Sportsbet Blog

The NRL finals are nearing completion for the 2009 season with the semi-final matches to be played this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights.

Last weekend the Titans were eliminated in poor fashion after being hammered by Parramatta. The final score for Friday night was 27 – 2 and was definitely not the best game for the Titans.

Brisbane also managed to get over the Dragons to claim a semi-final spot. The Dragons have played poorly of late and even after winning the home and away season they were not good enough eventually going down 24 – 10 last weekend.

The results of last weekend have now set the stage for 1 of 4 remaining teams to take the premiership. Of the remaining teams, the Melbourne Storm is being touted as the most likely to win the NRL premiership, but only time will tell who has what it takes.

The NRL semi-final breaks down as follows.

Bulldogs V Eels

7:45pm Friday at ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs have a good chance to go through to the NRL premiership as they come up against the Eels. The Bulldogs have had a week off after winning in week 1 of the NRL finals and should be well rested which will give them an edge coming into the semi-final. Brett Kimmorley is still injured and should make a return next week for the grand final if the Bulldogs can get up this week. Three Bulldogs players are currently suspended.

The Eels will be on a bit of a high after their stunning form of late and will definitely give the Bulldogs a run for their money. Escaping last week without any injuries is sure to help the in-form Eels this weekend, although three players are on suspension. I would expect that the Eels get up on Friday night, but it will without a doubt be a close game.

Tip: Parramatta Eels – Under 12.5 points – Odds of $2.92

Storm V Broncos

7:45pm Saturday at Etihad Stadium

The Storm is the second team this week that is coming off of a 2 week long break and this is bound to help out with fitness. The favourites for the NRL premiership are currently sporting a few injuries along with a couple of suspensions, but I doubt that this will affect their game too significantly.

The Broncos on the other hand did play quite well last weekend with an impressive win over the Dragons. Ben Te’o is still on the sidelines with a calf injury and Justin Hodges is out on suspension. Even if the Broncos had the option of playing these two players I really don’t believe that it would make much difference. The Broncos season should end this weekend with the Storm heading though to the NRL grand final.

Tip: Melbourne Storm – Odds of $1.44

What a round we seen last week for the first week of the NRL finals. We now move on to the second round of the finals and everyone is getting pumped.

Last week Manly and Newcastle were eliminated from the finals while the Bulldogs and Storm played some excellent rugby to earn themselves a week off and a place in week 3 of the NRL finals.

A loss this week will mean a trip home and a few months off while a win will see the better two sides head through to week 3 of the NRL finals to play either the Melbourne Storm or Bulldogs.

Eels V Titans

7:45pm Friday Sydney Football Stadium

I would be surprised if the Titans are able to win this week after throwing away a possible win last weekend, but then again it is the finals and anything could happen. They didn’t get this far by playing badly. The only injury that the Titans are currently suffering from is the damaged shoulder of Aaron Cannings. Also, William Zillman and Anthony Laffranchi will miss this week due to suspension.

On the other hand, after the Eels defeated the Dragons last week their morale will be high and they will want to be playing again next week. They are not currently suffering any injuries and will be able to approach this match with all but 3suspended players, Krisnan Inu, Nathan Hindmarsh and Weller Hauraki.

Tip: Parramatta Eels – Over 12.5 points – Odds of $2.08

Broncos V Dragons

7:45pm Saturday at Suncorp Stadium

The Broncos played an absolutely stunning first half last weekend and then nearly threw the game away near the end getting up by only 8 points. However, a win is a win, especially when you are playing in the NRL finals. I would like to see the Broncos get up on Saturday night and proceed through to week 3. Ben Te’o will miss yet another game with an injured calf and Justin Hodges will be watching from the sidelines as his suspension continues.

The Dragons could most certainly use the win after their dismal form of late, but I really can’t see it happening. After winning the minor premiership, they were totally dismissed last week in a rather ordinary manner as the Eels cruised to an easy 13 point victory. They are not currently suffering any injuries to their line-up, but are missing 3 players on suspension. Beau Scott, Matt Prior and Michael Weyman will all miss this week.

Tip: Brisbane Broncos – Under 12.5 points – $3.35