2017 NRL: Grand Final Betting Tips
The 2017 NRL season reaches its pinnacle this weekend and we take a look at the big match and offer our NRL Grand Final Preview and Betting Tips below.
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys (Sunday 7.15pm AEST)
The Storm have been the benchmark side all season and it will take a miraculous performance from the Cowboys for them to cause an upset. The Storm’s class has seen them reach their second straight grand final and they have the advantage of having Billy Slater at fullback and Cameron Munster at five-eighth. Last year, Slater was missing the contest due to injury. Slater’s experience will be vital for the Storm and he has been clinical in his return season. Meanwhile it could be Slater’s last ever match in the NRL and the same can be said for long time teammate Cooper Cronk. The halfback will play his 322nd and last game for the Storm but hasn’t announced whether he will play on for another club in Sydney next season. Regardless, Cronk, Slater and Cameron Smith will want to finish their tenure together at the Storm as champions and not on the note of back-to-back defeats in grand finals.
The Cowboys have had everything go their way since the final round of the regular season. The side lost to the Broncos and they needed the Dragons to lose in the final game against the struggling Bulldogs and fortunately for them it happened. The Cowboys went on to defeat the Sharks, Eels and Roosters and have booked their place in the grand final. Michael Morgan and Jason Tuamalolo have lead the way for their sides with Tuamalolo setting the platform for their backs to take advantage of and Morgan has been picking the right play in the three consecutive victories. The rest of the forward pack will need to muscle up with Ethan Lowe, Gavin Cooper and Scott Bolton having important roles in the contest. Meanwhile Lachlan Coote and Jake Granville will need to help Morgan in sparking their attack to break down the Storm’s strong defence.
The Cowboys have been forced to win three straight elimination finals and dig deep in all of their victories. It will take its toll on the side in Sunday’s game and they won’t be able to match it with one of the best rugby league sides in history. If Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott were fit to play in the contest, it would be a much closer game, but unfortunately for the Cowboys and rugby league fans, the Storm will run away with this contest in the second half and Smith and Cronk will pull the strings to lead the side to glory.
TIP: Storm at the margin (13+) – $2.10 with Sportsbet
As mentioned above, Billy Slater is a massive reason for the Storm’s dominance this season. They were a great side last year and reached the grand final without him but his experience in defence and attack has been crucial to the side looking unbeatable this year. Slater is also the leading try scorer of all time in finals matches and we are backing him to open the scoring on Sunday. The fullback always pops up at the right place at the right time and we wouldn’t be surprised if Smith, Cronk and Slater combine for a set play which results in Slater diving across the line.
TIP: Billy Slater first try scorer – $13.00 with Sportsbet
Cooper Cronk is playing his final game for the Storm and possibly of all time in the NRL. We are backing him to go out in style with a near perfect performance in a Storm’s victory. The halfback will always be instrumental in deciding the result and we are predicting him to pull the strings in attack and show off his game management skills. Cronk will lay on tries for his teammates and it will be fitting for him to be awarded man of the match honours in his final game for the Storm.
TIP: Cooper Cronk Clive Churchill Medal winner – $5.50 with William Hill
TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
