Uncool Dad’s Bunnies TV Round 5 Preview
Here we go for another exciting round of NRL footy! The weather is finally cooling down, the days are getting shorter and Easter is just around the corner. This is peak Rugby League time for me and as Depeche Mode said I just can’t get enough! I’m still on a high from my Rabbitohs win against Manly in golden point. It may not have been the prettiest win but it was a legendary one in the way they gutsed it out and honoured the great John Sattler. Time to move on to Round 5, but first let’s see how I did with last week’s predictions.
A Solid Week
I had another solid week of straight out tips with a score of 6 from 8. It’s been difficult to reach any amazing heights with some of the results but I’ve scored well each week. I’m currently equal first in my tipping comp so I must be doing ok. The best weren’t quite as successful in Round 4 but there were still a few collects to be had. If you’re considering the Canberra 1-12 selection as an optional bet (I will for my benefit!) then I hit 3 out of a possible 6 projected bets. This means you would have been slightly behind had you followed them all.
Let’s get the fine-tooth comb out and go through this week’s team lists and find some winners!
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Corey Allan 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Ben Thomas 19. Junior Pauga 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Elie El Zakhem
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Matt Doorey 15. Brendan Hands 16. Jack Murchie 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Jirah Momoisea 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Toni Mataele 22. Haze Dunster
Roosters -5.5, Eels +5.5
The Match
Like a lot of footy fans, I was quite shocked at how well Parramatta went last week. They were perfect against a near-perfect Penrith side and got a much needed 2 points. Up till then, they were looking like they were struggling without the guys they had lost from last year. The Roosters had a bye but previous to that they got a win against the Rabbitohs. They weren’t at their best with the Bunnies gifting them heaps of possession but they did well to come back from 10-0 down.
The two sides are more or less intact from their previous wins apart from one massive out on both teams. The Roosters are missing Joey Manu to an injury whilst the Eels lose Junior Paulo to a suspension. Both are essential players to their teams but I think the Eels may miss Paulo more. Just losing that key middle in an already weakened pack may be costly.
The Tip
I’m never thrilled about tipping the Roosters but I will for the sole reason I mentioned above. They’re also at home which may help. However, if Parra can match that effort from last week they will be very hard to beat.
The Bet
I’d be surprised if this isn’t close so let’s stick with the trusty old either side 1-12.
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Matt Frawley 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Brad Schneider 19. James Schiller 20. Peter Hola 21. Trey Mooney 22. Jarrod Croker
Panthers team: 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. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Jack Cogger 20. Chris Smith 21. Kurt Falls 22. Thomas Jenkins
Raiders +12.5, Panthers -12.5
The Match
Both sides are last start losers in this clash in the nation’s capital. The Raiders suffered a disappointing loss to the Knights whilst Penrith got surprisingly out-Penrithed by Parra last Thursday.
The Raiders suffer a serious out this week with their star player Jack Wighton copping a 2 week ban. Their side looks to be a fair bit weaker without Wighton. He is their driving force and you wonder if points may be hard to find. Penrith are without new hooker Soni Luke and are still missing Liam Martin but look as strong as ever.
The Tip
Penrith haven’t really flexed their muscle yet this year. They’ve had two losses and a close win against Souths. This might be the game where things click.
The Bet
It’s a big line but I think Penrith -12.5 is a bet.
Rabbitohs team: 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. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Ben Lovett 21. Taane Milne 22. Tallis Duncan
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jonah Pezet 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tariq Sims 17. Tom Eisenhuth 18. Grant Anderson 19. Tyran Wishart 20. Jordan Grant 21. George Jennings 22. Jack Howarth
Rabbitohs -4.5, Storm +4.5
The Match
The Rabbitohs have had a tough start to the year having games against four top-liners. They haven’t been at their best but to be 2-2 at this stage isn’t too bad. They would have gained a lot of confidence from their gutsy win against Manly last round and will be looking to build on that here.
