warriors last week. The Sharks have also lost a few but that has been against much better opposition. Last week Cronulla were able to get an important result without the influential Johnson in their ranks – again the influential Cronulla playmaker won’t make it onto the park which is a concern for Sharks backers.

 

Verdict

The Knights are limping into the playoffs at present whilst the Sharks will always believe they can trip anyone up on their day. The Sharks have more bite to their game at present and I expect them to get the job done in this one.

 

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS vs MELBOURNE STORM – Fri 04 Sep @ 11:55, ANZ Sydney

 

The Story thus far

The Bunnies have gone five from five of late and seem to be hitting their straps at the right time of the comp. They did have a plumb draw recently but last week’s dismantling of the Eels will put the entire League on notice – these Rabbitohs should be taken seriously. Of course, the Storm are the mighty juggernaut who have reached finals for fun in recent times. If they are serious about going all the way this year then a meeting with Souths shouldn’t scare them one bit.

 

Verdict

The Bunnies will miss Latrell Mitchell at the back for this clash whilst Munster, Cam Smith and Hughes should be even sharper this time out. Melbourne should get the job done here I reckon.

 

BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)

 

  1. Sharks to win @ 2.14

The Knights look a spent force for mind.

 

  1. Double: Panthers -16.5 onto Storm to win @ 2.27

The Broncos will struggle to contain the log leaders and the Storm just have too much class.

 

  1. Rabbitohs vs Storm: HT/FT Margin – Rabbitohs (1-8) / Storm (1-12) @ 11.00

An in-from Souths could start fast but, in the end, the professional Storm will wrestle out the victory.

 

Tryscorers

 

Broncos vs Panthers BET HERE

  • First Tryscorers – Stephen Crichton @ 8.00

  • Anytime Tryscorer – Viliame Kikau @ 2.00

It’s a case of copy-paste for me here as these two Panthers are always in the mix.

 

Knights vs Sharks BET HERE

  • Wincast – Sione Katoa first tryscorer and Sharks to win @ 22.00

  • Anytime Tryscorer – Sione Katoa @ 2.05

When you offer me even money about the leading tryscorer getting across the line against a struggling Newcastle side I’m all over it!

 

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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

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