THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
NRL ROUND 4 PREVIEW
Round 3 once again showed us big form reversals for some teams, but they also came with huge injury tolls as well.
This week the NRL has been taking a closer look at how to possibly reduce the number of injuries that players are suffering throughout a season. I think you might be wasting your time fellas. Injuries always have and always will be a part of the game.
Enough of that, here’s a look at this week’s games and bets on offer.
FRIDAY
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers
Suncorp Stadium, 7:30pm (local)
The Panthers travel to QLD with a differing side to normal. Halfback Luke Walsh is out and hooker Kevin Kingston moves in to steer the team around the park. The Broncos are short priced favourites but I think this game might be closer than predicted. The Broncos have been playing a polarised style of footy with solid defence stats but not so great stats in attack. Justin Hodges returns and could be the difference between a win and a loss for the Brisbane side.
Mike’s Best Bets: None
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, 7:30pm (local)
Manly had an easy second half last week which is the best they could have asked for preceding a 5 day turnaround between their two games and have never been beaten at Blue Tongue Stadium. More than likely they get their best player and Greg Inglis’ traditional State of Origin opponent in Jamie Lyon back in the centres. Brett Stewart is improving by the game and might break his try scoring duck for 2011. Souths are without Wesser and it looks like Merritt will slot into fullback with Kane Morgan making his debut on the wing. Morgan played in the NYC grand final last year and all the talk of him is extremely positive.
Mike’s Best Bets: 1. $52 on Manly Head to Head @ $1.78 (Betfair)
2. Put $52 on the ‘Over’ option at $1.90 in Over/Under betting (Sportingbet)
The odds for Over/Under betting will be posted on game day.
