Uncool Dad’s Round 4 Preview
Before we kick off the preview, I need to say a few words about the passing of Rugby League and South Sydney Legend John Sattler. He meant an awful lot to a great deal of people and his feats are a part of our great club. I never got to see him play but I was around Souths a lot during our fightback to the NRL and Satts was always there lending a hand to the cause. He always had time for the cause and I’ll remember him for that. RIP John Sattler.
Plenty Of Collects
As mentioned in the recap, Round 3 was another tough one to tip. I managed 5 from 8 which wasn’t too bad considering. Once again, my recommended bets were on fire with plenty of collects. It was only the Cowboys game where I didn’t get a win, the other matches had one, two or even three collects! I hope someone is following these… I’m hoping my run continues this week but if you do have a punt remember to always gamble responsibly. Heaven knows I do. Not really…
The team lists are available, so let’s get stuck in and find some winners!
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. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Matt Doorey 15. Brendan Hands 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Jirah Momoisea 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Toni Mataele 22. Haze Dunster
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. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Zac Hosking 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Thomas Jenkins
Eels +8.5, Panthers -8.5
The Match
Another home match for the Eels at Commbank this round, unfortunately for them it’s against Penrith. Parramatta remain winless after 3 rounds and things are becoming desperate. They’ve been competitive but their situation hasn’t been helped by their tough draw. Also facing these teams after they’ve had a bye is a disadvantage.
Penrith on the other hand stormed back into form after a strong performance against Souths. They looked backed to their best that night and will be fired up for another clash against their major rivals.
The teams look relatively unchanged, however, the Eels welcome back suspension over miniscule fine man – Ryan Matterson. Sorenson also returns on the bench for the premiers.
The Tip
If Parramatta had their side from last year and were full strength you’d give them a chance. These days though, all I can see is a Penrith win. The home side will give their all but I think Penrith will strangle them to an eventual win. Possibly even a big one.
The Bet
I don’t mind Penrith -8.5 here.
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tariq Sims 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Tom Eisenhuth 19. Grant Anderson 20. Aaron Pene 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Jonah Pezet
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. Daine Laurie 15. Alex Twal 16. Shawn Blore 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Starford To’a 19. Joe Ofahengaue 20. Justin Matamua 21. David Nofoaluma 22. Jake Simpkin
Storm -10.5, Tigers +10.5
The Match
These two teams have probably been the most disappointing of the 2023 season. The Storm have plenty of injuries but also seem to lack the tenacity they’re known for. The Tigers on the other side have looked directionless and uninterested. This is despite their raft of new signings.
Melbourne have a massive inclusion with Munster. Having him there dramatically improves their chances. He single handedly won the game for them in Round 1 and could easily do it again here if required. Wests have had a bit of a bit of a re-shuffle in their team. They have added Brandon Wakeham to the side after he added a bit of direction last Sunday. I’m not sure if it was him or the Bulldogs just watching the clock but things happened when he came on. Doueihi shifts to fullback which is where he played a lot of good footy for Souths.
The Tip
Call me crazy but I was actually considering the Tigers in this one. But now that Munster has been named, I think I have to side with the Storm. Hughes is also currently in the judiciary as I type this trying to escape his one match ban. If he’s successful that only strengthens their claim. Melbourne to get it done.
The Bet
This looks like a classic no-bet game. Two sides that you really can’t be too comfortable with backing in any form.
Dolphins team: 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. Kodi Nikorima 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 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. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings
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. Xavier Willison
Dolphins +10.5, Broncos -10.5
The Match
This match is really being built up as a big clash on the TV networks. I suppose it is with The Dolphins being undefeated and the Broncos in red-hot form. It should be an entertaining watch just for the Bennett v Broncos factor.
The Broncos have been outstanding so far and look like real contenders at this stage. Their side remains unchanged and looks star-studded from 1-17.
The Dolphins have had a few changes though. They’re still missing impressive hooker Marshall-King and I’ve just heard that Kaufusi has had his suspension confirmed. Apparently, young half Katoa is also in some doubt.
The Tip
I know the Dolphins have been impressive so far in 2023 but I see Brisbane as a far superior side. This is coupled with the fact that the new team is now losing a few of their top 17 so their depth may start to be tested. Broncos to win.
The Bet
I like Brisbane -10.5. I’d say this line will grow further by kick-off.
Cowboys team: 1. Tomas Chester 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. James Tamou 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Mitchell Dunn 21. Laitia Moceidreke 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Jo Vuna 16. Erin Clark 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 18. Klese Haas 19. Sam McIntyre 20. Toby Sexton 21. Keano Kini 22. Treymain Spry
Cowboys -7.5, Titans +7.5
The Match
The Cowboys were shock losers to NZ last week but when you look at it they haven’t really been too impressive so far this season. The Titans grabbed a high scoring win against the struggling Storm last round and are now at a very handy 2-1 on the premiership ladder.
Looking at the NQ side, it’s starting to look a little thin. They’re missing a few top-liners and you can now add the hard-working Ruben Cotter to the list. Gold Coast remain unchanged and would really fancy their chances of getting another win here
The Tip
I’m not in love with this selection but I’m going to stick with the Cowboys to get a win at home. If they lost here, I think it might be panic stations for last year’s finalists. Gold Coast are definitely not without a chance.
