My Best Best Bets - NRL Round 17
Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos @ Suncorp Stadium
BET = Melbourne Storm -3.5
1. The Storm rarely ever lose bac- to-back games under Craig Bellamy.
2. The Storm welcome back Slater, Chambers, Smith and Cronk to a side that actually played outstandingly well without them last week.
3. The Storm have won the last 6 against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
4. The Storm are the only side in the NRL with a positive win/loss against the Broncos, and it is a dominant one 27-13.
5. I just think the Storm bounce back here after a heartbreaking loss last week, and continue their great record at Suncorp.
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks @ Central Coast Stadium
BET = Over 38.5 Total Match Points
1. The Roosters are averaging over 24 points per game this year and are close to full strength for this clash.
2. Last season when the sides clashed, they combined for 52 points in Round 19 and 49 points in Round 25.
3. The Roosters have been involved in high scoring games of late, with 58 total points at Campbelltown and 49 in Adelaide last week.
4. It is similar for the Shark as they combined to put on 46 points in their game against the Tigers, before combining for 53 points with Manly last week.
5. I just think, on an afternoon game with fine weather due, both attacks can get on top here in an open and exciting game.
Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors @ NIB Stadium Perth
BET = Over 40.5 Points
1. Manly are an attacking powerhouse this year, with close to the best attack in the NRL averaging 24 points per game.
2. The Warriors have scored 107 points in their last 4 games at an average of over 25 points per game.
3. Over in Perth, both sides will have done plenty of travel so I’m not expecting defences to be getting on top.
4. Both these sides enjoy throwing the football around and playing an open and exciting brand of football.
5. Last season when the sides clashed in Round 6, the teams combined for 52 points.
Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys @ GIO Stadium Canberra
BET = Canberra Raiders - 4.5
1. This is a make or break game for the Raiders, because if they drop another game their finals chances are all but over.
2. The Cowboys were beaten convincingly 26-12 in Canberra last season.
3. The Cowboys have just won 1 from their last 4 games in Canberra.
4. Whilst the Cowboys have played quite well without Thurston this yea, their attack suffers, averaging less than 20 points per game.
5. I think the Raiders are due to put on a big display here - I think they can beat the Cowboys by double digits at home on a cold night in Canberra.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers @ ANZ Stadium
BET = Penrith Panthers -3.5
1. Penrith need to win this game to stay in touch with the Top 8.
2. Souths have only won back-to-back games once this season, and that was way back in Round 2 and Round 3.
3. The Panthers last 5 games have included 4 victories and a last minute loss to a strong Cowboys’ side in Townsville.
4. The Rabbitohs only 2 wins in the last 8 weeks have been against lowly opposition in the Tigers and Titans at home.
5. I just think Penrith will have too much class in this game for Souths. provided they turn up with the right attitude.