Rugby League Betting Round 17, 2009

By Nick Haslem - July 3, 2009  

Round 17 of the National Rugby League kicks off tonight in what should be an interesting round. Several questions will be asked this round and we should find out who the contenders and the pretenders are.

Tonight (Friday) sees the Broncos take on the Warriors up at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos have been in terrible form of late and haven’t shown much promise at all. The Warriors aren’t much better though, and have had poor away form all season. Sportsbet have the Broncos paying $1.40 and the Warriors at $3.00. I can’t see the Broncos losing this one in front of their home crowd. While the $1.40 is short, it’s a safe bet.

The 2nd game of Friday night in round 17 of the NRL sees the competition leaders vs the cellar dwellers. The Dragons are up against the Roosters in what should be a formality for the mighty Dragons. Sportsbet have them at $1.21 and the Roosters at $4.60. They Roosters have been surrounded by even more controversy this week with two players involved in a fight at a Sydney night club. I predict an easy win for the Dragons as they solidify their position at the top of the table.

Saturday Night Games

The first game kicks off at 5:30 and is one of the closest match ups of the round. Souths are playing the Tigers at ANZ Stadium. Sportsbet confirm how close this game is by placing the Rabbitohs at $1.85 and Wests at $1.95. This game is being built up as Souths last chance to make a run into the top 8 at the backend of the 2009 season. My prediction is that the Tigers will get up in a close one.

The next game on the cards in between the Cowboys and the Sharks up at Dairy Farmers Stadium. This game is pretty straight forward and one that will be easily won by North Queensland. Sportsbet have them at $1.20 and the Sharks at $4.50. You can’t go wrong by jumping on the Cowboys here.

The last game of Saturday night is in Melbourne with the Storm taking on the Knights. Melbourne are a shorts priced favourite at $1.36. The Knights are paying $3.15. I don’t think these odds reflect how close this match will be. Granted, it is being played down south, but there is only one point separating these two teams of the NRL ladder. My top value bet of the week would be to get on the Knights here. They have shown all year they are capable of upsets and punters continually write them off. Newcastle will put up more than a good fight in this one. The Storm aren’t as good as the once were.

Sunday Games

Canberra are playing the Titans at home in an interesting match up. The Raiders are favourites which I believe is strongly on the back of last weeks win against the Storm at home. This is a great chance to get on a top team like the Titans at good odds. The Raiders have been up and down all year and haven’t shown any signs of consistency. Rogers is out for the Titans but they can win with out him. Sportsbet have the Green Machine at $1.50 and the Gold Coast at $2.60. Get on the Titans. Great opportunity here.

The second game on Sunday is the battle of the West. The Panthers shape up against the resurgent Eels outfit. Out of the two teams, Parramatta look the good in this one. The odds are close with the Panthers at $1.85 and Eels at $1.95. Parramatta will get up in what some will regard as a minor upset.

Monday Night NRL Game

Monday night footy this week is an absolute cracker. Manly are at home to the top of the table Bulldogs. I am looking forward to this one in what will be a huge test for both teams. Whoever comes out on top of this one will stamp authority all over this competition. Sportsbet have Manly at $1.72 and the Doggies at $2.15. The Sea Eagles are hard to beat at home but you can’t argue with the Dogs this season. They grind out wins, week in, week out. They will find a way to win this one. It will be a tight, tough game and will test them in all facets of the game. Watch this game as it will be a stormer of a game.

Best Rugby League Bet in Round 17 Get on the Titans to beat the Raiders down in Canberra. It is paying unbeatable value on Sportsbet at $2.60. Get on it.

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