The Easter long weekend brings us a feast of NRL action, which, with the spate of recent upsets, is bound to be another nightmare for tippers. We start the round with Kieran Foran’s first grade coaching debut before Good Friday promises two cracking contests. If the Rabbitohs taking on the Bulldogs doesn’t excite you, then surely the Panthers taking on the Storm will.
Good luck with your tips.
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Thursday, April 2
Kayo Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ray Stone 17. Francis Molo 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Trai Fuller Reserves: 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu
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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Clayton Faulalo 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Paul Bryan 19. Josh Feledy Reserves: 20. Joey Walsh 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Blake Wilson
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Phil Henderson, Tyson Brough
Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Dolphins swim back to Recliffe for this one, battered and bruised after being bullied by their big brother Brisbane last week. The Sea Eagles were competitive at times against the Roosters, but decided the reason for their poor start to the season was coach Anthony Seibold, so he was sent packing. Former player Kieran Foran has been handed his first ever first grade coaching clipboard and faces a tough test against the dangerous Dolphins. Will we see a coach sacking performance spike from the Sea Eagles?
Tip: Dolphins by 8
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $1.35 (-10.5 $1.95) Sea Eagles $3.15 (+10.5 $1.83)
Friday, April 3
Accor Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa Reserves: 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Latrell Siegwalt
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Lipoi Hopoi Reserves: 21. Jake Turpin 22. Logan Spinks 23. Jonathan Sua
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Matt Noyen
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Rabbitohs had last week off to prepare for this Good Friday classic, while the Bulldogs were knocked onto the back foot early by the Knights’ forwards and turned into a complete rabble around the halves after that. Master coach Wayne Bennett will have the Bunnies primed to handle the limited attack that the Bulldogs will throw at them, while exploiting the momentum their forwards will gain up the middle against their lightweight pack. The Bulldogs need to turn things around, starting with this clash, or they are in for a rough trot.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 14
PointsBet odds: Rabbitohs $1.85 (-1.5 $1.95) Bulldogs $1.95 (+1.5 $1.83)
CommBank Stadium, 8pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Kalani Going Reserves: 20. Tom Ale 21. Billy Scott 22. Jack Cole
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Alec MacDonald 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Davvy Moale 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Manaia Waitere Reserves: 20. Angus Hinchey 21. Trent Toelau 22. Preston Conn
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Michael Wise, Daniel Luttringer
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Panthers have set the bar high already this season, completely dominating opponents with their smothering defence and precision attack. The Storm have run straight into two Queensland hurdles, throwing away healthy leads to fall to both the Broncos and the unlikely Cowboys. I said last week that the Storm seldom lose two in a row, the odds on three straight losses would be enormous if it wasn’t the Panthers lining up against them.
Tip: Panthers by 8
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.43 (-7.5 $1.88) Storm $2.75 (+7.5 $1.88)
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Saturday, April 4
Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. David Fale 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Hame Sele 18. Josh Kerr 19. Tyrell Sloan Reserves: 20. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 21. Kade Reed 22. Setu Tu
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt Reserves: 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Belinda Sharpe, Damian Brady
Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: The Dragons probably should have beaten the Titans last week, but the Dragons will do that. The Cowboys stunned the NRL world with their come-from-behind victory over the Storm. This game could go either way, with the Dragons absolutely desperate to break their duck and the Cowboys still caught up in the euphoria of their greatest ever victory. If the Dragons fall over again in this one, I would advise against ever tipping them again.
Tip: Dragons by 4
PointsBet odds: Dragons $2.10 (+2.5 $1.88) Cowboys $1.73 (-2.5 $1.88)
Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Max Feagai 19. Jett Liu Reserves: 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jenson Taumoepeau
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Antonio Verhoeven Reserves: 20. Blake Mozer 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Va’a Semu
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Drew Oultram, Jarrod Cole
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Titans managed their first win of the season last week, with a victory over the Dragons, while the Broncos continued to improve with their hard-fought victory over the Dolphins. This will be a real step up in class for the Titans, who will no doubt be fired up for a big effort against the neighbours, but I just can’t see them stopping a rampant Broncos side.
Tip: Broncos by 18
PointsBet odds: Titans $4 (+13.5 $1.95) Broncos $1.23 (-13.5 $1.83)
Payne Haas returns for the Broncos. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Sunday, April 5
Ocean Protect Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Hohepa Puru Reserves: 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Michael Gabrael 22. Briton Nikora
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Marata Niukore 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita Reserves: 20. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 21. Morgan Gannon 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 23. Ali Leiataua
Officials
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Touchies: Daniel Schwass, Nick Pelgrave
Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Sharks bounced back to form last week winning a tough encounter with the Raiders in Canberra, while the Warriors were shocked by the Tigers at home. This promises to be another cracker of a game, wit the Sharks showing concerning inconsistency and the Warriors stumbling after a very solid start. Which team will get their act together on the day? Tough question, but I will take the Sharks at home.
Tip: Sharks by 4
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.57 (-4.5 $1.88) Warriors $2.35 (+4.5 $1.88)
McDonald Jones Stadium, 2pm (AEST)
Knights: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker Bench: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Wilson De Courcey Reserves: 20. Cody Hopwood 21. Francis Manuleleua 22. James Schiller
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Matthew Timoko Reserves: 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jed Stuart 22. Daine Laurie
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Liam Kennedy, Kieren Irons
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Knights are playing like a team possessed, despite missing three of their best players. Their effort to knock over the Bulldogs last week was incredible. They welcome back Fletcher Hunt for this test against Canberra. The Raiders kept fighting back into their clash with the Sharks, but could never quite get on top. If you just look at this game on paper, you have to lean towards the Raiders, but rugby league isn’t played on paper, and the Knights are playing with plenty of heart.
Tip: Knights by 2
PointsBet odds: Knights $2.25 (+4.5 $1.83) Raiders $1.62 (-4.5 $1.95)
Monday, April 6
CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Eels: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Luca Moretti 18. Jack de Belin 19. Apa Twidle Reserves: 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Teancum Brown 22. Araz Nanva
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Faaletino Tavana 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Bunty Afoa 19. Jeral Skelton Reserves: 20. Tristan Hope 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Patrick Herbert
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Phil Henderson, Matt Noyen
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: The Eels were blown off the park last week by the Panthers. They weren’t the first and they wont be the last team to experience that pain. The Tigers went to New Zealand and played all over the Warriors. This is another game that could go either way, with the Eels desperate to bounce back iand put in a strong performance in front of their adoring fans.
Tip: Eels by 8
PointsBet odds: Eels $1.73 (-3.5 $1.95) Tigers $2.10 (+3.5 $1.83)
BYE:
Roosters
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.
