NRL Round 25 Preview

By John Frangulis - August 28, 2009  

Interesting results last week, with the Rabbitohs dropping out of finals contention after their loss to the Panthers. The Titans assured themselves of a top 4 berth, the Bulldogs and Dragons fighting it out for the minor premiership after the former won and the latter lost. There are now 8 teams vying for the final 5 spots in the top 8. At the other end of the ladder, the hapless Roosters and Sharks are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.

Eels v Panthers – Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm
Team news: Parramatta are expected to be as named, with no injury clouds over the squad.
The Panthers have 2 to drop off their extended bench, with Cooper and Grant the most likely. No injury worries for the mountain men either.
Game news: Crunch game for both clubs with the loser most likely to miss the semi-finals. The Eels are gunning for their 7th straight win, matched only by the Dragons earlier this season. On form, you would have to go for the Eels, they have been irresistible during the last 2 months. The Panthers’ defence has more holes than Swiss cheese which Hayne and company will exploit ruthlessly. Expect plenty of points with the Eels prevailing.
Tip: Eels by 10
Odds: Eels – $1.36, Panthers – $3.00
Footy TAB: Panthers +8.5
Best bets: Safety – Eels @ $1.36, Value bet – Over 42.5 points @ $1.90

Cowboys v Broncos – Dairy Farmers Stadium 7:30pm
Team news: Matt Bowen is out for the season with Ty Williams to play fullback and Shannon Hegarty coming onto the wing. Ashley Graham is also in doubt, with Ben Harris on standby. Steve Rapira is most likely to drop off the extended bench.
For the Broncos, Israel Folau has been cleared to make his long awaited return from injury. Josh McGuire and Joel Clinton will drop off the bench.
Game news: The Cowboys gave up a huge lead last week against the Knights which has probably ruined their chances of making the top 8. If last week wasn’t dire straits, then this week sure is. A loss here and they can start planning Mad Monday celebrations. The Broncos have won 3 straight and will be looking at wrapping up a spot in the 8 this week. I fancy the Cowboys here given it’s their last stand.
Tip: Cowboys by 2
Odds: Cowboys – $2.65, Broncos – $1.45
Footy TAB: Cowboys +6.5
Best bets: Safety – Cowboys +12.5 pts @ $1.47, Value bet – Either team under 6.5 @ $3.20

Titans v Tigers – Skilled Stadium 5:30pm
Team news: Ashley Harrison is set to return from an injury layoff in time for finals footy. Esi Tonga is out for the season with a shoulder complaint and is replaced by Sam Tagataese. Josh Graham, Will Matthews and Chris Walker to drop off the bench.
The Tigers have been decimated by injuries. Beau Ryan and Taniela Tuiaki are both out. Blake Ayshford and Chris Heighington have not trained all week and are in big doubt. Bryce Gibbs has been suspended for 3 games for this incident. Dene Halatau comes into the squad, Rhys Pritchard is on standby for Blake Ayshford and Daine Laurie could come in for Gibbs.
Game news: The Titans are travelling smoothly but were lacklustre in their game against the Sharks the previous week. The Tigers must now win their remaining matches to stand a chance of making the 8. Their disrupted preparation will not help nor will their injuries, but I am expecting them to keep it close.
Tip: Titans by 8
Odds: Titans – $1.36, Tigers – $3.00
Footy TAB: Tigers +8.5
Best bets: Safety – Tigers +12.5 pts @ $1.58, Titans 1-12 @ $3.10

Storm v Roosters – Olympic Park 7:30pm
Team news: Greg Inglis will return to the line-up (Storm that is) in place of Dane Nielsen.
The Roosters have Seitamata Sa in doubt. Ben Jones will take his place if he is ruled with Nick Kouparitsas coming onto the bench.
Game news: The Storm hasn’t lost 3 in a row for a long time and I’m not expecting it to happen now. The Roosters will need a miracle to win here.
Tip: Storm by 16
Odds: Storm – $1.08, Roosters – $7.00
Footy TAB: Roosters +18.5
Best bets: Safety – Storm 13+ @ $1.40, Value bet – Tomane / Mel 13+ (FTS into Margin) @ $11.00

Rabbitohs v Dragons – ANZ Stadium 7:30pm
Team news: Beau Falloon is expected to be replaced on the bench by Toyota Cup captain Jason Clark.
Neville Costigan is still in doubt but is expected to play. Jon Green and Jason Nightingale are expected to drop off the bench.
Game news: The Dragons have lost their last 2 games to give the Bulldogs a sniff of the minor premiership that looked done and dusted a month ago. The Rabbits are now out of contention and have nothing to play for.
Tip: Dragons by 18
Odds: Dragons – $1.10, Rabbitohs – $6.00
Footy TAB: Rabbitohs +18.5
Best bets: Safety – Dragons 13+ @ $1.50, Value bet – Brett Morris first try scorer @ $5.50

Sea Eagles v Sharks – Brookvale Oval 2:00pm
Team news: Brett Stewart makes his long awaited return, with Robertson moving to the wing and Ben Farrar to the centres to fill the void left by Jamie Lyon. Tony Williams is set to drop off the bench.
The Sharks are expected to be as per program.
Game news: Everything points to a Manly win. Expect the usual competitiveness early from the Sharkies, but the floodgates should open in the second half.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 30
Odds: Sea Eagles – $1.05, Sharks $9.00
Footy TAB: Sharks +23.5
Best bets: Safety – Manly 13+ @ $1.30, Value bet – Stewart / Manly 13+ (FTS into Margin) @ 7.50

Bulldogs v Warriors – ANZ Stadium 3:00pm
Team news: Ben Roberts is in doubt with Daniel Holdsworth on standby.
The Warriors have been rocked by more injuries, with Kevin Locke definitely out and Wade McKinnon under a cloud joining Steve Price and Simon Mannering on the sidelines.
Game news: It is Hazem El Masri’s last home game and officials are expecting a bumper crowd of nearly 40,000. The Warriors have too many injuries and with Hannant back, the Dogs should be too strong.
Tip: Bulldogs by 36
Odds: Bulldogs $ 1.09, Warriors – $7.00
Footy TAB: Warriors +19.5
Best bets: Safety – Bulldogs 13 @ $1.40, Value bet – Bulldogs 30+ @ $2.50

Raiders v Knights– Canberra 7:00pm
Team news: Glenn Buttriss will drop off the interchange bench for the Raiders, who will be as named. There is talk that Tom Learoyd-Lahrs could possibley make a return.
The Knights have Cory Paterson and Ben Rogers in doubt with Karawana set to replace the former.
Game news: The Raiders have nothing to play for and the Knights have it all to play for. I’m going the Knight in a tight game.
Tip: Knights by 7
Odds: Raiders – $1.90, Knights $6.00
Footy TAB: Knights +2.5
Best bets: Safety – Knights +12.5 @ $1.20, Value bet – Either team under 6.5 @ $ 2.85