2016 NRL Round 1 Betting Tips

After a seemingly never-ending news cycle of issue both on and off the field during preseason, we’re excited to finally take a look at the 2016 NRL season with our Round 1 betting tips.

Parramatta Eels Vs Brisbane Broncos (Thursday, March 3)

Parramatta have recently enjoyed a taste of success winning the Auckland Nines competition.

On the back of that win, the Eels will immediately be effected by the big loses of Will Hopoate and Reece Robinson. Luckily they have been replaced with Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon, who are both strong players. They should pick up on the Eels game style within a few weeks. Former Sea Eagle Kieran Foran will likely emerge as Parramatta’s primary playmaker, but with lackluster stats including just 6 line break in the 2015 season he will need to drastically improve.

The Cowboys hurt Brisbane during the 2015 Grand Final. Everyone expected them to win and since they couldn’t get the job done, they’ll face a lot of pressure this season. Lucky for them they’ve got the depth to improve again this season. Justin Hodges and Dale Copley are the only losses to the Broncos with the current Dally M ‘Center of the Year’ James Roberts joining the squad to replace Hodges.

This one seems pretty clear – Brisbane will steamroll the Eels and send a message to the league.

Bet On: Brisbane Broncos to win – $2 using Ladbrokes enhanced odds

North Queensland Cowboys Vs Cronulla Sharks (Saturday, March 5)

Some people, mostly Sharks Captain Paul Gallen, are claiming the Sharks are serious Premiership contenders this season… They’re not… YET.

During the off season they signed James Maloney, which is a huge pick up. Maloney was the second highest point scorer for 2015 with 226 and the equal leading goal scorer with 9. He will certainly add points and provide the much-needed direction that’s been missing since Todd Carneys dismissal. The Sharks also have plenty of stock in Ben Barba at fullback and Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird will anchor the wings.

Barely changing their lineup during the off season, the reigning Premiers the North Queensland Cowboys are the most familiar team in the competition. There is no doubt they are a chance to make a run for back-to-back premierships. Last time these two teams faced off the Cowboys demolished the Sharks 39-0. We don’t expect this one to get that high, but we do expect the Cowboys to come out victors.

Bet On: North Queensland Cowboys 13+ – $2.40 at CrownBet

Sydney Roosters Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (Sunday, March 6)

With an off-season plagued with drama, the Roosters will be glad to get back on the park. Star Mitchell Pearce is back from rehab, but with no clear return set, they will have some pretty big shoes to fill. On top of that they’ll have to fill the void left by James Maloney and Michael Jennings, not to mention Roger Tuivasa-Sheck leaving fullback open. The best replacement they could find is Blake Ferguson, who will have to learn on the job as he wears the No. 1 Jersey for the first time. The Rooster have a tough road ahead of them, they’ll certainly make it back to the top, just perhaps not this season.

The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, have big Sam Burgess back from his recent stint with English powerhouse Bath. He’s reunited with his younger brother George and Tom. Sam Is one of the most influential players in the league with an ability to shift his teams momentum in crucial matches. Dylan Walker, however, is an astronomical loss for the Rabbitohs. As always Alex Johnston will be firing on the wing, so look for him to make an early line break and bullet towards the try line.

Bet On: South Sydney Rabbitohs -2.5 – $1.91 at Crownbet
Exotic: Alex Johnston to score first try – $8.00 Ladbrokes

Melbourne Storm Vs St George-Illawarra Dragons (Monday, March 7)

The Big Three are getting older, but they still have it. Billy Slater enjoyed an uninterrupted preseason and will return on Monday night, while Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith both look strong for the season opener. Youngster Richie Kennar and Young Tonumaipea have both won starting spots with Tonumaipea on the wing and Kennar in the centre. The Loss of Hinchcliffe will impact the storm later in the year during Origin, but shouldn’t be too big an issue for the regular season.

St George have been putting in the work and its about to pay off as a full strength Dragons will be on the field Monday night. Kurt Mann and Tim Lafai are big recruits that will give the Dragons power on the wings and allow them to attack with more frequency. Beni Marshall is playing for his career and Josh Dugan is a master. This one is tough, St George have some kinks to iron out and Storm are always hard to beat at home.

Bet On: Melbourne Storm 1-12 – $3.10 at Crownbet

_ _ _