Welcome to The Profits Round 7 2017 NRL kicks off on Friday night from Sydney and The Profits NRL expert Scooby previews all the matches and shares his best bets.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (11th) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (9th)
Ever since the pressure was piled on the Bulldogs coach Des Hasler, they have turned their performance around as a team, now on a 2-game winning streak after defeating the Knights last week in Newcastle. Despite winning their past 2 matches, they are still located on the wrong part of the competition ladder and they need to continue to improve. Most recently, they overcame a slow start to grab a 10-point win; nevertheless it was an underwhelming first half from a team that was so dynamic the week before. Perhaps the Bulldogs staff seized the opportunity to increase their training in a week against a less-fancied opponent. Eventually, their weight of possession and limited lapses in defence wore the Knights down; allowing their opponents back into the match with the game drawing to an end will also disappoint them. The Rabbitohs were also victorious in Round 6, allowing an improved completion rate and stronger defence to dictate their performance. It was an area of concern in previous weeks and once their opponents took back the lead they didn’t panic. Instead, they relied on their ability when in possession and eventually got the better of the Panthers. An Adam Reynolds FG sealed the deal with 1 minute remaining, as fatigue was beginning to get the better of them. They too are not without their need to improve; their forwards are still producing fewer metres per carry than their opponents and causing unnecessary pressure on the halves. Overcoming that against a big pack like the Bulldogs holds its challenges and could determine the outcome of this match. The traditional clash on Good Friday between these sides has been a source of plenty of excitement, tension and drama over the years and this game is expected to be no different.
Team News
Bulldogs = Brett Morris moves back to fullback for Brad Abbey (injured), with Kerrod Holland returning to the wing. Adam Elliot is named in the second row, with a reshuffle cause by the exclusion of David Klemmer (injured).Francis Tualau and Raymond Faitala-Mariner are also named on the bench.
Rabbitohs = Unchanged.
History
Overall = Bulldogs 20 Draw 1 Rabbitohs 11
Last 5 matches = Bulldogs 2 Rabbitohs 3
At ANZ Stadium = Bulldogs 58% Rabbitohs 52%
Form = Bulldogs 2 wins – Rabbitohs 1 win
Verdict
The recent form of the two sides suggests that this match will be close; the Bulldogs were successful last week without doing too much while the Rabbitohs surprised many with their performance. If the same level of application is carried over into this week, the Rabbitohs will have the edge. That isn’t the way the betting markets are shaping, with the Bulldogs slight favorites. If they are to reach their peak, then there is no doubt that they have a strong enough team. The loss of Klemmer limits the power they are capable of generating through the middle and with questions still lingering around Mbye, you cannot be so sure of their chances. Despite being the first choice halfback, one cannot help but think that they would be better served with Matt Frawley, who could take the field at some stage. The stability that the Rabbitohs have in this area is a clear difference, especially towards the end of attacking sets with Reynolds attacking kicks. The history between these two teams in this fixture each year tells a story; only once in the past 5 meetings has the winning margin been more than 12-points with the Bulldogs winning by 30-points last year; and two of those matches have been decided by 1-point. This points towards the contest being a very close one, perhaps going down to the last few plays before being decided. There is no doubt that the two packs of forwards will control majority of the outcome and it will be a thrilling matchup in this area. For the sake of picking a winner, the Rabbitohs are slightly ahead but only because of the doubt within the spine of the Bulldogs.
Suggested Bet
Either team to win under 6.5 points @ $2.60
Newcastle Knights (16th) v Sydney Roosters (4th)
A high level of effort and application was again at the forefront of the Knights performance but just like their previous 3 games, they left this contest without any competition points to show for it. As their efforts go unrewarded, their confidence will be challenge for a relatively young and inexperienced team. This time, they were unable to keep the Bulldogs quiet when it matter and eventually went down by 22-12. Points to the visitors either side of halftime hurt their chances, while also relieving pressure that was building throughout the match. A try on the stroke of FT also stretched the margin, with the Knights left wondering what else could’ve been done. As harsh as it is, they simply do not have quality across the field to continually compete. The Roosters have had extra time to prepare for this game, after they were comprehensively beaten by the Broncos 32-8. After drawing level with their opponents at 22 minutes, they were unable to stick with them, as the speed of the Broncos play continually caught them out on the edges. There were parts of their play that were also uncharacteristic from their opening matches of the competition, most notably the 47 missed tackles that were piled on them throughout the match. Their fatigue was also increased, as they only had a 43% share of possession over the entire match and they experienced far less at crucial stages in the game. This game comes at a good time for them as they are on a 2-game losing streak and could use the confidence boost to get them back to the form they were in earlier on in the season; if anything, it also dulls the hype that was building around a solid team.
