Sportsbet Blog

Leading online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au has opened gun Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall as the $3.25 favourite to score the most points in the NRL this season.

Warriors playmaker James Maloney is on the second line of betting at $5.00 with Australian, Queensland and Cowboys star Jonathan Thurston close behind at $5.50 – the trio are the only players quoted in single figures.

Kurt Gidley and Panther Michael Gordon are next in the market at $11 followed by Todd Carney ($13), Cameron Smith ($15) and Jamie Soward and Corey Parker (both $21).

“Benji scored the most points last season and we can’t see it being any different this time around,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said. “Not only does he set up plenty of points, he scores plenty himself and is a very good goal kicker.”

“James Maloney had an excellent season in leading the Warriors to the Grand Final last year and is a class goal kicker so we see him as a real contender while not much more needs to be said about Thurston and his point scoring exploits so $5.50 looks to be good value.”

Meanwhile, barnstorming Newcastle winger Akuila Uate is the $6.00 favourite to the take out the crown for the most tries in 2012 however Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba is hot on his heels at $6.50.

The pair are well ahead of Nathan Merritt ($13), Brett Stewart, Brett Morris, Kevin Locke and Manu Vatuvei (all $15) and Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis (all $21).

Market courtesy of sportsbet.com.au 2012 NRL Leading points scorer $3.25 Benji Marshall $5.00 James Maloney $5.50 Jonathan Thurston $11 Kurt Gidley, Michael Gordon $13 Todd Carney $15 Cameron Smith $21 Jamie Soward, Corey Parker $26 Nathan Merritt Others quoted

2012 NRL Leading try scorer $6.00 Akuila Uate $6.50 Ben Barba $13 Nathan Merritt $15 Brett Stewart, Brett Morris, Kevin Locke, Manu Vatuvei $21 Michael Oldfield, Jason Nightingale, Benji Marshall, Michael Gordon, Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis $26 Lachlan Coote, David Mead $31 Nathan Gardiner $34 Chris Lawrence, Jharal Yow Yeh, Matt Duffie, Josh Hoffman, Kevin Gordon, Kalifa Faifai Loa Others quoted

Aussie Cadel Evans is the $2.50 favourite to win the 2012 Tour de France with leading online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au following the suspension of Alberto Contador overnight.

The 2011 winner is followed in the market by Andy Schleck ($4.33), Brit Brad Wiggins ($6.00) and Russian Denis Menchov ($8.00). The quartet are the only riders priced under $21.

“We are confident Cadel can repeat his performance from last year,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes. “He obviously showed he can cope physically but also mentally so he’s our man.”

“A lot can change between now and then but if his preparation goes to plan we expect him to hold his spot as favourite right up until the start of the race.”

Next in the market is Chris Froome at $21 while a trio of riders – Andre Valverde, Samuel Sanchez and Robert Gesink – are all at $26 with Belgian Jurgen Van Den Broeck next at $31.

Italian Ivan Basso, Frank Schleck and Andreas Kloden are all priced at $41 while Australian Richie Porte is huge outsider at $201.

Market courtesy of sportsbet.com.au 2012 Tour de France winner $2.50 Cadel Evans $4.33 Andy Schleck $6.00 Brad Wiggins $8.00 Denis Menchov $21 Chris Froome $26 Andre Valverde, Samuel Sanchez, Robert Gesink $31 Jurgen Van Den Broeck $34 Vincenzo Nibali, Janez Brajkovic $41 Ivan Basso, Frank Schleck, Andreas Kloden

After the surprise of leaving the official interest rate on hold today, online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au believes home owners are a good chance of receiving a rate cut at the March RBA meeting. A decrease between 0.01 and 0.25 percent is the favourite outcome at $1.50, while punters who think the rate will stay the same for the second month in a row can get odds of $2.20.

While larger decreases between 0.25 and 0.5 percent or 0.51 or more percent are considered long shots at $10 and $34 respectively, home owners can rest easy knowing that the chances of an increase are remote at $81. In the market for February’s RBA announcement, a decease between 0.01 and 0.25 was the strong $1.22 favourite at today’s announcement and was very well backed by punters.

Those who believed the rate would stay on hold could have enjoyed the $3.50 odds on offer.

