NRL Round 2 - My Best Bets (20 Unit Bank)

NRL Round 2 - My Best Bets - 20 Unit Bank

RUNNING TALLY = - 13 Units

Note - TAB Odds used at the time of publication
 
New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
5 UNIT BET = Gold Coast Titans +8.5 @ $1.85
 
I'm a little bit baffled by this start as I think the Titans are capable of giving the Warriors plenty of headaches here. I know the Warriors have a great record against the Titans; however in New Zealand generally these are always generally very close games. The Titans showed last week they have a potent attack, so even if they don’t win this game, I expect them to trade tries and keep this game close. 
 
MULTI BET = 4 Unit Bet @ $4.59
 
Melbourne Storm $1.16
Sydney Roosters $1.32
Canberra Raiders $1.62
Gold Coast Titans +8.5 $1.85
 
Taking a few shorties at home in the Storm, Roosters and Raiders against three of last year’s Bottom 6 teams. Expecting the Roosters and Raiders to be desperate for a win after losing first up, and the Storm love milestone games for Billy’s 300th. Titans there for the value. 
 
Cronulla Sharks v St. George Dragons @ Southern Cross Group Stadium
 
4 UNIT BET = Sweet Spot (Cronulla Sharks +8.5 and St. George Illawarra Dragons +12.5) @ $1.75
 
Traditionally these two local rivals like to go toe-to-toe in low scoring and physical games. With a bit of murky conditions around Sydney, and a night game, a slippery surface should see both defences try to get on top. Last year when the sides clashed, the Dragons won 16-10 at Shark Park, before the Sharks snuck home 18-14 at Kogarah. So expecting this game to go right down to the wire, with the winner prevailing by a try or less. 
 
Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys @ Suncorp Stadium
 
4 UNIT BET = Sweet Spot (Brisbane Broncos +14.5 and NQ Cowboys +6.5) @ $1.75
 
Tempted to back the Broncos here, however I think the safer bet is to take the Sweet Spot as I still think the Cowboys have a far more dominant forward pack on paper. I just can’t see a Wayne Bennett coached side being blown out two weeks in a row, particularly playing back at home. Expecting a huge reaction from the Broncos here, and given the gulf in class, if they do sneak home for a win, I can't see it being by more than 6 points. 
 
Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights @ Canberra Stadium
 
3 UNIT  BET = Canberra Raiders - 3.5 @ $1.85
 
The Raiders would have been chewing on wasps all week, after coughing up not one, but two 18-point leads against the Titans last week. Despite the loss, they showed when they get a roll on, that forward pack can really steamroll through the middle. Back at home on a fast track, I expect them to give the Knights some problems, who, despite winning last week, have been awful on the road the past couple of years.