Origin is just around the corner so Round 13 is full of team changes and byes. Let’s discuss how the weekend is shaping up in the NRL.<\/p>\n
The Eels’ disappointing 42-26 defeat to the Rabbitohs on Friday marked their fifth consecutive loss. However, they might fancy their chances against a Sharks side missing several players due to Origin call-ups. Parramatta will also be without J’maine Hopgood, who\u2019s making his Origin debut. On the bright side, skipper Clint Gutherson (knee) and halfback Mitch Moses (foot) are back from injury and centre Will Penisini (infection) is also returning.<\/p>\n
Cronulla took a 42-0 beating at Shark Park on Saturday, revealing cracks in their defence. They’ll aim to simplify things when they face Parramatta with a new-look halves pairing on Thursday. The Sharks have won their last three games at CommBank Stadium. Braydon Trindall steps in for Nicho Hynes (NSW selection) and Jack Williams starts at lock, filling in for Cameron McInnes, who is also with the Blues.<\/p>\n
The Over is 6-1 in the last 7 games involving the Eels so I like the chances of a high-scoring affair to kick off the round.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Parramatta are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Cronulla are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 10, the Sharks are 5-3 against the Eels.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Over 48.5 = $1.87<\/a><\/p>\n Newcastle is fresh off a bye and they’re riding high after a fourth consecutive win in Magic Round, beating the Titans 28-24 with a hat-trick from David Armstrong. They’re aiming for a fifth straight victory but face a tough month ahead with star centre Bradman Best joining Kalyn Ponga and Tyson Gamble on the sidelines.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs smashed the Dragons 44-12 last Thursday night, but they\u2019ll lose Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton to Origin camp this week. However, halfback Toby Sexton’s performance against the Dragons showcased the Bulldogs’ depth this season. The Bulldogs have also won seven of their last nine games in Newcastle.<\/p>\n The Over is 10-0 in the last 10 games at this venue on Friday night and I think both sides can score 20+.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Newcastle are 8-2 in their last 10 games at this venue. Canterbury are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 10, the Knights hold a 6-4 record.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Over 43.5 = $1.80<\/a><\/p>\n The Panthers came back strong after a surprising loss to the Warriors, smashing the ladder-leading Sharks 42-0. However, with key players like Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards away at Blues camp and Nathan Cleary injured, the Panthers’ depth will be tested once again during the tricky Origin period. Fullback Daine Laurie, winger Jesse McLean, halfback Brad Schneider and back-rowers Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith step up as new faces in Ivan Cleary’s starting lineup. Despite these challenges, the Panthers have a strong record against the Dragons, winning their last six encounters.<\/p>\n On the flip side, the Dragons have been struggling lately, winning just one of their last four games and conceding a whopping 138 points in the process. Their chances of making the top eight are at risk if they can’t turn things around against the Panthers. With key players like Ben Hunt, Jaydn Su’A, and Zac Lomax absent due to representative duties, coach Shane Flanagan is turning to a new playmaking combination with Kyle Flanagan and Marschke. The Dragons’ recent history without halfback Ben Hunt doesn’t bode well either, as they’ve lost their last 10 games without him.<\/p>\n Despite missing Origin stars, I still like the Panthers at BlueBet Stadium. They’re 13-1 in their last 14 and the Dragons will likely struggle without Ben Hunt.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Penrith are 9-1 in their last 10 games at this venue. St. George are 0-3 at this venue since 2018.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Panthers are 6-0 against the Dragons since 2018.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Penrith Panthers -9.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n The Dolphins are eager to make a return to Kayo Stadium after a disappointing trip to NZ. Wayne Bennett’s squad suffered a narrow 24-20 defeat to the Warriors and are now eyeing a comeback when they face the Raiders. This will be the Dolphins’ first game at their Redcliffe base since they thrashed the Dragons 38-0 in Round 2. With three wins out of four at Kayo Stadium, they’re looking to keep their home record strong. Fullback Trai Fuller is expected to take the fullback position with Tabuai-Fidow on Queensland Origin duty.<\/p>\n The Raiders found themselves outplayed by a talented Roosters team, losing 44-16 at home last week. Canberra has had a rollercoaster season, grappling with injuries to key players, which has made it tough to find consistency. Despite these challenges, they currently hold the eighth spot on the ladder. A victory in this match would pull them level with the fourth-placed Dolphins on 16 points.<\/p>\n The Under has a perfect 4-0 record at this venue and I think both sides focus on their defence in this one.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Dolphins are 3-1 in their last 4 games at this venue. Canberra are 0-1 at this venue.<\/p>\nNewcastle Knights (7th) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (10th)<\/h3>\n
Penrith Panthers (2nd) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (12th)<\/h3>\n
Dolphins (4th) vs Canberra Raiders (8th)<\/h3>\n