Sportsbet Blog

Round 25 has a brought up a couple of games that are going to be belters starting with the Manly v Melbourne game on Friday night. These clubs are both in form and looking to make 2011 theirs. For a full wrap up of our tips and odds for round 25 read on. Don’t forget to comment below if you think differently to any of our tips.

Best Bet of Round 25: Take Melbourne Storm to win between 1-12 paying 3.50 at Sportsbet here

Manly V Storm Friday night at Brookvale Oval

Tip: Storm

Odds: Manly 1.63 Storm 2.30

Even though Storm are without star Cooper Cronk they have shown they are still capable of tough wins without him and should do. Although the odds don’t suggest it this will see Manly suffer their first loss at Brookvale oval this year.

It will be a massive test for the Sea Eagles and they will take alot out of it going into the finals where the two teams could meet again.

It will be a very close game and I’m taking Storm in a nail biter.

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Storm by 4

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Parramatta V Sydney Friday night at Parramatta Stadium

Tip Roosters

Odds: Parramatta 1.77 Sydney 2.07

Sydney are a classier side at the moment and in the last few weeks have played to their usual top standards. I expect it to be a entertaining game with the Eels desperate to keep the wooden spoon away for 2011.

The Roosters defense will be the key to the match and my prediction is it will hold up much better than the Eels.

Bulldogs V Knights Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

Odds: Bulldogs 1.72 Knights 2.14

The Dogs will come out very strong from the get-go on Saturday as they keep their finals hopes alive. I see them taking the ball on and making use of every chance knowing they may not come off every time.

The Knights will struggle to keep up with the pace of the game and will get caught out.

Canterbury by 16

Cowboys V Sharks Saturday at Dariy Farmers Satdium

Tip: North Queensland

Odds: Cowboys 1.13 Sharks 6.10

The Cowboys will be out to impress the crowd for their final home game this season. They have been a bit off the boil lately with a few losses mounting up but last week they showed signs of stepping up the pace as they approach the finals.

Keep an eye out for Johnathan Thurston, he has been getting better and better after returning from injury and should now be back to peak fitness.

The Cowboys are a solid unit and the Sharks will find it hard to score as their game style seems too predictable.

Raiders V Panthers Saturday night at Canberra Stadium

Tip: Raiders

Odds: Raiders 1.58 Panthers 2.40

Expect a decent crowd for the last home game for Canberra captain Alan Tongue. Both clubs have had disappointing year and have nothing but respect to play for as their seasons come to a close.

I’m predicting the Raiders will lift for their Captain and give him the send off he deserves.

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Dragons V Warriors Sunday at WIN Stadium

Tip: Dragons

Odds: Dragons 1.50 Warriors 2.62

The Dragons played a very organised defense against Melbourne last week and although they didn’t take the points they now know what it takes to mix it with the big guns. They have become a very structured side and have tinkered with their game plan lately that hasn’t always payed off but they are starting to improve and I think it will show in this match.

The bookies have given the Warriors next to no chance on Sunday and I think they have the odds spot on.

Broncos V Rabbitohs Sunday at Suncorp Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.54 V Rabbitohs 2.52

The Broncos are full of confidence after securing a home ground semi final and will be going into this game eager to continue the good form leading into the business end of the season.

But don’t discount the Bunnies, they are playing desperate footy at the moment as the strive towards the finals. Expect a high scoring game from both sides but Brisbane should be able to scrape home with the win.

Wests Tigers V Titans Monday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Tip: Wests Tigers

Odds: Tigers 1.09 Titans 7.90

I’m predicting a one sided affair for Monday night footy as the Tigers welcome back Gareth Ellis and Lote Tuqiri to their lineup.

The Tigers are a much stronger team and their physical game style will leave the Titans (who have shown a glimmer of form lately) wondering what happened.

Round 24 NRL footy tips have a couple of massive matchups that will shake up the top half of the ladder. The bookies have the odds for majority of the games fairly close making it a great round of footy. See all out tips and predictions below.

Best Bet of Round 24: the Bulldogs between 1-12 points paying $5 at Sportsbet

Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Friday night at AAMI Park

Tip: Storm

Odds: Melbourne 1.70 Dragons 2.15

Melbourne look unstoppable and although they are without star halfback Cooper Cronk I can sense a easy victory for the Storm.