Melbourne were a lot more focused last week and a period in the first half was enough for them to blow the Tigers away in their game. Having Munster there made a huge difference and they started to look like the Storm of old at times. Having said that though, Wests didn’t offer an awful lot of resistance or threat.
Teams look relatively unchanged. Hughes is still missing due to his suspension which is a massive bonus for the Rabbitohs. Another plus for Souths is that Hame Sele returns. Rabbitohs fans know how valuable he is to the team and would be hoping he can string some games together.
The Tip
As you know, I always tip Souths but I’m pretty keen here. The Melbourne side doesn’t look anywhere near as scary as it once did and I’m hoping for a good Bunnies win. I might be wishing for too much but it would be great to see Souths complete their sets and show us all what we know they’re capable of.
The Bet
No bet but I’d love to see Souths by a decent margin.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Sean Keppie 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Cooper Johns 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Karl Lawton 22. Samuela Fainu
Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Jack Johns 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Brodie Jones 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Enari Tuala 20. Dominic Young 21. Simi Sasagi 22. Thomas Cant
Sea-Eagles -13.5, Knights +13.5
The Match
In Round 4, the Sea-Eagles had their first loss against a determined Rabbitohs. Despite this, they wouldn’t have lost any admirers. Newcastle were surprise winners against Canberra and look to be finally building a team which their fans can be proud of.
In team news, Manly lose Koula to a knee injury but otherwise look intact. Still no Ponga for Newcastle but their side looks the same as the one that got the win last week.
The Tip
On current form, you’d have to go with Manly. The game is in Mudgee so not exactly a Sea-Eagles home game but there will be a big crowd there to provide plenty of atmosphere. I’ve been impressed with the Knights though this season and I expect them to at least make a game of this.
The Bet
Even though I foresee a Manly win, I don’t think it will be a walkover. I think you could take either option of the 13.5 start for Newcastle or Manly 1-12. More risk with the Manly 1-12 but I think it’s an ok bet.
Dragons team: 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. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo 19. Tautau Moga 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Talatau Amone 22. Jack de Belin
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Anthony Milford 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Mason Teague 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Kurt Donoghoe 20. JJ Collins 21. Kodi Nikorima 22. Robert Jennings
Dragons -1.5, Dolphins +1.5
The Match
In Round 5, Wayne’s Dolphins are backing up after the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ where they competed well but came up short against the Broncos. The Dragons suffered a bit of a flogging against the Sharkies at home. Nicho Hynes was on fire in his return to the Cronulla side but the Dragons tended to give up a little once they knew the win was out of reach. The blowout score really stood out too as there’s been so few of them this year.
The injuries are starting to hit the Dolphins as inevitably they would. This was always a danger for them as even though their 1-17 was strong enough there was always some doubt of what would come after that. They lose two in form players in Niu and O’Sullivan but do get back impressive hooker Marshall-King. The Dragons look unchanged but de Belin appears on the extended bench and will surely get a start if he’s fit.
The Tip
St George-Illawarra will be looking to bounce back after a horrid display last week and they may well do this. However, I’m going to stick with the Dolphins simply because of the toughness and resilience they’ve shown this season. These are traits the Dragons don’t always display so that may be enough for the new side to get over the line.
The Bet
There’s a few good options here. I do like the Dolphins straight out and $2.00 seems a good price. I don’t think they’ll win by a lot if they do so Dolphins 1-12 could be an ok option too. For a more conservative play, Either side 1-12 would also be decent if you want to bring the Dragons into play.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Kobe Hetherington 21. Jock Madden 22. Brendan Frei
Tigers team: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Justin Matamua 17. Starford To’a 18. Shawn Blore 19. Joe Ofahengaue 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Daine Laurie 22. Alex Seyfarth
Broncos -15.5, Tigers +15.5
The Match
Possibly the most impressive side of 2023 takes on the least impressive side of 2023 on Saturday night. The Broncos were a bit careless against a brave Dolphins side last week. The score was close but I think Brisbane could have won more easily if they didn’t rush as many plays. The Tigers had a very poor first half against the understrength Storm and were never able to recover, slumping to loss 4 from 4.