Team News
Knights = Danny Levi is named at hooker, pushing Jamie Buhrer back to the second row and Joe Wardle back to the bench. Sam Stone is named on the interchange.
Roosters = Joseph Manu is named in the centres for Latrell Mitchell (dropped).
History
Overall = Knights 12 Roosters 23
Last 5 matches = Knights 1 Roosters 4
At McDonald Jones Stadium = Knights 57% Roosters 73%
Form = Knights 4 losses – Roosters 2 losses
Verdict
You can be sure of one thing, the Knights will again be spirited and desperate to get their second win of the season in front of their home fans. This continual feature of their play will push the Roosters, but only so far. At the end of the day, the class, which they have in their side, is far superior. The past two performances have given them plenty to work on and they will need to be prepared here. The most concerning part of their play has been their defence and improvement is expected. The Knights do not have the attacking power like the Broncos and Sea Eagles to penetrate the Roosters line and with the confidence returning, they should find themselves in positive attacking positions more often than the previous two matches. If this is the case, then this game is not a matter of if, but how much the Roosters win by. Their most recent meeting was a one-sided contest with the Roosters winning by 38 points and their average margin of victory in their past 5 wins over the Knights is 22.6 points. This doesn’t read well for the home team, especially when the Roosters are also fortunate to have a strong record at this ground. Betting markets agree that the Knights face an uphill battle and there is some value around this game.
Suggested Bet
Roosters 13-18 @ $4.75
Play it safe = Roosters -11.5 @ $1.90 – Many believe that the Knights attitude is keeping the margin close in their matches; in their 5 losses so far, they have just the one by more than 10 points (40-nil to the Panthers). Of the others, the average sits at 5.3 points, with the Roosters attacking ability expected to pressure their opponents relentlessly here.
Redemption = Shaun Kenny-Dowell FTS and/or LTS @ $8 – SKD had an absolute shocker last week against the Broncos and will be out have an improved effort. When he is at his peak, he offers a great ability to finish a sweeping attacking movement and knows how to find his way to the line.
Brisbane Broncos (7th) v Gold Coast Titans (15th)
It was a lesson in speed and intensity last week from the Broncos as they handed the Roosters a 32-8 loss. From the opening moments of their contest, there was a clear difference in the play at the ruck; this pressured the opponents in defence as they created holes on the edges. The play from the team as a whole was impressive, with crucial points being finished off or lead to that point by their halves. Having Ben Hunt injured in the second half caused come concern, although Kodi Nikorima added another dimension in attack. The Broncos 88% completion rate and just 6 errors have set a new standard for others to follow; the challenge ahead is maintain this contribution week after week. This has been an issue prior with a match against their southern rivals, the Titans, sure to lift the intensity prior to this match. They were unsuccessful against the Raiders, with the overwhelming power of their opponents too much for them to handle. They were out of the contest within the first half, with two tries either side of the break providing minimal hope of resurgence. Fact is, they possess less quality than the Raiders as injuries created further burden; they missed a massive 54 tackles in the match and were forced to make 114 more tackles than their opponents courtesy of the 69% completion rate and 12 total errors. The Titans have been great in their enthusiasm and application but it was too much for them on Saturday. The Broncos will not limit the intensity that is applied to them and the Titans will be out to halt a 3-game losing streak.
Team News
Broncos = Kodi Nikorima is named at halfback for Ben Hunt (injured), while Corey Oates (injury) is named to return on the wing. Korbin Sims and Sam Thaiday have been named to start, swapping with Herman Ese’ese and Alex Glenn, who move back to the bench.
Titans = Nathan Peats (injury) returns at hooker, joined in the pack by Chris McQueen (injury) who will play in the second row, alongside Ryan Simpkins (injury) at lock. This forces Karl Lawton, Leuvaha Pulu and Max King back to the bench.