“All the money for today’s announcement was for a rate cut so the outcome came as a bit of a surprise,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Shaun Anderson. “With today’s decision, it looks even more likely that there will be a rate cut next month with $1.50 currently priced for that to happen.”

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

See the latest odds here

March RBA interest rate cut announcement

$1.50 Decrease between 0.01 and 0.25 percent

$2.20 Stays the same

$10 Decrease between 0.26 and 0.5 percent

$34 Decrease between 0.51 percent or more

$81 Any increase

Little separates the Melbourne clubs ahead of their A-League derby at AAMI Park on Saturday night with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au opening the Melbourne Heart at $2.50 and the Melbourne Victory at $2.75.

“Punters have been split down the middle to this point,” sportsbet’s Ben Hawes said. “It’s been a while between drinks for both sides so the draw at $3.35 could be an appealing option.”

The Central Coast Mariners will start as the $2.10 favourites in their Grand Final replay clash against Brisbane with the Roar the $3.40 outsiders while Sydney FC are overwhelming favourites to beat Newcastle, priced at $1.91 and the Jets at $4.00.

“With news Vitezslav Lavicka is leaving at seasons end we expect the Sydney players to make a statement and we’re very confident they’ll account for Newcastle at home,” Hawes said.

In Monday night’s match, Perth Glory are $1.80 favourites and Gold Coast United the $4.25 outsiders.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory – Saturday, 4 February $2.50 Melbourne Heart $3.35 Draw $2.75 Melbourne Victory

Central Coast v Brisbane Roar – Saturday, 4 February $2.10 Central Coast $3.35 Draw $3.40 Brisbane Roar

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets – Sunday, 5 February $1.91 Sydney FC $3.40 Draw $4.00 Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory v Gold Coast United – Monday, 6 February $1.80 Perth Glory $3.40 Draw $4.25 Gold Coast United

A-League Grand Final Winner (prices from Thursday, 2 February 2012 in brackets) $2.87 Central Coast Mariners (steady) $3.10 Brisbane Roar (out from $2.87) $9.50 Perth Glory (in from $12) $9.50 Wellington Phoenix (in from $10) $12 Sydney FC (steady)

$14 Melbourne Heart (out from $10) $18 Melbourne Victory (out from $15) $19 Adelaide United (out from $14) $23 Newcastle Jets (in from $41) $61 Gold Coast United (steady)

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.

With less than a week to go until all four houses on The Block go under the hammer, online bookmaker sportsbet has installed Josh and Jenna as favourites to record the highest price at auction.
Josh and Jenna are priced at $1.90, slightly in front Rod and Tania at $3.00, with Polly and Waz and Katrina and Amie bringing up the rear at $5.50 and $6.00 respectively.
“While the transformation of each house has been remarkable, Josh and Jenna have the only double-fronted house on The Block which should see them record the highest price at auction,” Sportsbet’s Haydn Lane said.

Join Sportsbet today for get a massive $200 free bet! See here for more details on this offer.

See all the latest odds at Sportsbet here
The Block 2011 – Highest Selling Price
$1.90   Josh and Jenna
$3.00   Rod and Tania
$5.50   Polly and Waz
$6.00   Katrina and Amie

Auction Price – Josh and Jenna’s House
$1.5 Million or higher             $8.00
$1.4 Million to $1,499,999     $8.50
$1.3 Million to $1,399,999     $4.50
$1.2 Million to $1,299,999    $4.00
$1.1 Million to $1,199,999    $4.00
$1.0 Million to $1,099,999     $5.50
$900,000 to $999,999             $7.00
$800,000 to $899,999             $8.00
Less than $800,000                 $16

Auction Price – Rod and Tania’s House
$1.5 Million or higher             $13
$1.4 Million to $1,499,999     $12
$1.3 Million to $1,399,999     $5.00  
$1.2 Million to $1,299,999     $4.00
$1.1 Million to $1,199,999    $3.50
$1.0 Million to $1,099,999     $4.00
$900,000 to $999,999             $7.00
$800,000 to $899,999             $8.00
Less than $800,000                 $15

Auction Price – Polly and Waz’s House
$1.5 Million or higher             $13
$1.4 Million to $1,499,999     $12
$1.3 Million to $1,399,999     $12
$1.2 Million to $1,299,999     $10
$1.1 Million to $1,199,999     $7.00
$1.0 Million to $1,099,999     $4.50
$900,000 to $999,999            $3.00
$800,000 to $899,999             $4.00
Less than $800,000                 $5.50

