2017 NRL Round 24 Betting Tips
The 2017 NRL season continues this weekend and we take a look at the best value matches in our NRL Round 24 Preview and Betting Tips below.
Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans (Thursday 7.50pm AEST)
What has happened to the Titans over the past month? The side has had its finals chances dashed before a rift between players and the club has been reported on by the media. Coach Neil Henry’s job is at risk while superstar Jarryd Hayne has been reported to be the main person behind wanting Henry out, along with the halves Ashley Taylor and Kane Elgey. The Titans will be without Hayne’s services on Thursday night as he has suffered an ankle injury. Titans have had off field issues and they seem to be impacting their on field performances too. The Titans have suffered back-to-back hidings and we think they will be on the receiving end of another big loss in this one.
The Eels suffered a shock loss last week against the bottom placed Newcastle Knights. It has hampered their aspirations of reaching the top four but they can put themselves back in the equation if they earn a win on Thursday night. They will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s loss and we are predicting them to put everything into this game. Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman had quiet games last week and the two halves will be out to respond against Taylor and Elgey.
TIP: Eels at the line (-12.5) – $1.91 at Sportsbet
Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
The Broncos were ruled out of contentions for the premiership by a lot of experts a fortnight ago after they suffered a loss to the Eels and in the same game they suffered another blow with hooker Andrew McCullough ruled out for the season. However, the Broncos have rallied to secure two big victories in a row. First they knocked off the Titans with ease before last week they earned a comfortable victory on home soil against the defending premiers the Cronulla Sharks. It is positive signs for the Broncos who have shown a lot of flair in attack with Ben Hunt in the hooker position. Hunt is a great runner of the football and he has been able to get the Broncos on the front foot. We are predicting the side to continue to attack and earn another victory in this game as they take on the Dragons who have had a roller coaster season.
The Dragons started the season strongly but have fallen off a cliff and landed outside the top eight. They returned to winning ways last week but we don’t believe the side will have enough in them to defeat the Broncos on the road. They have struggled in attack for the past two months and despite scoring a lot of points last week, we can’t see them breaking down the Broncos and earning a victory but they will be competitive
TIP: Broncos at the margin (1-12) – $2.85 at William Hill
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm (Saturday 3pm AEST)
The Knights will enter their match against the top placed Melbourne Storm on the bottom of the ladder, despite stringing together three wins in a row. The Knights have been terrific over the past month and it has been reward for the effort they have put into all of their games this year. The side has been unfortunate not to win more games and it is a positive to see the young side get on the winning side. Brock Lamb has been a standout in their three victories and the playmaker has been instrumental in their attack.
However, Lamb will have another lesson taught to him on Saturday when he comes up against one of the best playmakers in the game. Cooper Cronk is one of the best at playing structured rugby league but he has the ability to carve sides a part in attack. Cameron Smith and Billy Slater will do their part as they always do and the Knights won’t be able to dethrone the Melbourne side that has one thing on its mind – redemption for last year’s grand final loss.
TIP: Storm at the line (-12.5) – $1.90 at CrownBet
_ _ _
TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
