The Top 8 is now locked in for the NRL finals and we’ll be treated to plenty of rivalry matchups in Round 19 of the NRL season. Once again the team at Bet King are back to provide their sports betting tips for the Round 19 action.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Thursday September 17 | ANZ Stadium | 7:50pm
Traditional rivals in the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs meet on Thursday night footy.
The Rabbitohs survived a scare against the Tigers last week and they’ll look to improve this week against the Bulldogs while locking up a home final.
Canterbury slumped to their 7th straight defeat but will be desperate to avoid the spoon this Thursday.
In team news, Gagai has been suspended for Souths and Paulo will come in on the wing. The Dogs have dropped Meaney and Matt Doorey will miss with injury.
This is kind of like the Bulldogs Grand Final after a forgettable season so we expect them to give the Rabbitohs a tough battle.
Prediction: Bulldogs +16.5 @ $1.90
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Friday September 18 | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | 6:00pm
Can the Panthers continue their winning ways?
North Queensland come off another loss on the weekend but showed some good signs in the second half of their 36-20 defeat against Melbourne.
Penrith won their 13th game in a row as they beat the Eels 20-2 and have basically sealed up the minor premiership.
In team selections, the Cowboys have dropped O’Neill, while Asiata and McGuire have been suspended. The Panthers are without Koroisau, Tamaou and Tetevano.
The Panthers are easily the best defensive team in the NRL and we expect them to keep the Cowboys attack quiet on Friday night.
Prediction: Under 42.5 Points @ $1.90
Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos
Friday September 18 | Bankwest Stadium | 7:55pm
Can the Broncos avenge their 2019 finals defeat at Bankwest?
Parramatta are looking to shore up a top 4 position this week as they come off a tough loss against Penrith.
Brisbane’s 2020 season can’t end quickly enough after another loss to the Titans last week among seven straight defeats.
In team selections, the Eels will get Reed Mahoney back from injury. Brisbane have lost Haas and Kennedy in the front row.
Hard to forget the 58-0 finals win by the Eels at this venue last year against Brisbane. So we feel the Eels can attack the undermanned Broncos in a high scoring affair.
Prediction: Over 42.5 Points @ $1.90
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans
Saturday September 19 | Brookvale Oval | 3:00pm
It’s a battle for 9th on Saturday afternoon between the Sea Eagles and the Titans.
Manly finally ended a six-game losing streak with a comeback 32-20 victory over the Bulldogs.
Gold Coast are finishing off the season in style with three straight wins and they’re building nicely for 2021.
In team news, the Sea Eagles have lost Cust to injury but regain Levi at hooker. The Titans get Proctor back from suspension and Tanah Boyd returns on the bench.
The Titans have upset the Sea Eagles in the last two meetings at Brookvale and after three straight wins, we don’t see why they can’t do it again.
Prediction: Titans +6 @ $1.90
Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers
Saturday September 19 | Sunshine Coast Stadium | 5:30pm
The Sunshine Coast Storm take on Wests Tigers in our Saturday twilight game.
Melbourne are starting to hit peak form before the finals after three straight wins and the Sunny Coast is fast becoming their fortress.
The Tigers’ 2020 season is officially over after a close loss to the Rabbitohs last week.
In team selections, the Storm get Welch back from suspension and Brandon Smith could also return. The Tigers have lost Brooks to suspension but Joey Leilua returns in the centres.
The Tigers have a very good record against Melbourne lately and if they bring their A-game in defence, this should be a high scoring but close affair.
Prediction: Tigers +14.5 @ $1.90
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Saturday September 19 | SCG | 7:35pm
We’re looking forward to a Top 8 battle on Saturday night between the Roosters and Sharks.
Sydney simply outclassed the undermanned Knights last week in the 42-12 result and they’ve now won four straight games.
The Sharks sealed up a top 8 spot with a must-win 22-14 result over the Warriors and this will be a good test of their squad before the finals.
In team news, the Roosters have rested James Tedesco and Siosiua Taukeiaho. The Sharks are unchanged.
Despite missing Tedesco, the Roosters have the attacking firepower to exploit the Sharks defensive problems. So we feel this will be another high scoring clash at the SCG.
Prediction: Over 44.5 Points @ $1.90
Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors
Sunday September 20 | GIO Stadium | 2:00pm
The Raiders are still a chance for a top 4 spot as they take on the Warriors on Sunday.
As expected, the Raiders cruised to a 37-8 victory over the Dragons as Wighton scored another double.
The Warriors top 8 hopes are over but credit goes to them in 2020 after having to play all their games in Australia.
In team selections, the Raiders have switched Havili to start at hooker for Tom Starling (probably will change). The Warriors have lost loan players Alvaro and Jennings to the Eels as well as Taunoa-Brown to suspension.
New Zealand have challenged a few top 8 sides lately and deserve a bit more respect in the underdog market. So we feel they can keep this close for the 80 minutes.
Prediction: Warriors +16 @ $1.90
Newcastle Knights vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday September 20 | McDonald Jones Stadium | 4:05pm
The Knights host the Dragons on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle will look to bounce back from a 42-12 loss against the Roosters.
The Dragons are playing for pride at the moment and have suffered three straight losses. But it was great to see Cody Ramsey score a few tries on debut.
Ponga is back for the Knights but they’ve lost Mann to suspension. Lino has been dropped in the halves and Tex Hoy will play 5/8th. Mitch Barnett is back at lock and Hymel Hunt returns in the centres. The Dragons get Tariq Sims back and Max Feagai makes his debut.
The Knights obviously missed Ponga last week but he’s back and we feel the Newcastle attack will dominate the Dragons. Meanwhile, St. George should throw the ball around with nothing to play for so that should see a high scoring afternoon game.
Prediction: Over 41.5 Points @ $1.90
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