NRL
ALL the prices for the Suncorp Stadium rematch between Melbourne and Gold Coast are saying the same thing – do not expect lightning to strike twice. Last year, the Titans sprang a 38-36 upset win over the Storm as part of the annual NRL double-header on the hallowed turf.
But the $1.18 for Melbourne to take care of the struggling Gold Coast and the 14.5 points start for the Titans – the secondbiggest line for the NRL season – all point to a Storm win to atone for a disappointing performance against the Dragons last week. Punters are also having trouble deciding who they can trust out of Brisbane and Manly in the other game of the doubleheader.
The strife-riddled Sea Eagles have lost their past five but showed some improvement against the Roosters last week. Meanwhile, Brisbane have been less than convincing but have battled hard to overcome halftime deficits to earn wins over South Sydney and Canterbury in the past fortnight.
The Broncos are technically the “away’’ side this weekend and are $1.55 favourites to salute over Manly ($2.50) at Suncorp Stadium.
New Zealand’s record without Shaun Johnson is nothing short of putrid and it is no surprise they have been the big drifters with Ladbrokes this weekend after the playmaker was ruled out because of injury.
The Roosters have been backed from $2.30 into $2.10 since Johnson was sidelined but it should not be forgotten that the Warriors flogged the Roosters without their star halfback earlier this season. Some punters are yet to be convinced by the laddertopping Dragons and 75 per cent of the early money has been for the Rabbitohs. South Sydney have been wound in from $2.75 to $2.60, while St George Illawarra are out to $1.52 after opening at $1.44.