History
Overall = Broncos 16 Titans 5
Last 5 matches = Broncos 5 Titans 0
At Suncorp Stadium = Broncos 61% Titans 18%
Form = Broncos 1 win – Titans 3 losses
Verdict
This game is not as one sided as the odds are suggesting; the Broncos are deserved favorites yet the inclusions of key personnel for the Titans has been somewhat overlooked. They have been battling through matches this season and in doing so; have proven the amount of fight that this team is capable of. The Broncos made a statement with their performance against the Roosters last week and many believe that a similar effort can be produced here. The Titans have a problem limiting points; they have conceded the most of any team this season, averaging 30.3 PPG. While this has been an issue for them, they are also able to score plenty of points, meaning that their margin when losing has only once reached above 14-points (24 points last week v Raiders), with games twice decided by just 6 points. Their record at Suncorp Stadium will make punters worried and with reason, they have only won just 3 matches in 17 attempts here. All these signs point towards a strong Broncos victory but you cannot be so sure; the line that is being offered towards the Titans is very enticing but remember that the average margin of victory by the Broncos in their past 5 wins over the Titans is 16.4 points. Last weeks effort should have a positive influence on them and the renewed play around the ruck by Nathan Peats will get their forwards moving through the middle. At times last week, this was an area where the Broncos were vulnerable. That doesn’t mean that the Titans will win this game, they will give it a good shake but ultimately the Broncos should be too strong.
Suggested Bet
Titans +14.5 @ $1.90
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (8th) v Melbourne Storm (2nd)
Just as things were beginning to look up for Manly, they crashed back to reality with a 35-10 loss to the Dragons at home. That loss now means that they have just the solitary win from their past 6 matches at home; as hopes were high prior to that match with the Sea Eagles turning around a slow start to the season. Their 3-game winning streak restored confidence in their performance but unlike previous weeks, they were unable to repeat their efforts. The main cause for concern could be the 40 missed tackles across 80 minutes, as the Dragons made the most of the loose work around the ruck and on the edges. They have a chance at redemption though, as the Storm aim to bounce back from a loss themselves. It was under different circumstances though, as the Sharks halted their undefeated start to the season, a team that had never defeated the Storm at home. In poor conditions they only have their lack of execution to blame, committing 15 errors in an uncharacteristic display of ball security. Not being able to score a try in the match is also a cause for concern, as Craig Bellamy highlighted how disappointed he was in the post-match conference. The quality that the Storm produces week after week is always destined to slip up every now and then; such is their determination that you can be assured they will be out to put that effort behind them with a win. It may be more difficult than first thought, as the Storm have always found the trip to this ground a difficult one to overcome and have a very poor record, with same famous matches between these two sides always fresh in the memory of fans.
Team News
Sea Eagles = Akuila Uate (injury) returns on the wing. Addin Fonua-Blake replaces Martin Taupau (injured) at prop, with Jackson Hastings and Lloyd Perrett added to the bench, one of which will cover for Nate Myles (injured).
Storm = Young Tonumaipea is named in the centres for Will Chambers (suspended). Jordan McLean is named to start, pushing Nelson Asofa-Solomona coming off the bench.
History
Overall = Sea Eagles 13 Draw 1 Storm 16
Last 5 matches = Sea Eagles 2 Storm 3
At Lottoland = Sea Eagles 63% Storm 38%
Form = Sea Eagles 1 loss – Storm 1 loss
Verdict
Last week highlighted the weaknesses of both teams and they will want to quickly erase any memory of that performance. The Storm are clearly the superior team when comparing the two sides on paper, yet the Sea Eagles offer their fair share of challenges for their opponents. Losing Taupau and Myles reduces their attacking power somewhat and the Storm will be out to exploit this. What cannot be overlooked is the impact that their loss will have on them in terms of fatigue, it is a short turnaround from a bruising encounter and having to travel on top of that only increases the difficulty. This brings the Sea Eagles into the match although their recent record at home isn’t great; they’ve won just 1 game in their past 6 matches here, however it is better than the Storms. This is an area of concern for the visitor; nevertheless a 20-point victory here last year suggests that they have overcome this factor. The Storm are renowned for there professionalism and successful culture, it would be very surprising to see the Storm perform poorly in consecutive weeks given the emphasis that is placed on a strong start to the competition. If the Sea Eagles were to win this game, it would take a special effort over 80 minutes. They are a team that is improving each week, yet are not at the level they need to be at in order to win this game just yet. There is a history of tight contests between these two teams, aside from the most recent meeting, the previous 4 games were decided by 3-points or less. There are several reasons why this game will also be tight, with the Storm prevailing in an “arm wrestle” of a match.
