The Dogs have been on fire in recent weeks, winning four of their last five games, three of those against top-eight teams.
The key to their success has been none other than young-gun Lachlan Lewis, who has continued to impress since his round 16 debut.
Although Cronulla are hitting their straps at the right time of the year, they do look vulnerable coming up against another in-form team who have nothing to lose.
The Sharks could know their top-four fate before they run on the field this week, with victories for the Bunnies and Chooks all but ensuring they'll finish in fourth.
If that’s the case, don’t be surprised to see a very subdued Cronulla side hit the park this Sunday afternoon.
M Moylan (Sharks)
K Flanagan (Sharks)
Fine and 14 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Bulldogs 17.8 / Sharks 21.3
Average points conceded: Bulldogs 19.3 / Sharks 17.6
The Sharks have won four of their last five encounters with the Dogs
13 of the Sharks 15 wins have been by a margin of 1-12: Sharks 1-12 @ $3.25
Valentine Holmes (3) leads the Sharks in first try scorers this season: Valentine Holmes first try @ $8.00
Clashes at ANZ Stadium have averaged 37.1 total match points: 'Under' match line of 42.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Bulldogs to win by a margin of 1-12 @$ 4.00
Reasoning: The Bulldogs are in fine form and are a huge hope catching the Sharks on the back-foot. The Sharks have had a long week in the headlines which is likely to take it's toll.
Brisbane continued on their merry way last week, with a dominant display over premiership favourites the Sydney Roosters.
A fortnight ago, alarm bells were ringing in Brisbane. Then true to form, Wayne Bennett managed to work miracles, achieving a huge form reversal which now sees the Broncos as genuine premiership contenders.
Although they possess an awful win record of 5 from 11 against bottom-eight teams, motivation will all be at an all-time high this week, with a win likely to earn the Broncos an all-important home final.
As for Manly, it’s been a year they’d rather forget, and they are still yet to endure another 80-minutes on-the-road against one of the in-form premiership contenders.
Beware Sea Eagles fans. If your forwards don’t roll up their sleeves, this could get ugly fast.
J Turpin (Broncos), T Paseka (Sea Eagles)
A Mc Cullough (Broncos), J Taufua (Sea Eagles)
Fine and 20 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored per game: Broncos 22.1 / Sea Eagles 21.0
Average points conceded per game: Broncos 21.0 / Sea Eagles 25.0
The Broncos have won their last four at Suncorp Stadium against the Sea Eagles
Key NRL Betting Stats
10 of the Broncos 14 wins have been by a margin of 1-12: Broncos 1-12 @ $3.25
Corey Oates (4) leads both teams in first try scorers this season: Corey Oates? first try scorer @ $7.50
Clashes at Suncorp Stadium have averaged 45.2 total match points: 'Over' match line of 44.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Broncos to cover the line of -10.5 @$1.90
Reasoning: Brisbane have been a class above in recent weeks and now face the Sea Eagles who are coming off consecutive losses. The Broncos have all the momentum leading into this game and should put plenty of points on the Sea Eagles.
Sep 02, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
