Read on for NRL Finals Week 1 early mail and value betting leans for each game…
NRL Finals Week 1: Panthers v Eels, Friday night
Early prediction: Panthers, just
The value: Eels +7.5, $1.85 at TopSport
- Although we have not seen a full-strength Panthers team for a while, at home against their arch rivals I think we will be reminded why this team won the Minor Premiership with ease.
- The Eels were great at home last week against the Storm, but they did get some help from the crowd and will struggle to deal with Panthers defensive line speed.
- I think the Panthers attack will be a little rusty however, and the battle-hardened Eels team can keep this one really close.
NRL Finals Week 1: Storm v Raiders, Saturday afternoon
Early prediction: Storm, just
The value: Raiders +7.5, $1.95 at TopSport
- The Storm struggled last week but this week they welcome back Hughes, who is a huge inclusion in the scheme of things, as it allows Munster to not be sole focus of Raiders’ defence.
- The Raiders are playing full of confidence and off the back of an in-form Fogarty at 7, are peaking at just the right time of the year.
- The Storm has some forwards that are hot and cold and if Raiders get them on a cold day, they can win this one.
Sharks v Cowboys, Saturday night
Early prediction: Close!
The value: Total points under 41.5, $1.95 at TopSport
- Although the Sharks welcome back some talent in the form of Kennedy, Rudolph and Finucane, their easy draw has many experts rightly worried about just how good this team is.
- Similarly, the Cowboys have not set the world of fire in Sydney, so there’s a lot of uncertainty about which one of these team may falter.
- With strong defences, I think this is one of the games that could be incredibly low scoring and I like the unders in the total points.
NRL Finals Week 1: Roosters vs Souths, Sunday afternoon
Early prediction: Souths, just
The value: Souths H2H, $2.42 at TopSport
- Last week’s win to the Roosters came at a hefty cost, with Manu a huge out for the Roosters. Although named, there has to be some doubt around the fitness of Tupou after hurting his groin not long ago.
- For Souths, I thought they were well blow their best last week and think we will see a much different Souths effort. Graham and Cook are huge inclusions, while Walker and Latrell are players that need to be desperate to be at their best.
- I think Souths are a good chance of an upset here and I think the Roosters’ injuries out wide will take their toll.
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