Auction Price – Katrina and Amie’s House

$1.5 Million or higher             $12
$1.4 Million to $1,499,999     $11
$1.3 Million to $1,399,999     $6.00
$1.2 Million to $1,299,999     $5.00
$1.1 Million to $1,199,999     $4.50
$1.0 Million to $1,099,999    $4.00
$900,000 to $999,999             $4.50
$800,000 to $899,999             $8.00
Less than $800,000                 $9.00

Bulldogs’ favourite son Leon Cameron is the clear favourite with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au to be the next senior coach of the Western Bulldogs.
Cameron is priced at just $2.50, ahead of Collingwood’s Mick Malthouse at $6.00, with Dean Laidley and Paul Williams next in the market at $8.00 each.
“From all reports Leon Cameron has impressed in assistant coaching stints at both the Bulldogs and Hawks and is a senior coach in waiting,” sportsbet’s Haydn Lane said.
“While Cameron seems the obvious choice, there’s certainly something romantic about Mick Malthouse heading back to the Whitten Oval and there’s no doubt he’ll be high on the Bulldogs’ wish list.”

Eade’s departure has caused a shake up of the Melbourne and Adelaide next coach betting markets, so much so that Eade is now the outright favourite to lead the Demons in 2012.
Eade is priced at $3.00 to be the next senior coach of the Dees, and is the $3.50 second favourite behind caretaker coach Mark Bickley at $2.50 to lead the Crows next year.
“We don’t believe ‘Rocket’ will be lost to football and now that he’s officially free next year he’s our clear favourite to take the reins at the Dees,” Lane said.
“Mark Bickley has made a good fist of his caretaker role so far but Eade will now have to come under serious consideration for the Crows role too.”

Markets courtesy of sportsbet
2012 Western Bulldogs Senior Coach
$2.50 Leon Cameron
$6.00 Mick Malthouse
$8.00 Dean Laidley, Paul Williams
$10 Mark Williams
$12 Mark Neeld, Brett Montgomery, Peter German
$14 Chris Grant
$17 Scott West, Dean Wallis
$21 Luke Darcy, Paul Roos, Ken Hinkley, Brenton Sanderson
$26 Peter Dean, Alan Richardson
$34 John Barnes, Brian Royal
$41 Barry Hall, Doug Hawkins

2012 Melbourne Senior Coach
$3.00 Rodney Eade              (in from $5.00)
$5.00 Mark Williams
$7.00 Mick Malthouse          (out from $5.00)
$9.00 Dean Laidley
$12 Todd Viney
$14 Mark Neeld
$16 Gavin Brown
$21 Brenton Sanderson, Scott Burns
$26 Alastair Clarkson, Paul Roos
$34 David Neitz, Ken Hinkley, Brendan McCartney
$41 Alan Richardson, Scott West, Garry Lyon, Brian Royal, Josh Mahoney, Leigh Matthews, Chris Connolly, Murray Davis, Neil Craig, Dean Wallis, Adam Simpson

2012 Adelaide Senior Coach
$2.50 Mark Bickley              (out from $2.30)
$3.50 Rodney Eade               (in from $5.00)
$7.00 Scott Burns, Simon Goodwin
$8.00 Brenton Sanderson
$10 Mark Neeld
$14 Alastair Clarkson
$21 Alan Richardson, Shaun Rehn, Paul Roos
$26 Nathan Bassett, Ken Hinkley
$41 Sean Wellman, Brett Montgomery, Andrew McLeod, Stewart Dew, Leigh Matthews, Dean Wallis, Peter Sumich, Ben Hart, Mark Ricciuto, Craig Bradley, Mick Malthouse, Scott Camporeale, Nigel Smart, Leon Cameron

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

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.

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.

This is the last weekend of the Sportingbet Depsoit $30 get a $150 free bet offer. Checkout our post here for more info on this offer which ends on Monday the 15th.

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

Simply pick the winning team and margin for Friday nights match and get $500 from Sportsbet. Its free to play so get your tip in now for your shot at $500.

See more info in the Friday 500 at the Sportsbet site here.

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.