THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
NRL ROUND 3 PREVIEW
What a week of footy round 2 threw up for us. It was a complete form reversal from round 1, but highly entertaining nonetheless.
Let’s have a look at some betting prospects for round 3.
FRIDAY
Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs
ANZ Stadium, 7:30PM (local)
The bunnies have been a hot topic of the week after they failed to close out a second consecutive game after leading with 10 minutes to go. Some of their players might be playing for their place in the team depending if Coach John Lang decides to wield the axe based on the upcoming game.
Parramatta were a tad flat last week and they will have that problem sorted for this game. If they grab the game by its throat, don’t be surprised if South Sydney manages to rack up a big score here.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos
Skilled Park, 7:30PM (local)
The injury woes continue for the Titans with Kevin Gordon ruled out with an ACL injury. Defensive dynamo Nathan Friend has once again not been named in the side. On the contrary, the Broncos will welcome back star centre Justin Hodges and prop Ben Hannant. These two should make all the difference, because despite winning last week against the Raiders, the Broncos had a flats first half.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks
Centrebet Stadium, 5:30PM (local)
The Sharks pulled off a massive upset defeating the premiers the Dragons last week. They used extreme force to bash the Dragons into the turf and steal a memorable victory. But all that physicality will take its toll with the Sharks only getting 5 days to recover as opposed to Penrith’s 8 days. Penrith will have the home crowd right behind them.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7:30PM (local)
Todd Payten lines up for his 250th career game in front of the Campbelltown faithful. The Raiders were found out a bit last night when they came up against some half decent opposition. The Tigers will mostly grind them out of the game and might have it wrapped up by the final 15 minutes. The Raiders are still suffering without the likes of Campese and Dugan, but are more than capable of playing good footy away from the Tigers forwards and causing an upset.
Mike’s Best Bet: $72 on Wests Tigers -3 @ $1.72 (Sportingbet)
(If the Tigers win by 3 points, the bet is a ‘push’ and monies are refunded)
SUNDAY
New Zealand Warriors v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Mt. Smart Stadium, 2:00PM (local)
Following the multiple upsets of round 2, everybody has been talking about the ‘bounce back factor’. Wayne Bennett’s Dragons are coming off a loss to the Sharks, and despite having to travel to New Zealand for this week’s match, they could prove hard to beat. If there is any coach in the world that can get into his player’s heads and have them ‘bouncing back’ It’s Wayne Bennett.
Mike’s Best Bet: UPDATED: There is no best bet for this game due to late changes to line ups.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters
ANZ Stadium, 2:00PM (local)
The Bulldogs got out of jail last week, but I’m still a bit surprised they aren’t favourites here. Their side remains unchanged. Todd Carney will start and so far Braith Anasta has been named in the second row and Nate Myles as lock. Whether they stay that way remains to be seen. Im looking forward to this one, it could be the game of the round.
Mike’s Best Bet: $72 on Canterbury Head to Head @ $2.06 (Betfair)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights
Brookvale Oval, 3:00PM (local)
Newcastle have put on some skilful and entertaining footy in the first two rounds. Kurt Gidley at this stage is only a 50/50 chance to play. Manly turned on a massive second half performance last week and this round they will get their first shot at victory in front of their home crowd. Manly Supporters will be out in force to welcome back their beloved Brett Stewart who hasn’t played here since 2009.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
MONDAY
North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm
Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7:00PM (local)
These two sides were polar opposites in Round 2. The Melbourne Storm annihilated the Titans with some attacking flair. The Cowboys failed to play anywhere near 80 minutes of footy and included some poor excuses for defence. Cowboys have the home ground advantage but it’s hard to see how they can improve enough in one week to hold out a scintillating Storm outfit.
Mike’s Best Bet: $72 on Melbourne Head to Head @ $1.91 (Sportsbet)
