Couch Critic provides the betting tips for the NRL matches taking place on the 2nd and 3rd July in this preview which includes best bets brought to you by @Olimp_SA
NRL ROUND 8 – THURSDAY & FRIDAY MATCHES
Round 7 proved to be a humbling experience for this punter. The Knights and Sea Eagles proved to be the big let-downs of last weekend. But a new Round brings new opportunity!
MELBOURNE STORM vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Thu 02 July @ 11:50, Suncorp Stadium
The Story thus far
We are treated to a battle royal right out the gate this weekend. After a clunky start to the 2020 campaign the Storm used the opportunity against a Warriors team in turmoil to raise the bat as they put 9 tries past the New Zealanders. Most were practically frothing at how the Roosters have raised their game to a heavenly level, but they looked very mortal sharing the spoils with the lowly Dragons at the halfway mark of their game last week.
Key for the Clash
The Rooster welcome Tedesco back at fullback with Victor Radley the big missing piece. The Storm have lost their most vital player with Cameron Munster out with a stuffed knee. It will be interesting to see how Melbourne will go about launching their attack without the creativity of their pivot.
Verdict
The Roosters might have a few key pieces missing but their considerable squad should be able to cope with this well enough. The “home side” on the other hand will miss their key cog, Munster, badly and I don’t see them coping with the considerable firepower that the Rooster have across the park.
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS – Fri 03 July @ 10:00, GIO Stadium
The Story thus far
The Raiders left it late against Parramatta to show some fight but need to straighten themselves out and take the opportunity to get their act together against a Dragons team that is improved of late but still not amongst the top sides in the comp.
Verdict
Canberra might not be the team they were last year but they should have enough in the tank to put the Dragons away as they finally get back to Canberra.
PARRAMATTA EELS vs NOTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS – Fri 26 June @ 11:55, Bankwest Stadium
The Story thus far
Still top of the log, the Eels lost their undefeated title to the Roosters a fortnight ago and came within a few minutes of sharing the spoils with the Raiders. The Cowboys were finally able to turn the tide by toppling the Knights in Round 7.
Verdict
I didn’t see the performance of the Cowboys coming last week but I still can’t get myself to back them against this Eels team. Yes, Parramatta will miss Mitch Moses badly but they are the real deal and should get the job done at Bankwest on Friday night.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS (in order of preference)
Additional Plays
I haven’t had a lot of success with these plays but for mind there are a number of fixtures this weekend that promise to be close (at least initially) but things could just blow out a bit in the last quarter when the game opens up.
Half Time / Full Time (Margin): Roosters 1-8 / Roosters 13+ @ 8.50
Half Time / Full Time (Margin): Raiders 1-8 / Raiders 13+ @ 8.00
Half Time / Full Time (Margin): Eels 1-8 / Eels 13+ @ 8.50
Tryscorers
Storm vs Roosters
Tedesco returns and will look to continue where he left it before his knock. Brett Morris is the type of player who keeps pushing at 110% regardless of the time left on the clock.
Raiders vs Dragons
Both players have four scores to their name. Wighton is the man that drives this Raiders side around the park whilst Whitehead could barge over late when the defenders are tired and less interested in putting their bodies on the line.
Eels vs Cowboys
The Eels centre has scored in four of the five matches since the break and despite the Parramatta backline missing Moses I think he is a solid shout to get a four-pointer on Friday evening. Val Holmes has might not even make the final team but considering the price it is worth a go on Holmes not only featuring but getting the final score (hopefully once the Eels are already safely away in terms of the result).
Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R3,000 here
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