St George will look to take advantage of the omission but Storm’s depth goes deep with Gareth Widdop stepping in who should do well.

Sportsbet Friday $500 Predictions: I’m tipping the Storm to win by 18. Which 13+ points is paying a massive $3.50

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South Sydney v North Queensland Cowboys Friday night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Cowboys

Odds: South 1.65 Cowboys 2.25

The Cowboys will be desperate for the win to ensure a much needed home final. Thurston is once again the one to look out for after his return last week and should play a pivotal roll in their win on Friday night.

South do have their season to play for with a loss all but ending their 2011 campaign. They also go into the game with confidence after two big wins but they are a coming up against a much classier unit and will struggle to break the Cowboys defense.

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Saturday at Skilled Park

Tip: Gold Coast

Odds: Titans 1.65 Canberra 2.25

Both teams have had a shocking year with not a great deal to look back on but with the recent announcement of Preston Campbell and Alan Tongue’s retirements both clubs now have some spark in their step to finish off the season well (and avoid the spoon)

Canberra’s recent record away from home suggests they will take another defeat. I’m going with the stats and tipping Gold Coast by around 10 which between 1-12 is paying $3.00

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Saturday night at Sydney Football Stadium

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Roosters 1.50 Cronulla 2.60

Sydney will cream this one in and should continue their excellent form into this game after their massive win over the Dragons.

Cronulla are on the other end of the scale and will find it hard to match the skills and determination of the Roosters outfit.

Expect a big margin to the Roosters. Take the Roosters to by over 12 paying $2.75

Penrith v Warriors Saturday night at Centrebet Stadium

Tip: Warriors

Odds: Penrith 2.75 Warriors 1.45

This ones a no brainer. The Warriors will easily get the points on Saturday as they continue to get better and better. They are a very quick team and at times make it look easy.

Penrith threw in the towel a month ago now loosing 4 in a row its nearly time for a shake up internally which has already started with Steve Georgallis.

Manly v Canterbury Bankstown Saturday night at Brookvale Oval

Tip: Canterbury Bankstown

Odds: Manly 1.30 Canterbury 3.50

Although the bookies have Manly as clear favourites I’m not to confident they will have this one in the bag.

Manly have taken the points over the Bulldogs this year but I see a determine Bulldogs side who could come out firing and score quickly so expect a great game.

Keep an eye out for Trent Hodkison. Its his first game back at his old home ground and he will be keen to keep the Manly fans quiet.

Bulldogs in a nail biter.

Wests Tigers v Parramatta Sunday at WIN Stadium

Tip: Tigers

Odds: Tigers 1.31 Parramatta 3.45

The Tigers need a big win to boost their points differential on the ladder. This is the perfect game for them to do it.

They have had attack on their minds lately which will force a weaker team in Parramatta to change from their regular game style causing errors and a free passage to score.

I’m tipping the Tigers by about 20 and continue their 6 games in a row.

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos Monday at Ausgrid Stadium

Tip: Broncos

Odds: Knights 2.25 Broncos 1.65

Brisbane are playing slightly better footy than the Knights but don’t expect a walk over. Newcastle need the win with teams below them on the ladder coming up quick which could see their season go from good to bad in a mater of a few weeks.

Expect a high scoring game with both clubs supporting strong forwards. I think Brisbane will just get over the line in the end in a very close match.

Round 23 of the 2011 NRL season is all about the Friday night game with Darren Lockyer entering the record books. Tipping will be tricky with a few close footy games predicted. See below for all our tips, odds and predictions.

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North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos Friday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium

Tip: Broncos

Odds: Cowboys 1.97 Broncos 1.85

Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott both return for the Cowboys making this match a massive one as its all so Darren Lockyer’s record equaling game of 350 games.

For this reason I’m tipping the Broncos. They will lift for Lockyer and make it a memorable night for him. They have shown they can match it with any team and should take the points.

Sportsbet Friday $500 Predictions: I’m tipping the Broncos to win by 10.

