Couch Critic previews the NRL matches taking place on the 9th and 10th of July including best bets brought to you by @Olimp_SA
NRL ROUND 9 – THURSDAY & FRIDAY MATCHES
The NRL roller-coaster ride never takes a break – last week we had a blinder of a punting weekend and here are my efforts at this time trying to stay on top for a bit longer.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Thu 09 July @ 11:50, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The Story thus far
It appeared the Round 7 efforts against Newcastle was merely a “dead cat bounce” as the Cowboys slipped to a humiliating beating at the hands of the Eels last week. The Roosters came into their clash against Melbourne seemingly walking on water yet left many a fan as a doubting Thomas as dramatic finish saw them finish on the wrong end of the result against the Storm.
Key for the Clash
The Easts keep losing the odd player to injury but the incredible form of the Morris brothers still leaves them with a strong looking backline. Paul Green has wrung the changes – one of them being to switch Val Holmes to wing and use Tabuai-Fidow at fullback. Of course, JT remains the big influence in the pack.
Verdict
Despite now having three losses to their name the Roosters remain everyone’s favourite for the title. The Champions will surely be well and truly sparked by the late loss last week and the stuttering Cowboys could be about to feel the full wrath of the Premiers. The cap has however been set understandably high.
GOLD COAST TITANS vs NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS – Fri 10 July @ 10:00, Cbus Super Stadium
The Story thus far
Despite operating with a caretaker at the helm the Warriors were able to dig the Broncos’ hole even deeper with an impressive second half fight back. Now with three wins in the comp the New Zealanders are hardly the bottom dwellers people might have been expecting. The Titians are second from bottom and along with the Broncos have the worst points difference at this stage.
Verdict
The Titans are a team that try hard each and every week whilst one is never quite sure what you are going to get from the Warriors. The loss of Kodi Nokorima is a big blow to the visitors but on the positive side of things Tuivasa-Sheck returns to man the last outpost at the back. If both teams play close to their potential then the men from across the ditch should be able to get the job done as they just have a touch more potency about their team than the Gold Coast side.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS vs WEST TIGERS – Fri 10 July @ 11:55, Bankwest Stadium
The Story thus far
The Rabbitohs were well fancied to put the struggling Bulldogs away yet were anything but convincing despite a 16-point triumph. With four wins from eight games both these sides are middle of the pack at present and would like to move into the “safe” zone inside the top eight.
Verdict
The Tigers come into this one off the back of a narrow loss to the Panthers but for mind have still been an impressive team of late. This appears to be a choice game in my view and as such the value has to lie with the men from the West.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
Cowboys vs Roosters: HT/FT Margin – Roosters (1-8) / Roosters 13+ @ 7.00
Titans vs Warriors: Additional Cape - Warriors -11.5 @ 3.74
Rabbitohs vs Tigers: HT/FT Margin – Rabbitohs (1-8) / Tigers (1-12) @ 15.00
Tryscorers
Cowboys vs Roosters
BMoz crossed the whitewash but not at the tight time for us last week. I will stick to the same selections for Round 9.
Titans vs Warriors
Don is the lone champion for the Titans whilst RTS will be keen to make an impression back in the team.
Rabbitohs vs Tigers
Nofoaluma is in golden tryscoring form and you have to have him on board in a game I think the Tigers will do well in. I expect the Warriors to finish the stronger of the two teams and Harry Grant getting over for a meat pie late on will do nicely.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