The Bet
I fancy the security of either side 1-12 here.
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. Blake Taaffe 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Davvy Moale 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Ben Lovett 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Tallis Duncan 21. Taane Milne 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 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. Morgan Harper 21. Karl Lawton 22. Ben Condon
Rabbitohs -4.5, Sea-Eagles +4.5
The Match
The Rabbitohs have had a tough draw to start the year and have been going ok but are only 1-2 after 3 rounds. They will be looking to make up for a disappointing loss against the Roosters last round. There were too many errors and missed chances for the Bunnies and they will be keen to rectify. Manly knocked over the Eels at home last week and are looking quite decent. They are travelling a lot better than I thought they would and have a stack of dangerous attacking options.
Souths have more injuries to contend with and their middle forward stocks are suddenly looking stretched. Suluka-Fifita and Host join the team this week and I imagine Koloamatangi will spend some time in the middle. Manly are unchanged but creative half Shuster is apparently in some doubt.
The Tip
I’m the worst person to ask but I like Souths’ chances in this one. They still have plenty of star power, are coming off a frustrating loss and will be inspired by the great John Sattler. Manly will be very keen for a result and would be confident too. They have lots of attacking options and pace but may get a bit of a class rise here. Well at least I’m hoping so. Souths to win.
The Bet
Rabbitohs to win. No bet.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 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. Ronald Volkman 22. Rocco Berry 23. Demitric Sifakula
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. Jayden Okunbor 15. Corey Waddell 16. Jayden Tanner 17. Fa’amanu Brown 19. Braidon Burns 20. Josh Reynolds 21. Karl Oloapu 22. Jackson Topine 23. Kurtis Morrin
Warriors -1.5, Bulldogs +1.5
The Match
Two teams who are really on the up in 2023 meet at Mt Smart’s debut game for the season. The Warriors were superb against the Cows last week whilst the Dogs were on fire early, then relaxed but got home against the struggling Wests.
Nicoll-Klokstad, Curran and Ford all come back for the Warriors which is a bonus but Egan and Barnett are substantial losses. Canterbury remains settled and unchanged.
The Tip
I was impressed with the Warriors last week and they really haven’t put in a bad performance yet. This is unusual for a Warriors team who’ve been inconsistent for what seems like forever. No doubt their fans will be excited and I expect a massive crowd to be on hand to welcome them back to Auckland on Sunday afternoon. The Doggies have been good too but have tended to fade a little bit in their games despite racking up 2 wins. I like the Warriors to outlast them here at home.
The Bet
Warriors straight out at $1.83 seems solid.
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. Brodie Jones 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Jack Johns 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Adam Clune 20. Thomas Cant 21. Enari Tuala 22. Tyson Frizell
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Jack Wighton 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. Pasami Saulo 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Emre Guler 18. Matt Frawley 19. Brad Schneider 20. Trey Mooney 21. Semi Valemei 22. Peter Hola
Knights +6.5, Raiders -6.5
The Match
The Raiders were back in Canberra last week and got the chocolates against Cronulla. They didn’t do it easily but there were parts of their game that were really admirable. Newcastle went down to the Dolphins at home. They were brave considering the players they had missing but it’s another loss that they wouldn’t have been planning on in the pre-season.
In team news, star Roosters recruit Dominic Young has been sensationally dropped and replaced by damaging runner Greg Marzhew. Jayden Brailey also rejoins the team. For the Raiders, Zac Woolford replaces the injured Levi. I see this as an upgrade if anything.
The Tip
I think the Knights are showing more resilience than in past seasons but I expect another loss for them here. They will be in the contest but I think Canberra will be too good. They have some classy players and are a high effort team.
The Bet
Raiders head-to-head at $1.53 looks solid. Not a lot of value though. If you’re willing to gamble, the Canberra 1-12 could be worthwhile.
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. Max Feagai 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Talatau Amone 22. Aaron Woods
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. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braydon Trindall 18. Jack Williams 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Thomas Hazelton 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Connor Tracey
Dragons +5.5, Sharks -5.5
The Match
Two local rivals square up for the final match of the round and there should be plenty of fans on hand at Kogarah on Sunday night. The Sharks have been competitive in their matches but only have one win to show for it. St George-Illawarra have only played the two games but have a win against the improving Titans. They were in the game last week against Brisbane for the majority until the Broncos flexed some serious muscle at the end.
St George-Illawarra remain unchanged from last week but in big selection news, Nicho Hynes returns for Cronulla. Braydon Trindall moves to the bench, he can consider himself quite unlucky.
The Tip
I think Cronulla are a much better team than the Dragons and Hynes only makes them look better. The Dragons have shown grit so far but I like Cronulla to be too good overall.
The Bet
I like the Sharks at the -5.5
Bring on Round 4! As always, I can’t wait. I’ll be out at Accor on Saturday night to hopefully cheer my Rabbitohs home.
Let’s get some winners! Look out for my recap on Sunday night.
Match info from NRL.com
Team info from foxsports.com.au
Betting info from Sportsbet.com.au
Round 4 Preview – By Greg Allan for BunniesTV.au
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