Its free to enter and play the Sportsbet Friday $500 and its simple to play. Tip the winning team and margin of Friday nights match and you get $500! Easy as that. To put in your Friday 500 tip or to find out more info on the comp see the Sportsbet site here.

Penrith v Wests Tigers Friday night at Centrebet Stadium

Tip: Tigers

Odds: Panthers 2.75 Tigers 1.45

The Tigers will have a big win here on Friday night to continue their new found form. Penrith on the other hand have all but thrown in the towel in a disappointing year for them.

Expect a big margin here

Warriors v Newcastle Knights Saturday night at Mt Smart Stadium

Tip: Knights

Odds: Warriors 1.45 Knights 2.75

This is a very hard game to tip with both clubs showing they play a very attractive brand of footy. Their physical game style will be on show again so expect a low scoring game.

I’m tipping the Knights in a close one.

Parramatta v Manly Saturday night at Parramatta Stadium

Tip: Manly

Odds: Parramatta 3.50 Manly 1.30

We usually expect a great game between these clubs but my prediction is a hefty win to Manly and they continue to roll towards the finals.

The close loss that Parramatta suffered last week could have been the beginning of the end for Parramatta in 2011 as they start to look towards 2012.

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm Saturday night at Skilled Park

Tip: Storm

Odds: Titans 6.25 Storm 1.12

Storm will take another win on Saturday night to ensure they keep a buffer on top of the NRL ladder. They will use these “easier” games to improve in some areas so there may be a few slip-ups as they try different things.

My prediction is Storm by over 12.

Canberra v South Sydney Sunday at Canberra Stadium

Tip: South

Odds: Canberra 2.08 South Sydney 1.75

On paper South Sydney look to have this one wrapped up but I think the end margin will be much closer. Although South will win I expect Canberra to put up a fair fight and keep South honest for majority of the game.

St George Illawarra v Sydney Roosters Sunday at WIN Stadium

Tip: St George

Odds: St George 1.12 Roosters 6.25

St George are coming off a spirited win last week and need to step up their game again coming into the business end of the season.

I expect Sydney to try and spoil the Dragons run into the semi finals but I can’t see Sydney doing so with the form the Dragons will be going into the game with.

Dragons by 10.

Cronulla v Canterbury-Bankstown Monday night at Toyota Stadium

Tip: Canterbury-Bankstown

Odds: Cronulla 2.20 Canterbury 1.50

Canterbury-Bankstown are playing desperate footy at the moment and its paying off. Every match is an elimination game for them and it is giving them the spark they were looking for earlier in the season.

Cronulla have been pretty flat lately and I can see Canterbury running over the top of them in this one.

Round 19 of the 2011 NRL season is rivalry round with some huge match ups making footy tipping a struggle. The odds also suggest this with South Sydney paying 1.92 to Sydney 1.90.

Best Bet of Round 19

This week I’m taking the Sharks to beat the Drangons in a straight win paying $3.30 at Sportsbet. The bookies haven’t given them much hope but I think there’s plenty of value for them.

Brisbane V Gold Coast Friday night at Suncorp Stadium

Tip: Broncos

Odds: Broncos 1.23 Titans 4.25

The way the Titans are playing at the moment I can’t see anything but a heavy defeat, they are really struggling at the moment. Brisbane are now focusing on the finals after all the attention of Darren Lockyer’s last Origin game and should finish the season well.

Sporsbet Friday $500 prediction: Brisbane by 12

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Warriors V Canterbury/ Bankstown Friday night at Mt. Smart Stadium

Tip: Warriors

Odds: Warriors 1.48 Canterbury Bankstown 2.68

The Warriors at home should be right here. They enjoy playing at home and will continue their good season so far.

The Bulldogs do have the game style to beat New Zealand but some errors have crept into their game causing simply turn overs. If NZ can capitalise on these errors they should have a comfortable win.

South Sydney V Sydney Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Roosters

Odds: South Sydney 1.92 Roosters 1.90

The Roosters have upped their game in the last month or so and I expect them to step it up again in this massive rivalry match at ANZ Stadium. Their attacking run has been outstanding at times which should be enough to get a winning score. Their defense has also held up well against Penrith showing some very good signs.