Suggested Bet
Storm 1-12 @ $2.75
Canberra Raiders (6th) v New Zealand Warriors (10th)
The Raiders travelled north to the Gold Coast last week and left with 2 competition points courtesy of a comprehensive victory. The effort demonstrated the power they have within their team and was yet another step in the right direction for this young, developing team. The damage was done within the first half, as the Raiders jumped to a 26-4 lead after 32 minutes. Everything else was working for them too; they carried the ball for a high average of 9.7m per carry, completed at 87%, made just 4 errors and missed a season low of 14 tackles. Making 114 less tackles than the Titans also reduced the fatigue level that was building. If they are to maintain efforts like this, it will not be too much longer before they reside in the Top 4. The Warriors were also victorious in their match, although their performance was far less convincing. Their 12-point victory came on the back of a superior possession statistic, which grinded their opponents into the ground. The statistics tell a story that the original flair and carefree football that was once a feature of the Warriors play is slowly being overcome. They had just 3 off-loads and a much higher completion rate (82%) than has been experienced in the past. Their defence has also tightened up, missing just 12 total tackles in the match; while this is a positive in many respects, it has taken an attacking edge away from their play. Kieran Foran is having a positive influence on this team also, yet you cannot overlook the fact that they would struggle to cover him if he was to be injured again. The Raiders appear to have found the ideal balance for now and their opponents could learn a thing or two from how they play with flair and aim to maintain consistency.
Team News
Raiders = Unchanged.
Warriors = Unchanged.
History
Overall = Raiders 16 Warriors 16
Last 5 matches = Raiders 2 Warriors 3
At GIO Stadium = Raiders 49% Warriors 67%
Form = Raiders 2 wins – Warriors 2 wins
Verdict
The Raiders are getting to the point where they are beginning to make the rest of the competition take notice of them, if they haven’t already. Their performance on the road last week against the Titans demonstrated just how mature this team is becoming and this game is one that they should win as well. The Warriors have changed the way they are playing and in their past two matches, their measured play is working for them. They have been against struggling opponents though; you only have to look at the way in which both teams handled the Titans in the past two weeks for an indicator as to how this game will play out. The Raiders have been dynamic in attack and just as good in defence; their play has also changed for the better. They will be aiming to pressure the Warriors through the middle, allowing minimal opportunities for Kieran Foran to gather momentum at the attacking line. He has been a key feature of their play and majority of this has revolved around the speed at the ruck. The power game that the Raiders play limits how effective their opponents can be in this area and pressure flows onto other areas of the field. Furthermore, they are even more dangerous on the edges, where their flying outside backs have no worries finishing attacking movements. At times, these players are the ones generating momentum for them; a great asset, especially if their forwards are not gathering enough momentum. All these dangers point towards a win for the Raiders; the Warriors have not developed enough as a team to be considered for a win here. They’re still working out how to balance their controlled play and the Raiders players will care little for their opponents needs. Instead, expect pressure to come from the opening minutes and there is no limit to the score that the Raiders can accumulate over 80 minutes.
Suggested Bet
Raiders 13+ @ $2.15
Making a statement = Raiders 19+ @ $3 – The Raiders have won their 3 matches this season by an average of 25.3 points, with the least being a 12-point win over the Eels. They are a dangerous attacking outfit and averaging 21.6 point in defence should worry the Warriors fans.
Lethal right edge = Joseph Leilua FTS and/or LTS @ $9 – The right edge is firing at the moment and it was hard to choose between Jordan Rapana ($7) and Leilua. They scored 50% of their teams tries last week, with Rapana bagging a hat trick. The reason for this is that Leilua offers slightly more value and is likely to get the ball before his winger does.
