Read on for NRL Round 25 early mail and value betting leans for each game…
NRL Round 25: Eels v Storm, Thursday night
Early prediction: Eels
The value: Eels head-to-head at TopSport
- A genuine blockbuster, with so much to play for… this is easily game of the round and one where I have a strong opinion.
- The Eels were unfairly dismissed due to their inconsistency without Moses, but they are back on track and playing terrific attacking footy.
- Storm were brutal in their loss to the Roosters last week, but will get no favours from the ref this week and I think will fall short.
NRL Round 25: Bulldogs vs Manly, Friday night
Early prediction: Bulldogs
The value: Total points under 53.5 at TopSport
- Both of these teams have been just counting down the days until Mad Monday, so this will be a battle of who cares to turn up.
- Flanagan continues to flounder as a 7 in the NRL, having only 1 try assist in his last 6 games.
- Manly’s back 5 are about as bad as you will see in an NRL team, and with Burton raining down bombs, I think the Bulldogs will just be good enough to win.
Roosters vs Souths, Friday night
Early prediction: Impossible at this stage
The value: See Wests vs Raiders below…
- This game is a complete lottery at present, as a win to the Eels would render it close to a dead rubber.
- If both teams were full strength, it would be an epic content, but with Souths already resting Cook and Graham, this one is impossible to predict.
- If Storm do win and 5th spot up for grabs, then I think Souths will still be good enough, with the Roosters missing Tupou, Radley and Collins.
NRL Round 25: Warriors vs Titans, Saturday afternoon
Early prediction: Titans, just
The value: Titans H2H at TopSport
- The Warriors only seem to care when playing at home, so I understand why they are favourites here, despite poor performances of late.
- However, the Titans have actually finished the season with some decent form and I rate their chances of causing an upset here.
- The Titans backline has finally benefited from having Campbell at 1 and Brimson at 6, so with some strong running forwards, I think they will score more tries here.
Dragons vs Broncos, Saturday afternoon
Early prediction: Broncos
The value: Broncos -4.5 at TopSport
- Dragons were fortunate to win against Wests last week, with a horror error off a wayward Dragons drop out shifting the momentum to the Red V.
- Although the Broncos have been woeful, the return of Cobbo, Carrigan and Gamble should inject some physicality and enthusiasm.
- Broncos have also been playing tough teams over past fortnight in the Eels and Storm, whereas Dragons won against Titans and Wests.
Cowboys vs Panthers, Saturday night
Early prediction: Cowboys easily
The value: Cowboys -19.5 at TopSport
- This game is a farce, with the Panthers running out a NSW Team and the Cowboys playing for the win, in case the Knights can miraculously jag a draw against Sharks (and to hold onto 3rd spot at worst!).
- Cowboys should win by plenty, but if they have a game in hand, they may decide to rest guys like Townsend, Dearden, Holmes and Drinkwater.
- I think the line is a bit too small still, but there’s too much uncertainty around how the Cowboys play the second half in this one.
NRL Round 25: Knights vs Sharks, Sunday afternoon
Early prediction: Sharks
The value: Knights +18.5 at TopSport
- Although 2022 has been a disaster for the Knights, they are finishing the season with some slightly improved performances.
- Guys like Hoy, Crossland and Clune are at least having a dig, while Brailey’s form is improving as his match fitness has lifted.
- Although the Sharks should be too good here, the home ground advantage at Old Boys Day in Newcastle will keep the Knights trying for the full 80 here.
Wests vs Raiders, Sunday afternoon
Early prediction: Raiders by plenty, if the Broncos win
The value: Broncos to win into Raiders to win (2 leg multi) at TopSport
- Another game where the final line-up will be determined by the outcome of matches earlier in the round.
- If Broncos win, then I expect Canberra to come out all guns blazing and blow Wests off the park.
- But if the Broncos lose, the Raiders will try to wrap their stars in cotton wool and Wests would be in with a shot of pulling off a huge upset. So, too much uncertainty at this stage to back anyone with confidence.
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