Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters

Thursday 2/9/21

The final round before finals sees one of the most critical games for the make-up of the top eight. The Raiders kept their season alive with last week’s come-from-behind win to beat the Warriors, while the Roosters capitulation against the Rabbitohs has them likely missing the top four. There’s not much splitting these two sides but the money has been all the way of the Roosters in the past few days, despite more injury worries. Most notably is Joey Manu’s absence which is a real hit to their attacking power. While the Roosters have won five of their past seven games against the Raiders, they’ll have to be at their absolute best here to continue that dominance. The Raiders go into this largely unchanged and are a side on the up – I like them to win this one.

Suggested bet: 2u Raiders win at $2.25

Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm

Friday 3/9/21

After missing out on extending their win streak to 20 when losing to the Eels last week, you’d think the Storm would want to rediscover winning form on the eve of the finals. But mastermind coach Craig Bellamy has elected to ring in the changes with several big names rested. It certainly makes you think twice about whether they are hungry to take the points here. Having said that, they still have the depth to put a strong side on the park, but the Sharks go in unchanged and have plenty to play for with a finals spot on the line. The Sharks also have a decent record against Melbourne, splitting the past 10 games (5-5). But that’s somewhat tempered by their recent three-game losing streak against the Storm. They should still be competitive here against the Storm’s B outfit.

Suggested bet: 1u Sharks win at $3.25 and 1u Sharks +9.5 at $1.90

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers

Friday 3/9/21

With four consecutive wins, the Panthers look right back on track for the premiership. I’m a little surprised the Eels are such a big price after toppling the all-conquering Storm last weekend, but they have rested some big guns despite a top four spot still not totally out of the question. Recent clashes between these two sides have mostly been very close, but there’s no arguing this Penrith side is much-improved. The Eels have now bagged two wins in a row and they won’t be keen to get wiped off the park on the eve of finals.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Eels +28.5 at $1.90

Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights

Saturday 4/9/21

The high-flying Knights have won five on the trot and will be keen to continue that success as they enter the finals series. They face a Broncos side which has shown signs of improvement in the latter half of the season. However, it’s been an uphill battle for the Broncos when facing the Knights in recent encounters, losing the past four. While a Knights win won’t move their spot for finals, they should be too classy for a Broncos side which is still on the road to recovery.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Knights -3.5 at $1.90

North Queensland Cowboys v Manly Sea Eagles

Saturday 4/9/21

Manly only needs one more win to sew up a double chance in the finals and they go in unchanged for this clash with the Cowboys. They’ve won four of their past five games against the Cowboys who have lost their last eight night matches. Manly will get the job done here, and while they are at rightful short odds, there has to a query on whether they’ll put the accelerator down with this match having no bearing on their finals position.

No suggested bet

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday 4/9/21

The Rabbitohs go into this clash against the Dragons without Latrell Mitchell and a swag of rested key players – but do they deserve to be such a big price? The Dragons will surely be lacking motivation after a season plagued with inconsistency and off-field controversies. The Rabbitohs have also won their past six games against the Dragons, and if they’re fair dinkum about being a premiership contender then they’ll want to go into finals on a winning note.

Suggested bet: 1u Rabbitohs win at $1.74

Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors

Sunday 5/9/21

If earlier results go their way, the Titans’ finals hopes could still be flickering when they meet the Warriors on Sunday. But they come into this off three straight losses and the Warriors have proven to be a formidable opponent when they find their best. The Warriors also welcome back a handy bunch of players and have won three of their past four against the Titans.

Suggested bet: 2u Warriors +11.5 at $1.90

Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bulldogs

Sunday 5/9/21

Not much to get excited about as the Tigers and Bulldogs battle it out to end the NRL minor rounds. Wests have won the past three encounters with the Bulldogs and I’m pretty keen on them extending that streak to four given they’ve been competitive against better sides in recent weeks. With several big names set to join the Bulldogs next year, there’s plenty of players who will be competing to keep their spot in season 2021 and I’m not sure that’ll be work in favour of the team’s cohesion.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Wests -7.5 at $1.90