In team news, the Broncos look unchanged and look ridiculously strong. West also look the same but there looks to be a few new players on the bench.
The Tip
Broncos are the obvious tip and things could get very ugly if they play to their potential. Wests will get a win eventually but I don’t think it will be here. They have a few experienced stars in Koroisau, Bateman and Papali’i who are some of the NRL’s best in their former sides but in their current team it’s all been a bit disjointed.
The Bet
It does seem a big line but you can’t really have much faith in the current Wests line-up so the Brisbane -15.5 is a bet. I’m just not sure where the points come from for Wests and Brisbane has the potential to score plenty.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 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. Jack Williams 17. Braydon Trindall 18. Connor Tracey 19. Thomas Hazelton 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Tom Ale 18. Josh Curran 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Rocco Berry 23. Demitric Sifakula
Sharks -10.5, Warriors +10.5
The Match
Two good games to finish the round on Sunday with Cronulla heading back to Shark Park to host the improving Warriors. Cronulla got their season back on track with a massive win against local rivals the Dragons whilst the Warriors came back against the Dogs to get a win for their adoring home fans.
The Sharks look unchanged from last round’s big win. It’s amazing how much better they look on paper and on the field with Nicho Hynes back in the fold. The Warriors lose Martin to a concussion but there’s big raps on his replacement in former Rooster Volkman. I’ll be looking forward to seeing how he goes. Wayde Egan is also a massive in for the NZ side.
The Tip
I think you have to go with the Sharks at home here now that Hynes is back. However, the Warriors are yet to play badly this year so they’re definitely capable of an upset.
The Bet
I like Sharks 1-12 for a bit of value, I like them to win but I expect the Warriors to make it difficult. If you fancy the Warriors, the 10.5 start looks good and may blow out further by kick off.
Bulldogs team: 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. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Corey Waddell 16. Franklin Pele 17. Jayden Okunbor 19. Jackson Topine 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Karl Oloapu 22. Braidon Burns 23. Jayden Tanner
Cowboys team: 1. Tomas Chester 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Coen Hess 12. Heilum Luki 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Taniela Sadrugu 20. Jack Gosiewski 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Ben Hampton
Bulldogs +1.5, Cowboys -1.5
The Match
Maybe not a high-profile clash to finish the round but I’m looking forward to this match. The Doggies put in another good effort against the Warriors in NZ but just fell short. The Cowboys got a much-needed win against the improving Titans but may have been helped by Foran and Brimson having to leave the field early on.
A few interesting things going on here with team selections. Big news for Canterbury fans as favourite son Josh Reynolds makes his return for the Bulldogs. The fans will absolutely love this and the crowd will be raring to go. I have no idea what the 2023 version of Josh Reynolds will be like but he may help the stuttering Doggies attack which is so reliant on Matt Burton.
More injuries and suspensions for The Cowboys. Hiku is back but Taulagi, Tamou, Shibasaki and Nanai are missing. It’s still a decent enough side on paper but their depth is being seriously tested.
The Tip
I like the Dogs here. They’re at home and haven’t been bad this year at all. The Cowboys team is the weakest I’ve seen for a while. If the Dogs can get the passes to stick and they can address their quiet 2nd halves they could even put on a score,
The Bet
Dogs to win straight out. Call me crazy but for some value, let’s have a crack at Canterbury 13+ too.
There we have it, games all analysed for another week. Let’s hope there’s plenty of winners!
Only 2 more nights until the footy starts up again… Have a great weekend and Go Souths!
Watch out for Uncool Dad’s Round 5 Recap after the weekend’s footy concludes.
Match info from NRL.com
Team info from foxsports.com.au
Betting info from Sportsbet.com.au
Uncool Dad’s Bunnies TV Round 5 Preview.
By Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.
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