2016 NRL Round 4 Betting Tips
After a draw, a couple of upsets and a swift beating, another week of NRL for 2016 is locked in the books. Melbourne Storm are sitting comfortably on top of the ladder and last years’ minor premiers have slipped into last place. So what does this week have on offer for us? Find out what we think with our NRL Round 4 betting tips!
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Friday, March 25)
This year’s Good Friday derby will be a 2014 Grand Final rematch as the Rabbitohs take on the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, we wont get to see the two big Englishmen face off once again wiith Sam Burgess being ruled out after being hospitalized with a neck injury during last Sunday’s game against St George.
After starting the 2016 season with an absolute bang, the Rabbitohs were virtually unrecognizable on Sunday. During their 6-8 loss to the Dragons, they just didn’t show up. When Sam Burgess went down in the middle of the second half, they’re attack and defence just fizzled. Friday night should be a different story, however. Even with a couple of key outs, the Rabbitohs are still one of the strongest teams in the NRL. Chris Grevsmuhl and Michael Oldfield have been named as replacements.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are coming off a shock loss to the Eels. During the 80 minutes, the Dogs just never seemed to find their rhythm. When Will Hopoate finally crossed the line, it was simply too late. Aiden Tolman lead with 156 metres gained and 50 tackles and will once again be important this week.
Both teams are coming off surprise beatings and have something to prove. The loss of Sam Burgess will expose the Rabbitohs defensively. If the Bulldogs can improve their offensive strategy and play an attacking style of football, we will definitely have a great game on our hands. With a little bit of a headstart, we are thinking there is some value with the Rabbitohs.
Bet On: South Sydney Rabbitohs +4.5 – $1.90 at CrownBet
Sydney Roosters Vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Saturday, March 26)
The Roosters were out classed on Friday night. The Cowboys stamped their authority quickly and never took their foot off the petal. The season hasn’t been pretty so far for the Roosters with three straight losses and a -73 point differential. They are struggling in attack and clearly in defence. We don’t expect much to change this week as they lose another experienced player in Dale Copley who will be replaced by Brendan Elliot in the centre.
Brookvale was on fire on Monday night when the Sea Eagles finally came out to play. They started slow but managed to over run the Sharks 22-12. The Trbojevic brothers had a strong night out. They both crossed for a try with Jake making 46 tackles and Tom moving the ball a staggering 200 metres. It looks like Martin Taupau will miss the next couple of weeks after a careless high tackle on Jack Bird. Jamie Buhrer has been named as a potential replacement if the judiciary decide to suspend Taupau.
While both these teams are nowhere near their best, the Sea Eagles are slightly ahead of the Roosters. This one should be close.
Bet On: Sea Eagles 1-12 – $3.05 at CrownBet
St George Illawarra Vs Penrith Panthers (Sunday, March 27)
The Dragons knocked off some absolute titans in the Rabbitohs during their last match. When the final siren sounded, the 8-6 score was all that mattered. Josh Dugan showed his best football isn’t behind him – he played 80 minutes and had 22 possessions moving the ball 211 metres. Coach Paul McGregor has elected to name the exact same side from last week.
The Panthers snuck away with the win against the Broncos in Round 3. They were lacking during the first half as Brisbane surged to a 22-12 lead at the half. The Panthers didn’t let the game slip away. They Slowly chipped away at the deficit until debutant Te Maire Martin who had already run 96 metres had a couple of line breaks, scored a try and kicked the game winning field goal in the 77th minute. It was an absolute stellar performance from the young Five-Eighth. Trent Merrin and Waqa Blake return to Lock and the Centres respectively. Isaah Yeo will shift to the back row sending Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Peachey to the bench.
As with a few games this weekend, this is the one to watch. Both teams are 1-2 and both are coming into this one with a lot of confidence.
Bet on: Either Team Under 6.5 Points – $2.50 at Ladbrokes
Cronulla Sharks Vs Melbourne Storm (Monday, March 28)
In 2012, Ben Barba was the best player in the league and has the Daly M to prove it. Over the three seasons that have followed, however, he all but dropped off the map. This season, when many had written the once great full back off, he has managed to reinvent himself and is finally helping the Sharks. Despite a slow start to the season, the Sharks will look to get their second win at home. Coach Shane Flanagan has named the same line up as last week’s Sea Eagles game and despite losing at Brookvale, he’s confident the Sharks can pick up the win at Shark Park on Monday night.
It’s looking like 2016 is going to be another year all about Cameron Munster as Billy Slater is officially out for the season. Last year Munster showed he’s up to the task as Melbourne’s Fullback when Billy eventually retires. Munster led the Storm last week with 135 metres and a cheeky try during Melbourne’s win over the Warriors in Auckland. Kenny Bromwich has been moved to the back-row and Tohu Harris has shifted to the centres. The rest of the side will remain the same.
Storm are sitting on top of the ladder with the next generation of players leading the charge. The Sharks will put up a fight at home against the Storm. Melbourne are coming off three good wins and the top of the table confidence will see them pull ahead. Take advantage of the head-to-head market and the +2.5 Line betting options.
Bet On: Melbourne Storm +2.5 – $1.92 at Ladbrokes
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