NRL Betting Tips: Sunday Footy Round 8

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• Author: Alex Christodoulou
  May 02, 2019 07:01 PM
• AAP

Parra to repeat dose at new digs

Sunday's NRL action begins across the ditch, where the Warriors and Knights will be looking to build off impressive performances last round.

Then the Eels and Dragons face-off at the NRL's newest stadium, in what's expected to be a competitive contest.

Read on for our match previews and NRL betting tips. 

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights

NRL Odds: Warriors $1.57 (-4.5) / Knights $2.40 (+4.5)

Two teams who performed admirably in Round 7 face off here, when the Warriors welcome the Knights to Auckland.

As good as the Kiwi outfit were, it wasn't enough for the win. They suffered an agonizing 1-point defeat to the Storm in a game where many expected them to get towelled up by 30. 

That will give them confidence against a Newcastle side glad to be back in the winner's circle after handing Parramatta a 14-point reality check.

Why Warriors can win

Stephen Kearney's men displayed bags of courage and resilience in last week's ANZAC day clash.

Despite putting so much into that game only to come away with nothing, the long break to this game, as well as the return to Mt Smart Stadium will both stand them in good stead.

But the biggest positive is the talent the Warriors welcome back into the side, with RTS, David Fusitu'a and Blake Green all named to make their return.

If the Warriors don't fall into the trap of thinking that these three will get them over the line without having to put in the effort, then they'll win comfortably.

Why Knights can win

While the Knights were superb in the first 30 minutes of last week's win over Parra, it probably said more about the Eels than the home side.

And after the 30 minute mark, Newcastle started to show all the frailties that have cost them in 2019.

But nothing builds confidence like a win, and if they continue their forward momentum, there's no reason why they can't secure another.

Particularly if David Klemmer and Kalyn Ponga continue their terrific form.

They ran for a combined 362 metres in Round 7. A similar effort is needed here.

 Key NRL Stat

• The Warriors have won 5 of the past 6 meetings between these sides: New Zealand to win @ $1.57

 NRL Betting Tip: Warriors to cover the -4.5 point line @ $1.90

Reasoning: They always lift a gear at Mt Smart. If they do that again, they'll win easily.

  2018 media tipster champ: Warriors

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons

NRL Odds: Eels $1.85 (-1.5) / Dragons $1.95 (+1.5)

Eels fans must be scratching their heads after they followed up their 45-point win with a 14-point defeat.

The former was at their shiny new stadium, where they return for this clash.

Brad Arthur will be hoping to continue the dominance at Bankwest Stadium, and turn it into an imposing fortress.

The Dragons meanwhile will fancy their chances after a solid performance against the Roosters.

 

Why Eels can win

After their horror start to last week's game, the Eels showed plenty of fight, and were arguably the better side in the last 50 minutes.

 

But it's their Bankwest Stadium form they'll want to replicate.

At their only game at the ground, they piled fifty on against the Tigers, and are capable of doing the same again.

Especially if fullback and captain Clint Gutherson is in the mood.

He's started the season on fire, leading the comp in both metres run and linebreak assists, as his game goes from strength to strength.

 

Why Dragons can win

St George were fare from disgraced in their 10-point loss to the Roosters on ANZAC day.

Especially considering that they had just 41% of the possession.

If they see 50% of the ball here, then they have the forward pack to get on top and keep the ball in good attacking areas.

And against his old club, Corey Norman will look to play an inspirational role with his last tackle options.

His short kicking and passing game could prove the difference in what's expected to be a close game.

 Key NRL Stat

• Parramatta have won 7 of their last 8 meetings with the Dragons: Eels to win @ $1.85

 NRL Betting Tip: Eels to win @ $1.85

Reasoning: Save a 30-minute period last week, the Eels have been the better side in 2019 and should win at home.

  2018 media tipster champ: Dragons