Couch Critic provides the betting tips for the NRL matches taking place on 4th and 5th June in this preview brought to you by @Olimp_SA
NRL ROUND 4 – THURSDAY & FRIDAY MATCHES
Round 3 was a bit of a rollercoaster on the betting front but jeez what entertainment we witnessed. I am sure the many first-time watchers would have been seriously impressed by what they saw from the NRL this past weekend.
So let’s get stuck into previewing Round 4 from Down Under.
BRISBANE BRONCOS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Thu 04 June @ 11:50, Suncorp Stadium BET HERE
The Story thus far
The Broncos went into Round 3 off the back of two impressive results but were brought down to earth with a thud by the Eels. The Roosters were the exact opposite as the Premiers stopped their slide by outmuscling the Rabbitohs last week.
Key for the Roosters
The Chooks will look to continue their improvement on Thursday with a settled team for this cash. Daniel Tupou remains a serious weapon out wide and Keary will be tasked with getting the Rooster crowing at Suncorp.
Key for the Broncos
The Brissie side struggled to dominate the collisions like they are used to without their forwards, Fafita and Pangai. This week they also lose Staggs as well as their skipper Glenn who’s return was short-lived. It’s hard to see the Broncos ride off into the sunset with a victory considering the blow they have taken to their player ranks.
Verdict
As much as this Broncos fan hates to admit it, I’m fearing the worst. Brisbane come into this one off a humiliating defeat and are without key personnel whilst the Roosters have their tail feathers up. The visitors should ease to victory with a bit of room to spare.
PENRITH PANTHERS vs NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS – Fri 05 June @ 10:00, Campbelltown Stadium BET HERE
The Story thus far
Having shocked the Roosters in Round 1 and having put the Dragons away in Round 2, Penrith cruised to an early 14-point lead over a severely injury-hampered Knights team this past Sunday only to inexplicably remain scoreless for more than an hour and eventually share the spoils with their opponents. The Warriors had their own miraculous story as they bounced back from having only scored one try in their opening two matches to comfortably putting away the hapless Dragons in Round 3.
Key for the Panthers
With the likes of Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau in their ranks there is no lack of strike power in the Penrith camp and they need to put the Round 3 disaster behind them as soon as possible.
Key for the Warriors
Having defied all odds against the Dragons it will be a tougher task against the Panthers but expect the big ball carrying Isaiah Papali’i to make plenty of meters and Tohu Harris to empty the tank as he always does. The nippy Kodi Nikorima impressed in the previous match as well.
Verdict
Can the New Zealanders channel their inner warrior yet again – I wouldn’t put it past them, but one has to feel the Panthers will be seething at how they threw the game away against the Knights and I expect them to be in a hungry mood on Friday. Its been a short turnaround for Penrith and they played a taxing 90-minuter so this could be something to keep in mind.
MELBOURNE STORM vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS – Fri 05 June @ 11:55, AMI Stadium
The Story thus far
It’s been three rounds now and the Storm have yet to really convince. They battled past the Sea Eagles and sneaked a victory over the Sharks. Then the rug got well and truly pulled from under the early tournament favourites when the Raiders suffocated them last week. South Sydney have looked very “mid-table” thus far. A lucky escape against the Sharks has been followed by defeats to the Broncos and Roosters.
Key for the Storm
It’s one thing to win ugly, but it becomes a problem when you go down and can only score one try on your own patch. Yes, a league season is more of a marathon than a sprint, but the Storm need to start showing their title credentials sooner rather than later. Big Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be missed this week, but the onus will remain on the two Cameron’s to fire things up for Melbourne.
Key for the Rabbitohs
The Latrell Mitchell mystery remains central to the fortunes of the Rabbitohs. They will need Mitchell and Reynold at their very best if they are to have a chance in Melbourne.
Verdict
The Storm will be under no elusion that they need to pull up their socks and put in a big performance. One try across three first halves of footy is shoddy going and I expect the home side to be well and truly wound up by Craig Bellamy during this week of training and to come out firing lightning bolts at the Bunnies.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Special Plays
Broncos vs Rooster: Alternative Winning Margin – Roosters by 11-20 @ 4.00
Panthers vs Warriors: HT/FT Winning Margin – Panthers 1-8 / Warriors 1-12 @ 17.00
Storm vs Rabbitohs: First Half Race to 10 points – Storm @ 1.87
Tryscorers
Broncos vs Roosters
Panthers vs Warriors
Storm vs Rabbitohs
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
