PANTHERS v COWBOYS
Penrith should win comfortably, for two reasons. Nathan Cleary, say no more, and Isaah Yeo, who gives the Panthers an extra spine player. Cleary restores their composure in attack and most of all brings the best kicking game in the comp. Paul Alamoti is averaging a try a game.
RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS
Take the form out of this game. Local derbies never follow form so, given that, the price is wrong. Latrell Mitchell’s inclusion at centre gives Souths the deadliest left edge in the game. Isaiah Tass is $8.50 first try scorer on the left wing and $5.25 for two or more.
EELS v DRAGONS
I don’t like St George Illawarra when they’re favourites, and Parramatta have been steadily, albeit slowly, improving. Parra with +4.5 start, playing at home, is a nice bet.
TITANS v DOLPHINS
The Dolphins backline is brilliant but they lack the explosive fairway which could trouble the Titans. The Titans are full of power through the middle. The start of -4.5 is more than enough for the Titans to overcome. David Fifita for anytime tryscorer at $3.40.
BRONCOS v TIGERS
Best bet of the weekend is Brisbane -16.5 at $1.90. Crucially, the Tigers are without Jarome Luai and Broncos coach Michael Maguire will have his team timed to the minute against a team he carries some bad blood for.
SEA EAGLES v STORM
This one will be tight. Manly are tough to beat but will be without Tom Trbojevic. I like Storm to win but don’t think they will cover the start. Storm have won their last 13 off a loss. Manly will get off to a start at home, though, so a halftime-fulltime exotic I like is Manly-Melbourne at $7.50.
BULLDOGS v KNIGHTS
Newcastle are coming off a bye so will be fresh and the Bulldogs had a brutal game last week against Cronulla. The Knights with +6.5 start are a strong bet.
MY BEST BET
Brisbane -16.5 in to Penrith halftime-fulltime for $2.85.
