NRL Round 8 Footy Tips
Rabbitohs vs Panthers
This NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Penrith Panthers looks to be a competitive contest based on the match facts and individual information. Yet, in terms of recent form and head-to-head record, the Penrith Panthers appear to have the upper hand, having won 10 of their last 11 games against the Rabbitohs. Despite a close call against the Knights last week, the Panthers were able to seal a victory thanks to their star halfback, while Souths defeated the Dolphins easily.
Despite failing to cover the line in their last six games against reigning premiers, South Sydney has won each of their last 19 April games. Furthermore, Stephen Crichton has had in outstanding form against the Rabbitohs, scoring a try in seven of their last eight meetings. Cody Walker and Campbell Graham, on the other side, have been significant try scorers for South Sydney, while Izack Tago has also been in terrific form for the Panthers.
With Liam Martin out due to a hamstring injury, Scott Sorensen will step in for the Panthers, while Michael Chee Kam will enter the Souths side. This game will be won by the Penrith Panthers by a score of 24-18. The Panthers are a solid squad that has a good record against the Rabbitohs, and they have the firepower to outscore their opponents. South Sydney, on the other hand, is sure to put up a fight and may even score a few tries of their own.
To summarise, this NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Penrith Panthers is expected to be a thrilling and closely contested affair. Yet, based on previous performance and the head-to-head record, I anticipate the Panthers will win 24-18.
Betting Tip: Panthers
Suggested Bet: Panthers WINNING MARGIN 1-12
Eels vs Broncos
The Parramatta Eels will be pumped to face the Brisbane Broncos in the ANZAC round of football. Parramatta has won six of eight games at TIO Stadium, including a 46-6 thrashing of the Broncos in 2021. Although the Broncos are league leaders and have a stronger lineup with the return of Corey Oates and Thomas Flegler, they may struggle against a confident Eels side that includes hooker Josh Hodgson.
Parramatta has won six of their last seven games against the Broncos, and seven of their last eight at TIO Stadium have gone under the total match points line. Furthermore, Maika Sivo has been the first try-scorer in each of Parramatta’s previous three games against Brisbane, and she has scored two tries in four of their last six. Selwyn Cobbo and Jordan Riki have been in good form as well, scoring in their last few games.
As a result, given on their current form and head-to-head record, the Parramatta Eels should win this game 24-18. Outside of Sydney, the Eels have covered the line in each of their last five games against Brisbane, and Brisbane has a lot to show after their first loss of the season. Clinton Gutherson has also performed admirably, scoring at least one try in five of Parramatta’s previous six games against Brisbane.
Betting Tip: Eels
Suggested Bet: Eels WINNING MARGIN 1-12
Bulldogs vs Sharks
The Canterbury Bulldogs are in difficulty heading to their encounter against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday. Despite a strong start to the season, they’ve lost two games in a row and have a growing injury list. Meanwhile, the Sharks are coming off a win over the Roosters and are hoping to extend their dominance against the Bulldogs, having won nine of their last eleven games. The Sharks are the strong favourites for this game, with Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora in good form.
If the Bulldogs want to keep this game close, they’ll need to strengthen their defence, as the Sharks have covered the line in 10 of their last 11 away games. The Bulldogs’ injury list, which includes crucial players such as Josh Addo-Carr and Luke Thompson, only complicates matters. The Sharks have previously scored tries against Canterbury, with Sione Katoa scoring at least one try in each of his three prior games against them.
In reality, the Bulldogs will struggle to keep up with the Sharks and will most likely come up short. The total match points line of 41.5 implies a low-scoring affair, but the Sharks’ attacking prowess may result in a higher scoreline. I anticipate a Cronulla Sharks 28-14 Canterbury Bulldogs final score, with the Sharks covering the line and extending their winning streak over the Bulldogs.
Betting Tip: Sharks
Suggested Bet: Sharks WINNING MARGIN 13+
Cowboys vs Knights
The North Queensland Cowboys have had a difficult start to the season, but they have an opportunity to turn things around against the Newcastle Knights. The Knights will be trying to make up for recent tight losses with the return of Kalyn Ponga. History, on the other hand, is on the Cowboys’ side, with the home team covering the spread in each of the last six meetings between these two clubs.
The Cowboys will be missing Jason Taumalolo, but they still have plenty of firepower, including Valentine Holmes, who has scored a try in nine of his previous ten games against the Knights. Murray Taulagi is also in fine form, having scored at least one try in each of his last ten games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium at night.