North Queensland V West Tigers Saturday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium

Tip: Cowboys

Odds: Cowboys 2.20 Tigers 1.69

The Cowboys showed they are a side to be taken seriously without their key man Johnathan Thurston. They not only showed last week that they can cover for him but step up a notch and play some very tough football. Keep an eye on, Glenn Hall and Dallas Johnson for the Cowboys, their attitude towards the game is what is needed to win finals games.

My prediction is the Cowboys by 10 points.

Penrith V Parramatta Saturday night at Centrebet Stadium

Tip: Parranatta

Odds: Prenrith 1.69 Parramatta 2.20

With Nathan Hindmarsh’s 300th game this week one would expect the team to lift to make it a memorable day for him. I think this is exactly how it will pan out for Parramatta and they will go home with a comfortable victory.

Penrith have found it tough against the good side and although have shown a few good signs a cant see them making it a good contest on Saturday.

Canberra V Melbourne Sunday at Canberra Stadium

Tip: Storm

Odds Canberra 2.40 Melbourne 1.59

Melbourne continue to surprise this year and will again this weekend in Canberra. Craig Bellamy has held the club together this year and helped his players to the level needed to be successful.

Although Canberra has had the wood over Storm over the last few year with names like Smith, Cronk and Slater running around the Storm are near unstoppable and will win by around 10 points.

Newcastle V Manly Sunday at Ausgrid Stadium

Tip: Manly

Odds: Knights 2.80 Manly 1.44

I predict a big win for Manly this week. They are coming up against a clumsy Newcastle side who will be overwhelmed by the attacking pressure of the Manly side.

The Knights were disappointing last week and have alot of work to do to get back up to standards.

Manly by 20

St George Illawarra V Cronulla Monday at WIN Stadium

Tip: Cronulla

Odds: St George Illawarra 1.34 Cronulla 3.30

I’m tipping an upset here and going with Cronulla who will continue their streak making it 5 in a row. The sharks beat the Dragons in round 2 this year by forcing errors and making the most of them. If they can replicate the same game style they played that day it will go along way to beating the Dragons.

I’m tipping the Sharks in a very close one.

Footy tips for Round 18 of the 2011 NRL season seems pretty straight forward but I’m predicting a couple of upsets are in the pipe works. There are some great odds for round 18 including Storm who are paying $1.53, although its pretty short it may be worth loading up on.

Bets Bet of Round 18: This week I’m going a 5 leg multi bet. Take the Warriors, Tigers, Storm, Sea Eagles and Knights all to win paying a massive $7.56 at Sportingbet here where they also give you $150 bonus bet for depositing $30 or more.

Think you can beat SportsbetBlog’s resident tipster? Then put your round 18 tips in the comments section below and if your the first person to tip more than him you will be emailed a $100 betting voucher!

New Zealand V Gold Coast. Mt. Smart Stadium, Friday 6.30pm

Although the bookies have the odds well in NZ corner I think it will be a much closer match. The warriors have had a few worrying signs of late with a bit of a slump in form and Ivan Cleary stating he will leave.

My prediction is the Warriors will put the last month or two behind them and hot back with a win.

Tip: Warriors

Odds: Warriors 1.34 Titans 3.25

Sportsbet Friday $500 Predictions: I’m tipping the Warriors to win by 10.

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Parramatta V Wests. Parramatta Stadium, Friday 7.35pm

Tip: Tigers

Odds: Eels 2.26 Tigers 1.64

The tigers should win this match with Todd Payten and Chris Lawrence both back from injury. It should bolster the Tigers side who will keep the ball in attack as much as possible which is where Parramatta seem to have struggled lately.

Cronulla V Canberra. Toyota Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm

Tip: Cronulla

Odds: Sharks 1.72 Raiders 2.13

Three wins in a row for the sharks and it would be hard to tip against them in the form they are currently in. The Raiders are coming into this game also in good form so it should make for a great spectacle on Staurday night. Paul Gallen is back for the Sharks and will add to the team which have a realistic chance of a semi final.

My prediction is the Sharks by 10.

