NRL Round 15 Preview - Betstar $2 Favs are back

by NRL

Round 15 Preview with all the best value best from Betstar: Shhh - Betstar $2 Favs are back....

CANTERBURY v DRAGONS
The Bulldogs snapped a six game losing head-to-head losing streak against the Dragons earlier in the season with a 30-4 victory. The Dragons have come to the field this year following three highly consistent years whereas the Bulldogs have been one of the big improvers under Des Hasler. The Bulldogs are most dangerous in the backends of both halves. One concern for Canterbury this year is the amount of times they have been penalised and with the Dragons through Jamie Soward always happy to take an early two points the $9.50 option for Dragons penalty goal is the best option in this game. Also consider Draw at half-time into either Bulldogs or Dragons, which is paying $9.00. The $9.50 on First Scoring Play being a Dragons Penalty Goal is too tempting with the penalty trends against the Bulldogs and the kick-happy trends at the Dragons.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

NORTH QLD v BRISBANE
Brisbane enter into this clash as slight outsiders following the injuries to Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker with the Broncos having a tradition of resting Origin players after key club matches. I would be tempted to back the Broncos in this game as both Cowboys props Matt Scott and James Tamou got through plenty of Origin work and Johnathan Thurston looked off-colour last Wednesday night and doubts must cloud his 100% fitness for tonight's clash. These games are traditionally close with the Cowboys via the brilliant Matt Bowen stealing the points in the clash earlier this year. I would look at taking Brisbane by a margin of 1-6 points paying $6.00.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

CRONULLA v WARRIORS
The Sharks head into this clash as under-dogs with doubts surrounding the fitness of Paul Gallen. As tough and resilient that Gallen is the most vital player for the Sharks is Todd Carney when in-form. He fired against Melbourne when Gallen was missing the Sharks came home with the points. He was completely off his game against Parramatta in the second half and the points flowed against the Sharks. Carney gives the Sharks potency in the backline, which they haven't had since the salad days of ET. The Warriors are a punters nightmare and lack any form of consistency to hedge any bets on. The safest bet is easily Cronulla half/full-time double paying $3.00, but also look at taking the Sharks 7-12 victory margin paying $7.50.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

PARRAMATTA v SOUTH SYDNEY
Parramatta head into this match as outsiders and their standing on the table confirms as such. However, I saw enough in the Eels in their second half demolition of Cronulla to suggest they could be set for a 2009-like charge for the Finals or at worst cause a lot of damage for the teams above them. The Eels spine of Jarryd Hayne, Ben Roberts and Chris Sandow are all rocks & diamonds about their play and Sandow will be primed for a big one where no doubt he'll cop plenty of stick from hostile Souths fans. The Rabbitohs had the bye last weekend after coming off second best in the game of the season against Canterbury. They are now without Sam Burgess whilst David Taylor will be looking for an improved showing after a horrible Origin performance. I fancy an 'upset' here and Parramatta to get the points. Parramatta head to head victory at $2.50 is semi lucrative, but the best bet of the round is Souths/Parramatta half/full-time double paying $7.50.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

GOLD COAST v PENRITH
Both sides will be boosted with the return of key origin players and the Titans also boosted by the return of captain Scott Prince. Without Prince and Greg Bird last weekend boom Titans rookie Aiden Sezer looked lost and he'll benefit with the two experienced players returning. Penrith have finally brought back Michael Jennings to their side and he hasn't played at NRL since his infamous dumping to NSW Cup prior to the opening Origin match. Luke Lewis is also back for Penrith, but without the captaincy. I don't think everything is 100% well at Penrith and I can see the home side coming away with the points. A $50 internet option of the Titans paying $2.00 is a safe bet or take the Titans with the -5.5 handicap paying $1.91.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

WESTS TIGERS v ROOSTERS
Another Sunday free-to-air TV game for the Channel 9 Tigers. The love affair with the Wests Tigers and Channel 9 gets even stronger. The Wests Tigers have won their last seven matches and have an impressive record at Leichhardt Oval this year. They have been blessed with the draw and the timing of their opponents during the winning run and it's hard to guage Wests form except to say they are now finding ways to win matches. The Roosters have been competitive in matches, but have been finding ways to lose them and lack the application to go the full 80 minutes. They have the forwards and physicality to match anyone in the game, however, with Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pearce they lack the halves to put teams away. The most dangerous player for the Roosters this year has been their likeable fullback Anthony Minichiello whilst Daniel Mortimer has been a creative spark for the Tricolours. I can see the Roosters putting in a good showing for about 60 minutes before the home-town calls get the Tigers home. I would be seriously temped to take the +8.0 line for the Roosters at $1.90 or even look at a Roosters first try scoring option paying $2.40. If you want greater odds take a punt on $9.00 for the Roosters to lead by 1-4 at half-time or Roosters/Wests Tigers half/full-time double.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

MANLY v MELBOURNE
The withdrawal of Billy Slater has rocked Melbourne's premiership campaign and last year Manly had both hands and one leg on the premiership trophy from a long way out and this year I can't see anything different. The Sea Eagles have quite simply lifted in the big games whilst they have coasted a little bit too much in the lesser games. Manly have the best roster in the competition and were left in fantastic shape by former coach Des Hasler despite the rabble of a board they have. Melbourne have the best 1-7-9 in the competition that takes them from spoon contenders to title contenders and without Slater they will go back to the mid-range field. Whack everything on Manly -3.5 paying $1.90 it's a better investment than spending $50 on Manly paying $2.00. Manly half/full-time double of $2.40 is also easy money. The Sea Eagles lift against the big opponents and they will see Melbourne despite being without Slater a big opponent.

Betstar: Shhh.. Betstar $2 Favs are back!

Your thoughts?