NRL Round 2 Preview
Round 1 is done and dusted and you’ve got to say it had it all! A golden point clash, two one point wins, one blowout and a couple of massive upsets. It was a particularly difficult round to pick with very low scores across the board in my tipping comp and probably yours too.
Personally I only managed 4 from 8 so hopefully no one followed me in that respect! However, if you did happen to follow my bets last week you would have been rolling in cash. I hit 6/7 of my recommended bets! Hopefully someone got on board. Wouldn’t it be great if I can hit that many each week? Unlikely… but if you do follow make sure you gamble responsibly.
After getting over the unpredictability of Round 1, I’ve got to say Round 2 looks just as hard to pick. Plenty of close matches and evenly matched teams. Let’s have a deep dive into the team lists and see if we can find some winners.
Uncool Dad’s Round 2 NRL Preview
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Lindsay Smith 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Thomas Jenkins
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Jed Cartwright 16. Davvy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell 18. Tallis Duncan 19. Terrell Kalo Kalo 20. Ben Lovett 21. Taane Milne 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Penrith -5.5, Souths +5.5
The Match
Probably the biggest game of the season kicks off Round 2 on Thursday night with the 2021 grand finalists going head to head at BlueBet Stadium. There’s a definite rivalry between these two sides as Penrith and Souths have met many times in finals over the last 3 years. I know as a Souths fan how much Penrith lift for the Rabbitohs and I don’t expect things to be any different this time around.
Souths are coming off a brave win after losing arguably their two best middle forwards early in the match against the Sharkies. Arrow and Tatola will be huge losses but Suluka-Fifita and Cartwright are more than adequate replacements. Penrith have been lacklustre by their high standards in 2023, coming off 2 straight home losses when you include the St Helens loss. This will be a cracker of a game, Penrith will lift but the Rabbitohs will see this as their best opportunity to knock over the premiers in a while.
The Tip
No surprises. Souths to win.
The Bet
I don’t often bet on Rabbitohs games but the $2.33 head to head seems decent to me.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Jirah Momoisea 15. Jack Murchie 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Haze Dunster
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Connor Tracey 18. Thomas Hazelton 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Max Bradbury 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru
Parra -5.5, Cronulla +5.5
The Match
Two of last year’s contenders who were also both last start losers meet up at Commbank Stadium for the early game on Friday. This looks like a top clash and seems a strange choice for the 6:00 slot. Parramatta looked the better side for a lot of their game against Melbourne in the season opener but got done in extra time whilst the Sharkies were overcome by a determined Souths. Both sides will be desperate for the win here to kick off their 2023 campaigns.
The Eels team looks almost identical to last week with minor inclusions in the backs. I was impressed with a couple of their new recruits, particularly Hopgood, but their forwards still look very skinny without Lane, Matterson and Brown. The Sharks are also fielding a similar line-up to last week with still no sign of their main man – Nicho Hynes.
The Tip
Although the game is a Parramatta home fixture, I’m going to side with Cronulla. They made too many errors last week but I didn’t think they were too bad overall. Even without Hynes, they still have plenty of talent across the park and look a lot more settled team than the Eels. Parra will be willing but I suspect they may be outlasted over 80 mins.
The Bet
There won’t be much in this but the Sharks at $2.40 seems a good value play. Sharks +5.5 is also great if you want to play a bit safer.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Xavier Willison 21. Jock Madden 22. Deine Mariner
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. James Tamou 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Tomas Chester 21. Gehamat Shibasaki 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Broncos -1.5, Cowboys +1.5
The Match
The Broncos were super-impressive against Penrith last round. I expected a good performance from them but maybe not that good. Reynolds was masterful as he led his talented, young side around the park and they had some other outstanding performances from guys like Flegler, Farnworth and Carrigan.
The North Queensland side weren’t quite as eye-catching but they did get the win. They looked like they were going to belt Canberra early but they really took the foot of the pedal in the second half. It was almost a complacent performance in the second stanza from them and the Raiders almost nabbed them.
Reece Walsh is a big inclusion for the Broncos. Walsh making his debut as well as having the luxury of moving the brilliant Cobbo to the wing makes them even stronger. Walsh will make errors but he is certainly an explosive player. The Cowboys look unchanged from last week and that certainly is a strong 17. I’m sure they would have learnt from last round and will be fired up for their match against their Queensland rivals.
The Tip
This game could go either way and I don’t have a confident pick. I think I’m going to side with Brisbane only because they’re at home and were better last week. Really though, a NQ win is just as likely.
The Bet
These matches are always close. The Tri-Bet is the play here with either side to win at whatever margin you are brave enough to take. 1-12 is probably the safe option but I reckon you could go as low as 6.5.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Brandon Smith 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Drew Hutchison 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 18. Corey Allan 19. Ben Thomas 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Elie El Zakhem
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Josh Curran 17. Tom Ale 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Bayley Sironen
Roosters -13.5, Warriors +13.5
The Match
In an absolute classic Round 1 upset, new boys The Dolphins, made light work of the team a lot of people are tipping to win the comp this year. I wonder which players the Roosters will buy this week to try and fix the problem? I watched the game closely and the scoreline probably flattered the Roosters. They have a history of being slow starters, last year losing to The Knights in Round 1 but that was a particularly surprising loss.
The Warriors on the other hand were quite decent against the Knights. They definitely wanted the win more and executed a lot better than their opponents last round.
Manu is a massive inclusion for the Roosters but their forward stocks look stretched. This week they’re without Matt Lodge who is added to the forwards already missing from their best pack. The Warriors look to be fielding the same team that got the job done well last week.