Canterbury-Bankstown V Melbourne. Adelaide Oval, Saturday 7.30pm

Tip: Storm

Odds: Bulldogs 2.50 Storm 1.53

With the Storm stars (Smith, Cronk and Slater) all getting through origin injury free it will be the winning difference in Adelaide on Saturday night. Don’t expect the Bulldogs to back down though, they beat Storm at the same venue last year and with the pressure starting to mount on the Bulldogs coach they will be hungry for a win.

Strorm in a close one.

Sydney V Penrith. Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday 2pm

Tip: Penrith

Odds: Roosters 2.13 Panthers 1.72

The Roosters have their back to the wall for the 2011 season with their year going from bad to worse with a long list of injuries and club problems. I can’t see them beating the Panthers who are on the up with Luke Walsh playing inspirational footy and Phil Gould bringing life tot he club.

Expect the Panthers to get the jump on the Roosters and shut the game down early.

Manly V South Sydney. Brookvale Oval, Sunday 3pm

Tip: Manly

Odds: Sea Eagles 1.34 Rabbitohs 3.25

South Sydney will be in damage control after another disappointing loss last week. I’m expecting big things from Manly this year and a big win on Sunday will once again prove they are one of the top if not the top side this year.

Newcastle V North Queensland. Ausgrid Stadium, Monday 7.00pm

Tip: Newcastle

Odds: Knights 1.68 Cowboys 2.18

With the massive news of Cowboy Johnathan Thurston going down in origin it will be too much of a task to beat the Knights who have started to hit their straps starting from their young players in Ryan Stig and Tyrone Roberts.

The Knights lose to much with Thurston out, he is the key to the Cowboys side and wont win this week without him.

Round 17 of the 2011 NRL Season is reduced but don’t expect things to be subdue making footy tips difficult. The bookies have the odds of majority of the games fairly close so expect some classic NRL action.

Best Bet of Round 17: This week I’m taking Parramatta team bet of Jordan Atkins to score more tries than Chris Walker paying 3.10 at Sportsbet here

Parramatta Eels V Brisbane Broncos Friday night at Parramatta Stadium

Tip: Broncos

Odds: Eels 1.67 Broncos 2.20

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin has done a massive job this year with his young players and has exceeded my expectations. These young players will need to stand up with the their origin stars away this week.

I think the Eels will struggle after the disappointing loss last week and are too up and down at the moment. My prediction is the Eels will get run over by a stronger Broncos side.

Penrith V Canterbury Saturday at Centrebet Stadium

Tip: Canterbury

Odds: Panthers 2.45 Bulldogs 1.55

Penrith will struggle without star origin player Petero Civoniceva who has been the difference in some of the Panthers wins. Penrith are playing around with their game style that could pay off in the coming weeks but think the Bulldogs will see it coming.

Although the Bulldogs lost last week they showed they can create the chances needed to win games like this and I’m tipping them to go one step further and finish them off.

Take the Buldogs here at the -6.5 line paying a nice $2.10

Cronulla V South Sydney Sunday at Toyota Stadium

Tip: Sharks

Odds: Sharks 2.20 Rabbitohs 1.67

Without captain Paul Gallen this week it will show us where the Cronulla team is at the moment. A win here could inspire them to continue their consistent year to achieve greater things.

South Sydney will start favourites but without Dave Taylor and Greg Inglis in the team I cant go past Cronulla especially with Nathan Gardner in super form from fullback.

I’m loading up on the Sharks for the straight win. $2.20 to me sounds pretty generous.

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St George V Newcastle Sunday at WIN Stadium

Tip: St George

Odds: Dragons 1.70 Knights 2.15

Wayne Bennett has been a key to the Dragons side this year and they will look to him again this week as the under manned Dragons look to make it 2 wins in a row.

Their defense has been top class which will see the Knights struggle to score which will suit the home crowd.

Sydney V Canberra Monday at Sydney Football Stadium

Tip: Canberra

Odds: Rooster 1.95 Raiders 1.85

Sydney don’t look like a winning side at the moment with numerous key players out on State of Origin duties. They are down on confidence and it looks like the 2010 finals may have taken a toll.

Although the bookies think this match will be a close, my prediction is the Raiders will take an easy win.

It might be worth taking the Raiders by over 13 points paying $4.00 at Sportsbet.