St George-Illawarra Dragons (1st) v North Queensland Cowboys (5th)
Yet again, the Dragons have surprised many with their efforts, most recently gaining a dominating win over the Sea Eagles on the road. More importantly, the win has rocketed them up to the top of the competition ladder, further evidence that their performance has genuine credentials in 2017. On Saturday, they continually wore the Sea Eagles down, completing at 86% and making the most of any attacking opportunity that was presented to them. The play of their halves was especially impressive and the confidence within this team will only grow. Many will still state that the Dragons are yet to face a series of tough matches, but they can only play what is in front of them. It is a shame that the Cowboys have been weakened by the injuries suffered in recent weeks. Now, they are without 3 of the 4 players from their spine, most notably, Johnathan Thurston. The reshuffle within their team is causing plenty of disruptions, while also unearthing the next crop of players coming through their system. This is perhaps their biggest challenge so far this season; overcoming the further loss of players and aiming to bounce back from an upset loss by the Tigers. Their opponents defence was one of the major reason why the Cowboys came up empty handed, with many left wondering how the missing players could’ve improved their performance. The loss was also rare because it occurred at home, yet by their own admission they have to take responsibility given they committed 14 errors over the match. That performance will not create too much concern just yet, although it may reduce their effectiveness for an extended period of time leading into several representative matches.
Team News
Dragons = Unchanged.
Cowboys = Ben Hampton moves to halfback for Johnathan Thurston (injured), with Blake Leary starting at hooker. Justin O’Neill (injury) returns in the centres, pushing Javid Bowen to the reserves. Coen Hess has been named to start, with Ethan Lowe moving to the bench.
History
Overall = Dragons 13 Cowboys 15
Last 5 matches = Dragons 2 Cowboys 3
At WIN Stadium = Dragons 62% Cowboys 43%
Form = Dragons 4 wins – Cowboys 1 loss
Verdict
A few weeks ago, no one would’ve thought that the Dragons would be strong favorites for this game. A few injuries later and panic is beginning to sweep through the Cowboys team as they scramble to cover key positions. The loss of JT hurts them the most in this matchup and it will be an area that the Dragons look to exploit. They cannot get caught up in worrying about this though, the Cowboys still have players on the field that are very capable of changing the outcome of this match. If anything, the Dragons impressive play should be a reason why they are strong favorites, although this will be a difficult test for them. Even with their opponents missing several players, they risk being caught off-guard. That being said, this would require the Cowboys to also overcome their poor record at this ground. A 4-game losing streak appears likely to be extended and with the Dragons finding more momentum each week within their attack, many are expecting the Cowboys to crumble under their pressure. This could be the case, although the Cowboys pride themselves on strong defence; they have only lost by more than 10 points on two occasions since the beginning of the 2016 season. This makes the line extremely enticing, especially when their last meeting on this ground last season, without JT, was a 3-point win to the Dragons. This could be a very exciting contest and the battle of the two packs is where it is likely to take place. You cannot overlook the fact that the Cowboys still have plenty of power in this area and will want to use it as much as possible to disrupt their opponents.
Suggested Bet
Cowboys +10.5 @ $1.90
Penrith Panthers (12th) v Cronulla Sharks (3rd)
Anthony Griffin made a tough call last week to leave out 3 of his stars for disciplinary reasons and the result didn’t go as planned. They hosted the Rabbitohs and were defeated by an Adam Reynolds FG with 1-minute remaining. The stance is undoubtedly the right one in the search for discipline and consistency, yet one cannot wonder if their inclusion may have changed the result. On the field, they were good in controlling the ball at crucial times. The alarming statistic for them is that they missed 41 tackles across the match; putting them equal 4th on the total misses across the season thus far and when combined with the 3rd highest errors, it doesn’t read well for a team with Finals aspirations. They are a very capable team and something needs to change sooner rather than later, with a tough test against the Sharks a great starting point. This game could come at a good time for the hosts, with the Sharks required to back up from a bruising contest against the Storm last Sunday where they gained their first ever win at AAMI Park. In the rematch of the 2016 GF, the Sharks picked up from where they left off, continually disrupting the Storms playmakers and bringing plenty of physicality in defence. The match was played in horrendously went conditions that impacted the handling on both teams (combined 27 errors for the match), yet the 11-2 final score demonstrated how close the match was. It wasn’t until the 73rd minute when the first try was scored that the teams had a chance to regroup after a try. The match also highlighted the level of class that is required by other teams in the competition if they want to be a contender in 2017. The Sharks may well be fatigued from that effort but will not want the momentum that was built last week to be quickly forgotten.
Team News
Panthers = Matt Moylan returns at fullback, Waqa Blake at fullback and Tyrone Peachey (injury) named to start in the centres. James Fisher-Harris (injury) returns in the second row, pushing Corey Harawira-Naera back to the bench.
Sharks = Kurt Capewell comes onto the bench for James Segeyaro (injured).
