Round 12 kicks off at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night with the Broncos heavily favoured to do a number on Parramatta. The Eels have been nothing short of awful for much of the season and are hoping that a change in halves pairing will spark a revival.
Potentially the game of the round will be played Friday evening at GIO Stadium, where the Raiders host an inform Sea Eagles side who are looking to make it three in-a-row. The Raiders will be hoping they recapture form in front of a vocal home crowd.
The late game sees the replay of the 2017 Grand Final played at 1300 Smiles Stadium with the Cowboys home to the Storm. Neither team have been inspiring this season and a win in this game could be the springboard to success in 2018.
The Broncos got the rub of the green in last week’s clash against the Chooks and have found an uncanny ability to win the close encounters this season. Now just one position outside the top eight, Brisbane will be looking to sneak their way in by week's end.
Unfortunately for the Blue and Gold army, their team yet again failed to launch against an understrength Warriors outfit in round 11. Coach Brad Arthur has taken drastic measures, switching Corey Norman to Fullback and Clint Gutherson to five-eighth for this week’s encounter.
Brisbane will again be without enforcer Josh McGuire who failed a fitness test earlier in the week. Korbin Sims will be replaced by George Fai whilst Jordan Kahu returns from injury replacing Tom Opacic in the centres.
In a blow to Parramatta, they'll be without veteran Beau Scott who suffered a season-ending ACL injury, with Siosaia Vave earning a recall.
Key NRL stats
The Eels are 0-6 away from home in 2018.
Each of the Broncos' 6 wins this season has been with a margin of 1-12.
5 of 6 Broncos' home games this season have resulted in ‘OVER’ total match points.
NRL Betting Tip: Broncos to win by a margin of 1-12 points @ $3
Reasoning: The Broncos have been hot and cold all year and have so far failed to win a game by a margin of 13+. Expect the Eels to show some spark with a reshuffle in the halves and be competitive enough to finish within 12 points.
The Raiders have once again hit a flat spot after losing consecutive games to the Sharks and Dragons. Unfortunately for Canberra fans, their record at home is lacklustre and really hasn't provided any benefit in 2018.
A loss here could well signal the end of the Raiders' top eight aspirations as they will find themselves six points out of the top eight and up against the high-flying Panthers at home next week followed by the Tigers and Broncos away.
Trent Barrett has seemingly performed a miracle at Brookvale, having defeated the Broncos and the Storm away from home in the past two weeks following a run of five consecutive losses.
With State of Origin selection beckoning, expect to see another big game from Daly Cherry-Evans and the Trbojevic brothers.
Canberra will be without Joe Tapine through suspension with his spot filled by Liam Knight.
Manly will be without Dylan Walker for up to six weeks through injury, with Trent Hodkinson moving into five-eighth. The suspended Api Koroisau is a big loss for the Sea Eagles, with Lewis Brown billed with the task of filling in at hooker.
Key NRL stats
The Sea Eagles are 2 from 2 as underdogs when playing interstate in 2018.
2 of the past 3 clashes between these two sides have gone to golden point.
Combined, both teams have an average of 44.5 total match points per game this season.
NRL Betting Tip: Sea Eagles to win head-to-head @ $2.10
Reasoning: With Manly's top line stars all pushing for State of Origin selection, it's unlikely they'll take the foot off the pedal. They come up against a Raiders side who just aren't reliable.
It would be a surprise if the Raiders won, however, the $2.10 is value considering the recent form-lines between the two teams and how poor the Raiders record has been at home this year.
Melbourne were clearly missing their leader Cameron Smith last week and will be grateful for his return as they head to Townsville for the 2017 Grand Final rematch.
The Storm's spine hasn't been at their best in 2018 and a loss here could easily see them slip out of the top eight by week's end.
The Cowboys stole defeat from the jaws of victory last week against Souths and looked a shattered group at the full-time siren. In a good sign for coach Paul Green, the Rabbitohs players were vocal in commending the intensity of the Cowboys which may indicate that they are rediscovering some form.
Read into that what you will, however there is no denying that the Cows built a solid platform in that match and they have the cattle to go up another gear this weekend.
This encounter will provide a great platform for Michael Morgan and incumbent Cameron Munster to face off for the coveted Maroon five-eighth jersey. Both have been short of their best in 2018 and will see this as an opportunity to make a statement to Kevin Walters.
Melbourne welcome back skipper Cameron Smith, Jessie Bromwich, Sam Kasiano and Young Tonumaipea, with Ryan Hoffman, Harry Grant and Christian Welch dropped to reserves and Curtis Scott suspended.
North Queensland remain unchanged from last week.
Key NRL stats
Melbourne have won 7 of their last 8 Friday night games by a margin of 13+.
The Storm have won their past 7 encounters against the Cowboys.
The last 4 encounters between the two at 1300 Smiles Stadium has resulted in UNDER the total match points line.
NRL Betting Tip: Cowboys to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $3.60
Reasoning: Throw the form guide out the window! This clash is personal and there is no doubt the Cowboys will be up for this.
With bragging rights and Origin spots up for offer, the likes of Morgan and Thurston will stand and deliver against their rivals. The home ground advantage is significant and will be enough of an edge to get them over the line.
May 24, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