Round 16 of the 2011 NRL Season is fairly straight forward for footy tipping with only two tricky game against the Warriors V Storm and Dragons V Sea Eagles. This is the game of round 16 and my prediction is the Dragons will take the points in a close match.

Best Bet of Round 16

Take the Raiders to win at the -4 points line paying 1.90 at Sportsbet. With their attacking game style I see them able to cover the line easily.

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Wests Tigers V Bulldogs

Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney, Friday, 7:35pm

Tip: Bulldogs

Odds: Wests Tigers 2.50 Bulldogs 1.53

Although both clubs have had a disappointing season well below expected I predict a high pressure game. The winner will not only take the points but it will ease the tension that has started to creep into the media about both teams.

The inclusion of Jamal Idris, Trent Hodkinson and Michael Ennis into the Bulldogs team will see them much more organised and will get over the line.

South Sydney V Brisbane Broncos

Nib Stadium, Perth, Friday, 9:00pm

Tip: Broncos

Odds: South Sydney 2.66 Brisbane Broncos 1.48

Brisbane’s defense has been the key to their success this year and it will show on Friday night. They look a very solid unit and even with Greg Inglis coming in for the Rabbitohs it wont be enough to stop the Broncos getting the winning score.

The uncertainty of South Sydney with the new coach coming in and players not knowing what future they have with the club will continue to distract the club and hinder an easy recovery,

Gold Coast Titans V Cronulla

Skilled Park, Gold Coast, Saturday, 5:30pm

Tip: Gold Coast

Odds: Gold Coast 1.68 Cronulla 2.18

The Titans have pulled the pin on their 2011 season and will struggle to stop the attacking game style Cronulla have shown they have adopted this year. Fullback Nathan Gardner is the key man to the Sharks side and expect to impress again on Saturday night.

Canberra Raiders V Parramatta Eels

Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Saturday, 7:30pm

Tip: Raiders

Odds: Raiders 1.58 Eels 2.38

The Raiders will find it hard to get a winning score without Josh Dugan’s attacking presence although Jarryd Hayne is in super form at the moment. I think the rumor of Blake Ferguson wanting to go back to Cronulla will bring down the moral of the team that could affect them in this game. Expect a closer result than first thought.

New Zealand Warriors V Melbourne Storm

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Sunday 12:00pm

Tip: Storm

Odds: Warriors 1.90 Storm 1.90

The form the Storm are in at the moment it would be very hard to tip against them. They have lost some key players this year but have continued to show they are still a force.

Although the game is played in NZ they aren’t playing as well as they were at the start of the season. I expect storm to have a big win.

Penrith Panthers V North Qld Cowboys

Centrebet Stadium, Sydney, Sunday, 2:00pm

Tip:Panthers

Odds: Penrith Panthers 1.48 V North Qld Cowboys 2.66

With the Cowboy’s Johnathan Thurston is yet to face the judiciary it is a touch hard to pick a clear winner in this game. I think if Thurston is out then it will come down to the way Penrith use the ball. If they rely on their kicking game I can’t see them getting a result, if they play with a spring in their step expect the match to go down to the wire. If Thurston plays tip the Cowboys in this one.

Newcastle Knights V Sydney Roosters

Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle, Sunday, 3pm

Tip: Knights

Odds: Knights 1.68 Roosters 2.18

The Knights will easily take the win on Sunday over a lack-luster Roosters side who were very disappointing against Melbourne 2 weeks ago. Newcastle has a finals position in their sights and will do everything to avoid another nail biting loss.

St George Illawarra Dragons V Manly Sea Eagles

WIN Stadium, Wollongong, Monday, 7pm

Tip: Dragons

Odds: Dragons 1.68 Eagles 2.18

This is the games of round 16 2 vs 3 on the ladder. The winner will likely look back at this game come finals time and try to reproduce the effort. With the Dragons struggling over the last few weeks I’m tipping Manly to step up and take the win as they have shown that even if they are behind well into a game they can dig themselves out of it for the result they are after.

The appointment of rookie coach Anthony Griffin hasn’t deterred punters from launching an early premiership plunge on Brisbane over the weekend which included one bet to win $100,000.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the Broncos had been unusually easy in pre-season markets but punters stepped in after they’d reached attractive odds.