History
Overall = Panthers 13 Draw 1 Sharks 17
Last 5 matches = Panthers 1 Sharks 4
At Pepper Stadium = Panthers 54% Sharks 54%
Form = Panthers 2 losses – Sharks 2 wins
Verdict
The return players for the Panthers has most confident of an improved performance following their loss last week; however these same players have also featured in their poorer performances this year. The Panthers are a team that is improving and will be better towards the end of the season, yet at this stage, they’re still working towards that goal. This is a game that will test them relentlessly; the Sharks have threats across the field which brings with it a high level of constant pressure. They are capable of playing a variety of matches, proven last week in their brutal and grinding win over the Storm. Remarkably, the Panthers head into this game as favorites, with many believing that the Sharks will have increased fatigue from last week. The Storms match the day earlier will be a good guide for punters; nevertheless they are the preferred selection for this contest. They hold a good record at this ground and the Panthers will need to lift defensively to hold their opponents. As mentioned above, the statistics that the Panthers have so far this season in terms of errors and missed tackles will count against them. Changing such statistics so quickly would be a dramatic shift in their play. It must be stated that the Sharks have equal amount of missed tackles across the year as the Sharks, but far less errors. The Sharks have proven themselves already this season and are a safer option. If you need any more convincing, they hold a strong recent record over the Panthers and will aim to make things very difficult for their opponents over 80 minutes.
Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $2.15
Keeping it tight = Sharks 1-12 @ $3.25 – There is plenty of value in the Sharks winning this game by less than 2 converted tries. Unfortunately, fatigue may limit what they’re capable of towards the end of this game but they still should be in a comfortable position prior to this.
Parramatta Eels (13th) v Wests Tigers (14th)
Two clubs that have experienced their fair share of off-field headlines in the past 2 years face off hoping to put plenty of drama behind them. As easy as that sounds, plenty of attention will be given to the impending departure of Mitchell Moses to the Eels and when this will occur. As this game reads, both teams are at the wrong end of the competition ladder with just 2 wins each to their name. Parramatta’s losing streak continued last week at with a road trip to New Zealand that left them with a 12-point loss. A lack of possession (44%) didn’t assist their cause, yet they lacked a quality finish to their attack when pressuring the Warriors line. The Eels have had a difficult run of matches and this one will not be any easier with the Tigers coming off a win over the Cowboys in Townsville. In the first match under the guide of new coach Ivan Cleary, the Tigers looked like a different team and defended with conviction and purpose. They still missed 45 tackles, although that was expected given the pressure they absorbed and it was a major reason why they won the contest. The win demonstrated just what they’re capable of and perhaps the attitude that has been absent from their previous efforts at the beginning of the season. Ironically enough, the players have openly admitted that Cleary hasn’t changed much within the club, just asked for an improved effort. The challenge ahead for this team is maintaining their level of application and disregarding the stories that are building off field regarding player departures. We are going to see two very desperate clubs over 80 minutes; all of which, makes for a thrilling contest.
Team News
Eels = Tepai Moeroa is named in the second row for Frank Pritchard (injury), while Daniel Alvaro fills the vacant bench spot.
Tigers = Unchanged.
History
Overall = Eels18 Draw 1 Tigers 14
Last 5 matches = Eels 2 Tigers 3
At ANZ Stadium = Eels 41% Tigers 44%
Form = Eels 4 losses – Tigers 1 win
Verdict
It is surprising that a team on a 4-game losing streak heads into this contest as strong favorites. Obviously the win of the Tigers last week is believed to be a “once off” rather than a habit under their new coach. What most are overlooking though is the shift in attitude that was displayed; the result was great but the way they went about it was just as pleasing. This needs to be maintain and probably will be given the amount of players that are searching for new contracts. The Eels have been playing well in parts, but their 80-minute performances have been few and far between recently. This game is shaping as a very tight contest and the Eels have been struggling recently to create enough power in the forwards. If they cannot combat their opponents in this area, then their chances dramatically increase. There isn’t too much to split either team except the fact that if they are firing at their potential, then the Tigers are a better chance of winning. Invest wisely on this game; these two teams could do with a few more positive performances before you back them with confidence. The one statistic that isn’t positive is the missed tackles; the Tigers have missed the most of any team this season (224 total) and although it was changed last week, they will be challenged in this fixture. If they have changed for the better, then the Eels losing streak looks set to continue for another week yet.
Suggested Bet
Tigers @ $2.30
Good luck!
Scooby