The Tip
I think the Roosters will find a way here. They play Souths next week so won’t want to go into that game 0-2. Still, NZ were good last round and they seem to have a more settled line up. An upset wouldn’t surprise.
The Bet
The Warriors have a 13.5 start with bookies currently, I don’t mind that at all.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Connelly Lemuelu 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Mason Teague 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. JJ Collins 20. Kodi Nikorima 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Pasami Saulo 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Emre Guler 18. James Schiller 19. Matt Frawley 20. Zac Woolford 21. Trey Mooney 22. Peter Hola
Dolphins +4.5, Raiders -4.5
The Match
New kids on the block – The Dolphins – were outstanding last round. They made fairly light work of the star-studded Roosters and they look very much committed to the cause. The Raiders were pretty scratchy against the Cowboys but ultimately only lost by a point.
The Dolphins look unchanged whilst The Raiders have now lost Rapana to suspension. Not a massive loss but still puts pressure on their depth after losing Savage in the pre-season.
The Tip
This is an extremely hard match to pick. Will The Dolphins be able to replicate their first round heroics? Will The Raiders notch their first win after just missing against the highly-fancied Cowboys? I think just with the home ground advantage, injury free team and the overall early season hype, I think I’m going to go Dolphins.
The Bet
Dolphins head to head at $2.36 seems an ok wager. For a more conservative approach, you could take a tri-bet either side 1-12 as it should be tight.
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jordan Grant 18. Grant Anderson 19. Chris Lewis 20. Joe Chan 21. Kane Bradley 22. Jonah Pezet
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Fa’amanu Brown 14. Jayden Tanner 15. Corey Waddell 16. Franklin Pele 17. Jacob Preston 19. Braidon Burns 20. Karl Oloapu 21. Kurtis Morrin 22. Jackson Topine 23. Jayden Okunbor
Storm -7.5, Bulldogs +7.5
The Match
As per usual, Melbourne found a way to win in Round 1. It certainly wasn’t the dominant Storm team we’ve been used to but they still got it done. Admittedly, I didn’t see too much of the Dogs v Manly clash but it appears the Sea-Eagles didn’t have too much trouble once the Canterbury errors started to mount.
Munster is a huge loss here for Melbourne. He’s one of the guys that they can build around but now he’s missing too. The Bulldogs look to be unchanged from last week’s loss to the Rainbow Dodgers.
The Tip
This is one of the worst looking Melbourne teams I’ve seen for a while. Take out Hughes and Grant and you’d be thinking bottom 4! However, they’re back at home where they play well and Canterbury are yet to show much. Melbourne to win.
The Bet
Storm at $1.50 head to head is hardly great value but should salute.
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Tommy Talau 5. Charlie Staines 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Asu Kepaoa 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Alex Twal 18. Starford To’a 19. Junior Tupou 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Justin Matamua 22. Brandon Tumeth
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jack Johns 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Leo Thompson 18. Brodie Jones 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Enari Tuala 21. Greg Marzhew 22. Dylan Lucas
Tigers -2.5, Newcastle +2.5
The Match
Two of the more disappointing performers of Round 1 square up this week. The Knights started fast against NZ but fell in a hole once a few things went against them. The Tiges seemed willing at least against the Gold Coast but looked to have a lot of problems with execution and organisation.
This seems like a must-win clash for both sides. This the 2nd winnable game both teams have had in 2 rounds and to be 0-2 after that would be a near disaster for both sides. Losing at Leichhardt two weeks in a row would also be something that the new-look Wests would want to avoid.
The Tiges side looks the same as last week as they try to build some combinations. The Knights have a handy inclusion with Gagai returning although it appears Adam Elliot is injured.
The Tip
Quite simply I’m sick of tipping Wests and seeing them lose. I think the Knights may need this more too as they don’t have the excuse of having a bunch of new players like Wests do. With no confidence, Knights to win.
The Bet
As the games are all close affairs this week, there seems to be value at taking head to head prices. Knights at $2.06 seems good to me. The old 1-12 tri-bet could be a good conservative approach in a game which could go either way.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Toby Couchman 17. Michael Molo 18. Josh Kerr 19. Billy Burns 20. Max Feagai 21. Talatau Amone 22. Aaron Woods
Titans:
1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Erin Clark 17. Sam McIntyre 18. Chris Randall 19. Treymain Spry 20. Klese Haas 21. Keano Kini 22. Toby Sexton
Dragons -1.5, Titans +1.5
The Match
The Titans had a great first outing, beating the Tigers away from home. They didn’t seem to have too much trouble and scored some nice 4 pointers. The Dragons have been bagged from pillar to post since season start even though they haven’t actually played a proper game yet. Some uninspiring play in the trials together with plenty of off field drama has many tipping the Dragons for the spoon.
The Titans are unchanged from last week’s victory which is unsurprising given the strength of their win. Apparently, there’s a bit of doubt over Foran. If he’s out that could be a loss.
This is St George-Illawarra’s first outing so we have nothing to compare it to. Despite the negativity from the media, their team doesn’t look as bad as what everyone is saying. They will be certainly primed for a big effort at home first-up to shut up all the knockers.
The Tip
I don’t mind taking teams when everyone is writing them off. They’re at home, have Ben Hunt and will be fired up. Dragons for me.
The Bet
Dragons head to head at $1.81 or another tri-bet either side 1-12. I can’t see it being a blow out to either side.
Match info from NRL.com
Team info from wwos.nine.com.au
Betting info from Sportsbet.com.au
Enjoy Round 2 all, there’s plenty of close contests and it should be excellent viewing. Let’s hope we get lots of winners and as always Go Souths!
NRL Round 2 Preview
By Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.
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