Round 11 of the NRL season has arrived with the Panthers now leading the way at the top, while there’s turmoil at the Bulldogs who remain stuck on the bottom of the NRL premiership ladder. Let’s take a look at this weekend’s action with our NRL tips coming courtesy of Before You Bet.
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers
Thursday July 23 | Bankwest Stadium | 7:50pm
It’s a battle of the West at Bankwest Stadium to kick off Round 11 on Thursday night.
The Eels three-game winning streak was ended by Manly last week and as a result, they’ve fallen to 2nd on the ladder.
The Wests Tigers absolutely dominated the Broncos last week and came away with a massive 48-0 victory.
Parramatta should welcome back their experienced trio of Ferguson, Moses and Matterson. The Tigers have lost Luke Garner and Michael Chee-Kam will start in his place.
Moses and Matterson are huge ins for the Eels as they were missed last week especially. So we do like the chances of a high scoring affair considering both games at Bankwest last year between the two sides beat this total of 39.5 points.
Prediction: OVER 39.5 points @ $1.90
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Friday July 24 | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | 6:00pm
Friday night action kicks off with a bottom 8 clash in Townsville between the Cowboys and Sea Eagles.
A 3-7 record in 2020 has cost Paul Green his job as the Cowboys head home to take on the Sea Eagles.
Manly upset the undermanned Eels last week but will need a consistent 80 minute performance in Round 11.
The Cowboys are unchanged at this stage. Addin Fonua-Blake is back from suspension for Manly.
We liked the Cowboys performance against Penrith last week and we’ll be hoping that continues in Round 11 as they should enjoy home field advantage over the inconsistent Sea Eagles.
Prediction: Cowboys +2.5 @ $1.87
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
Friday July 24 | Suncorp Stadium | 7:55pm
Our second match on Friday night will see Melbourne head North to Suncorp Stadium where they haven’t lost against Brisbane since 2009.
The Broncos season from hell just continues to roll on after a shockingly bad 48-0 loss against the Tigers last Friday night.
Melbourne easily beat the Titans 42-6 last week and will enjoy returning to Suncorp Stadium – their unofficial 2nd home.
At this stage, the Broncos are running with Milford at fullback, Croft at 5/8th and Dearden at halfback. They’ll also be without Oates, Luke, Isaako and Niu. Melbourne are unchanged but they could bring in Vunivalu on the wing.
Melbourne is a massive bogey team for the Broncos and with Seibold making structural changes, this could get ugly. So we like the chances of the Over, where Melbourne could easily beat this total themselves if they bring their A game (very likely).
Prediction: OVER 43.5 points @ $1.90
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters
Saturday July 25 | Central Coast Stadium | 3:00pm
Super Saturday kicks off on the Central Coast between the Warriors and the Roosters.
The Warriors come off a 46-10 loss against the Sharks at this venue last week and they’ll be hoping for a different result this Saturday. Although we don’t have much confidence in that happening.
Meanwhile, the Roosters are going to be fired up after losing to the Raiders by 4 points last Thursday night.
New Zealand has lost Egan and Paasi to injury. So Lawton will move back to hooker and Tevaga gets the start at #13. The Roosters will be without Crichton in the forward pack and Mitchell Aubusson will start in the #12 jersey.
The Roosters have been a bit off lately but in day conditions and coming off a long break, they could easily score 50 points on the poor Warriors. So we can’t look past the Over here.
Prediction: OVER 45.5 points @ $1.90
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Saturday July 25 | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium | 5:30pm
Old foes clash at Jubilee Stadium with the Sharks taking on the Dragons.
Cronulla is back on the winners’ list after smashing the Warriors by 36 points last week.
Meanwhile, St. George pulled off a miracle comeback against the Bulldogs, but it wasn’t overly impressive as they faced the bottom side in the NRL.
The Sharks have lost Sorensen to injury and Nikora to suspension. So Talakai will start and Rudolf moves to lock. The Dragons will be without Tariq Sims and Tyrell Fuimaono will come back into the starting 13.
We’re expecting a really close game between two rivals that are also looking for a spot in the top 8.
Prediction: Either Team Under 6.5 Points @ $2.60
Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday July 25 | GIO Stadium | 7:35pm
It’s Ricky Stuart versus Wayne Bennett on Saturday night footy.
The Raiders were back to their 2019 best on Thursday night as they upset the Roosters by 4 points.
South Sydney fell behind 18-0 early against the Knights last week and it cost them in a 2 point loss.
In team news, the Raiders will move Rapana to centre for Oldfield. Souths have lost Roberts and Lowe to injury. So Graham will return from injury and Sironen gets a start in the 2nd row.
In usual cold Canberra conditions, we can see a low scoring and grinding affair between two big forward packs.
Prediction: UNDER 38.5 points @ $1.90
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sunday July 26 | McDonald Jones Stadium | 2:00pm
Sunday afternoon footy from Newcastle as the Knights host the Bulldogs.
The Knights are 4th on the ladder and come off a huge 2 point win over South Sydney at Bankwest.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs showed signs of life against the Dragons but in the story of their season, they still managed to blow a late 12 point lead.
In team selections, the Knights will run with the same 17 at this stage. The Bulldogs get Averillo back in the centres and Crichton will miss out. Wakeham also returns on the bench.
We liked the Bulldogs performance last week despite the unlucky loss and they do have a good record against the Knights (7-1 SU). Dogs to cover here.
Prediction: Bulldogs +16 @ $1.90
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers
Sunday July 26 | Cbus Super Stadium | 4:05pm
NRL action returns to the Gold Coast with the Titans hosting the Panthers.
The Titans will be looking to rebound after a heavy 42-6 defeat against the Storm last Friday night.
Penrith weren’t at their very best against the Cowboys last week. But Nathan Cleary proved the difference in the Panthers 22-10 victory.
In team news, the Titans welcome back Copley in the centres and Sami moves back to the wing. Proctor is also back from injury and Fermor will be unlucky to miss out. The Panthers have lost Edwards, Whare and Koroisau to injury. So Caleb Aekins plays fullback, Mitch Kenny takes over at hooker and Naden moves into the centres.
Some really key injuries to the Panthers should open the door for the Titans on their home turf. The Panthers were also pretty poor last week and the Titans won the last meeting at Robina Stadium. So we like the home underdog here.
Prediction: Titans +16 @ $1.90
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For more free sports betting tips, head to www.beforeyoubet.com.au where you’ll also find an independent PlayUp review.
