My Best 5 Bets for NRL Round 13
1. Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights @ AAMI Park
BET = Under 44.5 Total Match Points
1. Last season the sides met twice and there was only a combined 32 points in Melbourne and 36 points in Newcastle.
2. The Knights usually play the Storm close, having won 3 from the past 6 and lost 2 narrowly.
3. The Storm are a great defensive outfit, conceding just an average of 15 points per game.
4. The Storm’s Origin players may be rested, or far from their best, on the quick back up.
5. I just think this game might be a bit closer and lower scoring than people think, with the Knights putting up a fight.
2. Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors @ ANZ Stadium
BET = Over 38.5 Total Match Points
1. The Warriors have conceded over 30 points on their last 2 visits to Australia.
2. On the flip side, this is usually the time of year the Warriors attack clicks into gear and they were impressive in scoring 28 points last week.
3. Last time the sides clashed there were 58 points scored in total.
4. Dry weather all week in Sydney should mean a surface conducive to attacking football.
5. I just think this game will be quite fast and open, with both sides capable of scoring 20+ points.
3. St. George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium
BET = St. George Illawarra Dragons - 10.5
1. Earlier this season when the side clashed the Dragons ran out convincing winners by 22 points.
2. The Tigers last 2 losses have been heavy by 20 points and 36 points.
3. The Tigers have scored just 24 points in their last 3 games at an average of 8 per game.
4. I expect Dugan and Widdop to be late inclusions which gives the Dragons attack a whole lot more punch.
5. I just can't see anything other than a big Dragon win here. The Tigers have shown nothing of late and the Dragons will want to push for a Top 4 spot.
BET = Gold Coast Titans +6.5
1. Earlier this year, the Titans lost by only 6 on the Gold Coast and that was a game they were missing several players, including Jarryd Hayne.
2. The Cowboys will still be without Johnathan Thurston and they are not the same side without him.
3. The Cowboys have been patchy at home this year with a couple of poor losses, whilst the Titans have beaten the Sharks and Storm away from home lately.
4. I think the Titans will have been embarrassed by their performance against the Sea Eagles and will be much better here.
5. I am not convinced the Titans can win, however I think this game is a coin flip, and the 6.5 start the Cowboys are giving away is too much.
5. Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders @ Lottoland
BET = Canberra Raiders - 1.5
1. I think the Raiders will be intent on revenge here after losing on Golden Point to the Sea Eagles and coughing up a late lead in the match in Canberra.
2. This is about the time for the Raiders go on a roll and, having won 2 straight and with a full strength outfit, I think they are starting to build a bit of momentum.
3. The Eagles were great against the Gold Coast, however coming off a bye and without Tom Trbojevic, they could be a little vulnerable.
4. The Eagles have been really poor at Lottoland this year, having won just 1 from 5 starts there.
5. I think this game will be relatively close, but I just think the Raiders have the better side and can win despite being on the road.
4. North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans @ 1300 Smiles Stadium