“After money for a number of other sides, the Broncos got out to $26 but punters clearly thought that was too big and have backed them back into $17,“ Sullivan said.
“It is the biggest price I can remember the Broncos being pre-season after they missed the eight last year but punters clearly think they’ll  improve in 2011.
“We have actually seen more money for them since Griffin replaced Ivan Henjak as coach.

“The Broncos quote will trim up very quickly if they start the season well too as they are always a popular side with punters who are quick to follow them when they get on a winning run.”

The Broncos  drifted slightly from $1.45 to $1.48 for their opening round NRL clash with the Cowboys on Friday night following reports star centre Justin Hodges will miss the game with a minor leg injury.
“The Broncos will still be short priced favourites and I think they will be heavily backed despite the fact Hodges is a major loss for them,” Sullivan said.

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2011 NRL Premiership   
Sportingbet Australia market
St George Dragons 5.50
Wests Tigers 7.00
South Sydney Rabbitohs 9.00
Canterbury Bulldogs 11.00
Sydney Roosters 11.00
Melbourne Storm 13.00
New Zealand Warriors 13.00
Canberra Raiders 15.00
Brisbane Broncos 17.00
Parramatta Eels 17.00
Gold Coast Titans 19.00
Manly Sea Eagles 19.00
Penrith Panthers 19.00
Newcastle Knights 26.00
North Qld Cowboys 34.00
Cronulla Sharks 67.00

Its that time of year again guy, footy season is back and Sportingbet has just opened their new footy tipping competition where you can win $100,000.

There are two comps and both are free to play, one for AFL and the other NRL. $50,000 will be given to the winner of each comp.

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This knockout style tipping is played that if you don’t get at least one correct footy tip each week you are eliminated from the competition altogether, easy as that!

After round 12 (AFL) and round 13 (NRL) its when it get interesting and tactics will come into play. All the remaining players will need to tip a line margin for each game.

For example, either pick St Kilda by -4.5 points or Collingwood by +6.5 points. See the Sportingbet site here for more info on this.

The great thing about this competition is that I’m tipping there will be quite a few winners and each winner will take home a share of the $100,000!

When making your Sportingbet account for the tipping comp make sure to use the promo code BETFREE. This will give you a massive $150 free bet to use at anytime after at least $30 is deposited. See here for more info on this promo.

Checkout the Sportingbet site to join the competition and to find out more info about the Last Man Standing.

Online bookies could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars after numerous bets being placed this morning just before Melbourne Storm and the NRL announced the salary cap infringements.

Not only have Melbourne Storm lose their two premierships but all points in the 2010 season handing them the wooden spoon after only six rounds.

Online bookmaker Sportingbet took several bets at 250-1 with some punters set to win $10,000 from each bet

“We took three bets to win $10,000 and another to win $8000 for the Storm to win the wooden spoon all within 10 minutes of each other this morning,” Sportingbet Australia spokesman Bill Richmond said.

“You don’t take a series of bets like that unless someone knows something and we have suspended betting on the wooden spoon as a result.”

“Melbourne is now our worst result for the wooden spoon despite the fact they are premiership favourites.”

The TAB also took a $200 bet for Storm to take the wooden spoon the night before the announcement at the odds of $200-1 with a massive $40,000 payout. Before suspending the market the TAB received further bets that morning.

Another major online bookmaker IASbet took “farily odd” bets on the wooden spoon and have suspended betting and waiting out the storm to see what results from it all.

Australia’s only betting exchange Betfair also was hit with wooden spoon bets before the rumour become fact with Betfair spokesman Hugh Taggart saying that his agency would not void a market based on hearsay and rumour, and it would take advice from the NRL for Betfair to stop the public betting on the market.

“We would only avoid a market in an extreme circumstance.”

“Punters always bet on rumour and innuendo.”

“Our markets will be dictated by what happens in the public domain.”

It has been a very messy day for the NRL and the bookies have been cough up in the middle of it. I can’t see the bookies accepting these bets I think a refund will be given to clients that put bets on 24 hours before the announcement.

Where it could get messy is the Melbourne premiership betting. Do the bookies keep the bets or will refunds be given out. It will very interesting to see which bookmakers makes the first move with the others likely to follow suit.