The Knights will be without Brodie Jones due to injury, but they will be bolstered by the return of Jacob Saifiti. Tyson Frizell has also been in fine form, scoring a try in three of Newcastle’s previous four games.
With the Cowboys’ good home record against the Knights and the return of Kalyn Ponga to the Newcastle roster, I expect a close encounter with the North Queensland Cowboys winning 26-22.
Betting Tip: Cowboys
Suggested Bet: Cowboys WINNING MARGIN 1-12
Dolphins vs Titans
The Dolphins will face the Titans in their first Queensland derby this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the Dolphins losing last weekend, they have the advantage in this match because the Titans have lost their last six games against Queensland clubs. The Dolphins are in a good position to win now that Felise Kaufusi has returned from his suspension. Furthermore, the Dolphins have covered the spread in five of their past seven games and have gone over the total match points line in four of their last five games.
In terms of players, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored in six of the Dolphins’ last seven games, and Kodi Nikorima has scored a try in each of his four previous home games against Gold Coast. To avoid losing early, the Titans must keep an eye on these two individuals. While the Titans have several good players, such as Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira, who has scored two tries in three of their previous four games, the Dolphins are the betting favourite.
Realistically, I foresee a Dolphins-Titans final score of 28-16, with the Dolphins covering the spread and going over the total match points line. The Dolphins should be able to win at home given their recent play and the Titans’ terrible record against Queensland clubs.
Betting Tip: Dolphins
Suggested Bet: Dolphins HEAD-to-HEAD
Tigers vs Sea Eagles
The Wests Tigers will face the Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers have had a disastrous start to the season, losing their first six games and failing to cover the line in eight of their last nine day contests at Campbelltown. Manly, on the other hand, is coming off a convincing win over Melbourne and has won both halves in three of their last four meetings with the Tigers.
Although the Tigers fought hard in their last game against Parramatta, they were dealt a severe setback when top player Adam Doueihi was injured. With Manly’s Josh Schuster and Reuben Garrick back in the lineup, it’s difficult to see the Tigers picking up their first win of the season.
The final score should be 24-12 in favour of the Sea Eagles. To turn their season around and prevent another loss, the Tigers will need to put forth a massive effort. Yet, with Manly’s form and player statistics pointing to a win, the Sea Eagles appear to be the favourites in this encounter.
Betting Tip: Sea Eagles
Suggested Bet: Sea Eagles HEAD-to-HEAD
Roosters vs Dragons
According to the match stats, the Sydney Roosters appear to have a clear advantage over the St. George Illawarra Dragons. The Roosters have a winning record against the Dragons after seven consecutive home victories. Furthermore, with the Roosters covering the line in seven of their past nine home matches and four of their last five games going under the overall match points line, they have a strong defence that can keep the Dragons from scoring many points.
Judging at the statistics, it appears that the Roosters will win easily, possibly by a double-digit margin. With their impressive performance at home, the Roosters’ current line of -12.5 appears legitimate, and I anticipate them to cover this line. Given the Roosters’ strong defensive record, it seems reasonable to expect the overall match points to remain under 41.5.
Overall, the Roosters appear to be the clear favourites in this clash. Based on the statistical data, I believe the Roosters will win by a score of roughly 24-10.
Betting Tip: Roosters
Suggested Bet: Roosters WINNING MARGIN 13+
Storm vs Warriors
According to the statistics, the Melbourne Storm is the superior team in this clash. Melbourne’s superiority over their opponents is apparent, having won 13 consecutive games against the New Zealand Warriors. The betting odds reflect this, with Melbourne clearly favoured to win.
But, Melbourne has failed to cover the spread in their last 16 games as a favourite, and the Warriors have a history of causing upsets. The Warriors will put up a fight, but Melbourne’s better form and record indicate that they will win.
With six of Melbourne’s last night matchups going under the total match points line, this game is likely to be low-scoring. The total points line of 42.5 appears to be rather high, suggesting a final score of about 20-10 in favour of Melbourne.
Overall, Melbourne Storm’s record against the New Zealand Warriors, as well as their present form, make them the clear favourites to win this game.
Betting Tip: Storm
Suggested Bet: Storm HEAD-to-HEAD
This Weeks NRL Multi
- Eels
- Cowboys
- Sea Eagles
- Roosters
- Storm
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